As we release the August episode of Voices of Hope Podcast this Labor Day, our message remains one of hope and resilience. Labor Day is a time to honor the dedication, sacrifice, and service of working people—and few institutions embody that spirit more than Glenn Medical Center, which has been a staple of our community for 75 years.
From its beginnings, Glenn Medical Center has stood as more than a hospital. In a large rural county like ours, it has been a lifeline—a place where families welcomed new life, where healing was possible, and where neighbors found care close to home. For generations, it has reflected the hardworking spirit of Glenn County itself.
When we recorded this podcast episode, our intent was to highlight that legacy and inspire hope for the future of rural healthcare, even in the face of challenges. That message carries even greater weight now as the community navigates difficult news: Glenn Medical Center will close its Emergency Room and inpatient hospital services on Monday, October 21, 2025, following the loss of its Critical Access Hospital designation.
Hospital Administrator Lauren Still spoke to the community’s heartbreak while reminding us of the commitment that remains:
“We are heartbroken to close the ER but want to assure our community that Glenn Medical Center clinics are still here for you. We did everything in our power to appeal CMS’s decision, but we must now focus on serving patients where we can and helping our dedicated staff transition into other good employment opportunities.”
Despite the closure of ER and inpatient services, Glenn Medical Center’s clinics will remain open and fully staffed—including the Family Care Clinic and Glenn Family Medical Group in Willows. These clinics will continue to provide vital care for local residents, carrying forward the legacy of service built over decades.
Matthew Beehler, Chief Strategy Officer of American Advanced Management, reaffirmed this commitment:
“Although ER services must close, our commitment to rural healthcare remains. We will soon announce what additional services will continue to be provided through our Rural Health Clinic. Glenn County deserves reliable care, and we intend to continue serving this community to the very best of our ability.”
As we make this transition, Glenn 2 Greatness intends to continue engaging in collective impact and working with partners—such as Tri Counties Community Action Partnership—to connect residents with community health workers and support access to both medical and social care in Glenn, Colusa, and Butte Counties. In addition, we are committed to pursuing grants at the local, state, and federal level to bring new resources and innovative solutions into our region.
Finally, this Labor Day episode closes with a story of inspiration: a local Glenn County resident, now an aspiring physical therapist, who is actively supporting the community while pursuing their dream. Their journey reminds us that, even in times of uncertainty, the future of healthcare is rooted in the dedication of individuals who rise up to serve others.
As you listen, we invite you to reflect not only on the hospital’s past 75 years of dedicated service, but also on the strength of our rural community—the way we come together in times of change, and the hope we carry forward into the future.
