Adventist Health outlines future of local health care at EDC meeting

Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley presented plans at the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council meeting and is fundraising for a $20 million residency program; leaders also highlighted recent equipment upgrades such as CT perfusion scanning.

Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley staff gave a presentation at the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council meeting to describe recent upgrades and plans for the hospital's future. Hospital leaders thanked the community and partner organizations for support and outlined a major fundraising effort for a residency program. They said new equipment and services are allowing more patients to receive care in Tehachapi. Officials noted the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District and local donors helped make earlier changes possible. Key points: - Adventist Health is fundraising for a $20 million residency program that would include a 20,000-square-foot clinic for primary and specialty care. - Hospital leaders reported awards in 2025 for patient experience and recognition as one of the cleanest hospitals in the country. - The hospital has added CT perfusion scanning and teleneurology services to help assess and treat stroke patients and to reduce transfers. - Adventist Health said Hydrostor paid for the CT perfusion equipment and that immediate surgeries still require transfer to Bakersfield. - The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District provided a million-dollar investment for a covered walkway between the main building and the imaging pavilion. - Community gifts mentioned included an $8,500 donation from Cheers to Charity, artwork from the Dreyer family, and local support for the AIS Cancer Center through a city Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Summary: The hospital says the planned residency and facility expansion aim to bring more medical workers to the community and expand local care capacity. Fundraising for the $20 million, 20,000-square-foot clinic is underway. Leaders noted that equipment upgrades like CT perfusion scanners and teleneurology are expected to reduce the need for some transfers, while some urgent surgeries will still go to Bakersfield. Timeline and final approvals are undetermined at this time.