Fairchild Medical Center Breaks Ground for a Healthier Tomorrow in Yreka

On May 31, 2025, Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka, California, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony themed “Building a Healthier Tomorrow, Together,” marking a transformative milestone in expanding healthcare services for Siskiyou County. A diverse and enthusiastic crowd of community members, healthcare professionals, and civic leaders gathered, united in their commitment to advancing accessible, high-quality medical care in the region.

The ceremony welcomed prominent figures, including Nancy Ogren, Siskiyou County District 4 Supervisor; Colleen Baker, Mayor of Yreka; and Drake Davis, Yreka City Councilman, reflecting robust local government support. The McConnell Foundation, a longstanding partner, was represented by Pamela Newman, a board director since 2022 and the first Siskiyou County resident to serve on the board, and Shannon Phillips, Chief Operating Officer, affirming their continued investment in the hospital’s mission. Project partners from Modern Building Company, led by President James Seegert, and Kelly Architecture & Planning attended, highlighting the collaborative effort. Other notable attendees included Debra Durett-Froelich, Fairchild’s surgery coordinator celebrating 26 years of service; Bruce Ross, representing State Senator Megan Dahle’s office; and Mark Mezzano, representing Assemblymember Heather Hadwick’s office. Senator Megan Dahle, serving California’s 1st State Senate district since 2024, represents Siskiyou County and northeastern California, including the northern Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley. Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, representing the 1st Assembly District, covers most of the Shasta Cascade, including Siskiyou County.

Ann Kaster’s Speech: A Personal and Historical Perspective

Ann Kaster, a dedicated hospital volunteer and board member, delivered a poignant speech blending personal stories with the history of Fairchild Medical Center. She recalled a harrowing incident from 1972, shortly after moving to Yreka, when her one-year-old son, Bobby, suffered convulsions from a high fever. The swift intervention by Dr. Dick Alley and the staff at Siskiyou General Hospital’s Emergency Room on South Main Street saved his life. “I will never forget that night,” Kaster said, underscoring the hospital’s vital role.

Kaster traced Fairchild’s roots to Siskiyou General Hospital, a county-owned facility facing closure in the 1970s due to financial struggles. Dr. Albert H. Newton rallied local leaders to form an independent board, including A.H. Newton, MD; Robert Bayuk, MD; John Collier; Alden Dixon; Charles Cooley; Fred Burton; and Jim Wilson, representing Siskiyou’s medical and business communities. Members like Newton and Collier, tied to pioneer families, brought deep historical ties. Initially managed by Beverly Enterprises, the hospital transitioned to self-governance under the board’s leadership.

Kaster shared her journey, starting as a volunteer in 1975 and later joining the board. By the late 1970s, the need for a new facility was evident. After exploring options, the board accepted a land donation from Stan and Jane Friden, passionate healthcare advocates. Jane served on the board until her death in 1991. Kaster, with Jim Wilson and Kevin Eberle, co-chaired the fundraising committee, securing community and physician contributions. A generous donation from Mrs. Leah McConnell, née Fairchild, who was raised in Yreka, along with matching funds from the McConnell Foundation, enabled the hospital’s construction. The hospital was named Fairchild Medical Center in her honor, reflecting her deep ties to the community. Kaster concluded with a recent story of her husband’s life-threatening episode, treated in Fairchild’s Emergency Room and ICU. “Had it not been for Fairchild Medical Center, my husband might not have survived,” she said, reinforcing its enduring importance.

Jonathon Andrus: The Vital Role of the Emergency Department

Jonathon Andrus, President & CEO, described the expansion as the most significant project since the hospital’s founding. The 25,000-square-foot, two-story addition will house a new Emergency Department on the first floor and a laboratory on the second. Post-construction, the existing Emergency Department will be repurposed for pulmonary rehabilitation, infusion, and chronic pain management services. The project also includes expanding surgical services and the Fairchild Medical Clinic.

Andrus highlighted Fairchild’s $53 million infrastructure investments since 2004, including an Emergency Department lobby (2008), clinic expansion (2011), imaging upgrades (2016), Scott Valley Rural Health Clinic (2018), pharmacy expansion (2021), and lobby remodel (2023). He outlined the Emergency Department’s critical role through three dimensions, illustrated by recent events:

1. Access to Life-Threatening Emergent Care: Fairchild’s accreditation as a primary stroke center ensures rapid treatment, where “time is brain.” Andrus cited a female patient who received clot-busting medication within an hour of presenting with right-sided weakness, fully recovering within two days with preventive education. In a recent multi-victim car accident, Fairchild’s surgeons performed life-saving surgeries before transferring patients to larger facilities.
2. Frontline Response to Public Health Emergencies: Andrus described an incident where law enforcement officers were exposed to an unknown chemical. The current mobile decontamination unit, stored in trailers, delayed treatment due to setup time. The new Emergency Department will feature a built-in decontamination unit, operational 24/7, streamlining crisis response.
3. Safety Net for Uninsured and Underinsured: The Emergency Department is a lifeline for uninsured and underinsured residents, often their only care access. Andrus called it “the safety net of the safety net,” serving vulnerable populations, including the homeless, round-the-clock.

James Seegert: A Contractor’s Commitment

James Seegert of Modern Building expressed excitement about the project, noting its long planning history. “This has been thought about for years,” he said, praising the community’s support, unmatched even in larger cities. With 80 years of experience, Modern Building specializes in complex healthcare projects and values collaboration. Seegert thanked Fairchild’s leadership for their bold vision and pledged to deliver a high-quality facility despite inevitable challenges. “We see ourselves as a partner, not just a contractor,” he said, emphasizing trust and teamwork.

Closing: A Call to Action

The ceremony concluded with a compelling call to action, celebrating the community’s dedication to Fairchild Medical Center’s mission. With the majority of the project already funded, Fairchild is in the initial stages of raising $5 million to complete the expansion on time and within budget. To date, 100% of the hospital’s board of directors, the foundation board, and a significant percentage of employees have pledged commitments over the next three years, totaling $1,654,000. Additional conversations with potential donors are underway.

“We invite each of you to join us,” the leadership urged. “Consider a meaningful gift to help us achieve more together.” The event closed with heartfelt gratitude for the tireless healthcare professionals, committed local leaders, generous donors—including the McConnell Foundation—and every community member championing accessible healthcare, ensuring Fairchild Medical Center remains a cornerstone of Siskiyou County for generations to come.

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