New Howard Memorial Hospital

Willits - The Frank R. Howard Foundation and Adventist Health are pleased to announce that the parties have signed a letter of intent for a new community hospital to be built in Willits, California. Under the terms of the agreement, Adventist Health will continue to lease the existing hospital from the foundation while funding the construction of a new 25-bed hospital for the community on the parcel of land at East Hill Road.

"On behalf of the foundation, I am happy to announce that the board has reached an agreement with Adventist Health. This will enable us not only to have a new facility for our community but also starts to fulfill our vision for a master campus plan," states Margie Handley who chairs the foundation's nine-member board.

"Adventist Health is proud of its 24-year history of providing care in Willits and pleased to partner with the foundation in this new undertaking. We are making a significant investment in this community. Our organization anticipates investing $58 million into the new Howard Memorial Hospital and then will continue to lease the property that the hospital will be built on," explains Adventist Health Senior Vice President Scott Reiner, who chairs the hospital board.

“I believe this letter of intent provides for a win-win-win for the Howard Foundation, Adventist Health and most importantly for the community, “says Kevin Erich, hospital president and chief executive officer. “I especially want to thank the Howard Foundation and Adventist Health for working through the issues to allow this to happen for our community.”

Handley gives credit to the community for making this project a reality, thanks to the broad-based support during the past six years. According to foundation board members, many have “gone to bat for the new hospital” by writing letters, attending fundraisers, making contributions and obtaining grant monies.

The development of architectural plans is expected to begin within 60 days of signing final lease documents. The parties will establish a design review committee to discuss and recommend the design of the new hospital. It’s anticipated that the proposed design will be completed by Fall.