Grande Ronde Hospital Invests in Healthcare Future with Expansion & Enhanced Security
Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics is embarking on a important period of growth, fueled by recent investments aimed at bolstering its workforce progress capabilities and enhancing safety across its facilities. A major expansion of the Workforce Development Center, alongside a significant FEMA security grant, signals a commitment to the future of healthcare in Eastern Oregon and Union County.
The hospital is undergoing a 7,000+ square foot expansion to its training and clinic space, transforming it into a modern hub for education, innovation, and patient care. This project will add new classrooms, workstations, and training areas specifically for Certified Medical Assistants and clinic administration staff.Crucially, the expansion is designed to improve patient access by increasing the exam room-to-provider ratio, ultimately aiming to reduce wait times and serve more individuals annually.
This investment goes beyond physical infrastructure, focusing on cultivating a skilled healthcare workforce for the region. Grande Ronde hospital is collaborating with key partners including Oregon Health & Science University, Eastern oregon University, the Oregon area Health Education Center, La Grande school District, and Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine to create clear career pathways for students and professionals seeking to live and work locally. Upon completion,the expansion is projected to support an additional 17,000 patient visits each year and contribute to local economic growth through job creation.
“The vision for this project began more than two years ago, and while there have been manny twists and turns, we are grateful for the support of the EDA and what this investment will mean for our community,” stated Jeremy Davis, President & CEO of Grande ronde Hospital. “By expanding our Workforce Development Center, we can train the next generation of healthcare professionals, support our current staff, and ensure our patients continue to receive high-quality care close to home.” The hospital also acknowledged the leadership of Dr. Brooke Davis, RMC Medical Director, and the Regional Medical Clinic team in the projectS initial stages.
In addition to the Workforce Development Center expansion, Grande Ronde Hospital has been awarded nearly $382,000 through the 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental (FY24 NSGP-NSS), administered by FEMA through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. The funding, totaling $382,425 ($69,630, $112,845, and $199,950), will be used to enhance security measures at the Regional Medical Clinic, Regional Medical Plaza, and Grande ronde Hospital’s main campus. Specifically, the funds will facilitate the installation of wearable panic alarms for designated staff members.
This security investment underscores Grande Ronde Hospital’s dedication to providing a safe environment for both patients and employees, complementing ongoing efforts to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure and resilience within union county.
Updates on the construction progress will be regularly shared on grh.org and the hospital’s social media channels. These initiatives collectively represent a significant investment in the people, patients, and the long-term future of healthcare in Eastern Oregon.
