Surgery came back to Tehachapi for the first time in two decades when Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley medical center opened its doors on Nov. 7, thanks to support from the Guild of Tehachapi Hospital, which gifted more than $734,000 to purchase state-of-the-art equipment this year, including a $180,000 commitment in late October.

The Guild donated more than $584,000 in the spring to outfit two operating rooms with top-of-the-line Stryker towers to perform laparoscopic surgeries. Guild members wrote another check recently for $150,000 to go toward purchasing a C-Arm to be used for intraoperative imaging in the surgery department.

"We feel truly blessed to have a strong partnership with the Guild of Tehachapi Hospital, which has been so gracious. This state-of-the-art equipment the Guild funded not only allows us to perform needed surgeries for our community members, but also allows us to attract top-quality surgeons who want advanced equipment to keep their patients safe," said Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Philanthropy Manager Christina Scrivner. "The Guild of Tehachapi Hospital knows how vital surgery is to Tehachapi. We're grateful to them for their vision and investment in our community."

Four general surgeons have committed to providing care to the Tehachapi Valley at the new medical center.

"We're very excited to have the support of the Guild of Tehachapi Hospital to purchase this incredible equipment that will help us provide an array of surgeries to the community," Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Perioperative Director Betty DeWoody said. "This surgery department would not have been possible without the Guild's generosity."

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 75 communities in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Our workforce of 32,900 includes more than 23,600 employees; nearly 5,000 medical staff physicians; and 4,350 volunteers. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides compassionate care in 20 hospitals, more than 260 clinics (hospital-based, rural health and physician clinics), 15 home care agencies, seven hospice agencies and four joint-venture retirement centers. In addition, the Adventist Health Plan serves patients in Kings County. Visit AdventistHealth.org for more information.