Celebrating 75 Years of Care and a Historic $1 Million Gift

For 75 years, the Tulare hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the community. On September 22, 2026, community members, local leaders, and healthcare advocates joined Adventist Health to celebrate the hospital’s 75th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the Tulare Local Healthcare District, while also marking an exciting milestone for the future of healthcare in Tulare.

The celebration included the announcement of a historic $1 million donation from beloved community member Pat Hillman and her family, the largest gift in the hospital's 75-year history. The generous contribution reflects the family's commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the Tulare community.

Honoring a legacy of care

Originally opened on February 18, 1951, Tulare's hospital has played a vital role in the community's healthcare journey. Following a temporary closure in 2017, the hospital reopened as Adventist Health Tulare in 2018, restoring critical services and ushering in a new chapter of growth and innovation. Today, the hospital continues to expand access to high-quality care while maintaining an "A" patient safety grade from The Leapfrog Group and earning national recognition for its stroke and heart care programs.

"Since reopening in 2018, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen healthcare access in Tulare and ensure residents can receive the care they need close to home," said Tim Haydock, operations executive for Adventist Health Central California Network. "This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate how far we've come while looking ahead to an exciting future of expanded services and continued investment in our community."

Expanding services close to home

Today, Adventist Health Tulare offers a broad range of services designed to meet the community's growing healthcare needs, including:

• 24-hour emergency care
• Intensive care
• Cardiology care
• Stroke care
• General surgery
• Imaging services
• Laboratory services
• And more!

The hospital is also preparing to launch breast care services following the recent acquisition of a 3D mammography system, further expanding access to preventive and diagnostic care.

Looking ahead: Tulare Tower progress

During the celebration, leaders from the Tulare Local Healthcare District also shared progress on the long-awaited Tulare Tower project. The district recently launched the preconstruction phase necessary to complete the first two floors of the facility.

When completed, the first floor will house expanded emergency and imaging services, while the second floor will feature state-of-the-art surgical suites designed to enhance patient care and attract additional physicians and specialists to the area.

"For 80 years, the Tulare Local Healthcare District has served this community, and for 75 years, the hospital has been part of the lives of generations of Tulare families," said Randy Dodd, chief executive officer of the Tulare Local Healthcare District. "As we celebrate these important anniversaries, we are also taking meaningful steps toward a brighter future. The Tower project will help expand access to care, attract specialists and ensure local residents can receive more advanced services right here in Tulare."

A historic investment in Tulare's future

The highlight of the evening came when Pat Hillman and her family announced a $1 million donation. This contribution will help support ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services and ensure future generations have access to exceptional care close to home.

The celebration honored generations of patients, caregivers, community leaders, and supporters who have helped sustain healthcare in Tulare for decades. As Adventist Health continues its stewardship of the hospital and the Tulare Local Healthcare District advances plans for the Tulare Tower, both organizations remain committed to strengthening access to care and building a healthier future for the communities they serve.