Barstow Community Hospital

11/04/2026

Make the Most of Your Health Benefits Before Year-End

The end of the year can be hectic, but it’s also a great time to take a closer look at your health—and make the most of the benefits you’ve already earned.

Here are 5 reasons to prioritize your health before December 31:

1️⃣ Use your FSA funds. If you have a Flexible Spending Account, check your balance and plan eligible healthcare expenses before the deadline.

2️⃣ Schedule that procedure. If you’ve been putting off a recommended procedure or elective surgery, the holidays may provide an opportunity to use available time off for recovery.

3️⃣ Take advantage of your deductible. If you’ve already met your annual health insurance deductible, completing eligible care before the end of the year may help you maximize your benefits. Remember, many plans reset on January 1.

4️⃣ Get ahead of your appointments. Don’t wait until the new year to schedule routine visits or recommended care. Contact your healthcare provider now to find an appointment that works for you.

5️⃣ Your health is worth the investment. Putting off needed medical care can have consequences. Taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people who count on you.

📅 Before December 31, take a moment to review your healthcare needs, insurance benefits and FSA balance—and make a plan for your health.

11/04/2026

Happy National First Responders Day!

Barstow Community Hospital proudly salutes our local first responders for their courage, dedication, and commitment to keeping our community safe.

In recognition of National First Responders Day on October 28, our Emergency Department Director, Chelsea Crossman (pictured center), delivered Halloween candy to the team at Desert Ambulance and other local first responders as a small token of appreciation for all they do.

Whether answering calls in the middle of the night or responding to emergencies under challenging circumstances, these dedicated professionals put others first every day.

Thank you to all our local first responders for being there when our community needs you most! We are grateful to work alongside you in caring for the people of Barstow and our surrounding communities.

11/03/2026

Celebrating Our Patient Experience Award Winner: Cruz Urbina!

Congratulations to Cruz Urbina of Barstow Community Hospital’s Radiology Department, our Patient Experience Award winner for the third quarter of 2026!

Cruz was recognized by patients, family members, and fellow team members for his compassion, kindness, and dedication to making every patient feel cared for.

From offering to walk patients all the way to their cars to lending a helping hand and greeting everyone with a warm smile, Cruz goes above and beyond to make a difference. His respect for patients and coworkers alike reflects the very best of our B*H team.

Thank you, Cruz, for showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact! We’re proud to have you on our team.





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11/02/2026

Women should get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40, according to guidance issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

The updated recommendation suggests that women should start biennial mammogram screenings at 40 instead of the previous guideline of beginning screenings at 50. This adjustment aims to tackle the escalating rates of breast cancer among women in their 40s and is supported by evidence indicating that earlier screenings can contribute to saving lives. Notably, the incidence of breast cancer among women aged 40 to 49 has seen an average annual increase of 2% from 2015 to 2019, according to data from the National Cancer Institute.

If you’re 40 or older or are considered at risk, take a moment to schedule your screening.
• Make an appointment: 760-255-4224
• Walk-ins welcome!
• Open: Tuesday through Thursday, 8 am - 5 pm

No insurance? We offer mammograms at a single, bundled rate called SIMPLE+PRICE if you pre-pay upfront. Call our team today at 760-957-3238, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak to a Financial Advisor for a SIMPLE+PRICE quote.

Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide a physician’s name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician, and follow-ups are the patient's responsibility.

For more information about mammograms, visit https://barstowhospital.com/mammo/.

11/02/2026

Proud to Support Our Community!

Barstow Community Hospital was proud to support the CHP 835 Squad Club’s Desert Classic Golf Tournament on October 19 in Victorville.

Funds raised from the tournament benefit the 835 Squad Club, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen Widow and Orphan Trust Fund, and the CHP 11-99 Foundation. These organizations provide vital support, including emergency assistance, death benefits, and scholarships for the families, spouses, and children of California Highway Patrol employees.
We’re honored to support organizations that make a difference in the lives of those who serve and protect our communities.

11/02/2026

During Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec 7), you can change your Medicare coverage for the following year, with new coverage starting Jan. 1.

With Chapter’s proprietary technology, patients can choose from every single plan option in the country. Chapter’s Medicare Advisors are available by phone to provide the best recommendation and review plans.

Call us at 833-202-4941 and we can review the list of Medicare plans accepted at Barstow Community Hospital. Or for more Medicare resources go to https://medicarebarstow.com/.

11/02/2026

Celebrating Medical Staff Services Professionals!

November 1–7, Barstow Community Hospital recognizes the dedicated professionals in our Medical Staff Services Department during National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week!

These behind-the-scenes team members play a vital role in supporting quality patient care by credentialing and privileging medical providers, maintaining medical staff records and policies, coordinating meetings, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Their attention to detail, expertise, and commitment help keep our hospital running smoothly and ensure our medical staff has the support needed to care for our community.

Thank you to our Medical Staff Services team for all you do to support our providers, our patients, and our mission of improving the health of the communities we serve!

Interested in joining our team? Explore career opportunities at www.BarstowCareers.com.




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11/01/2026

November Is National Diabetes Month

This November, Barstow Community Hospital is raising awareness about diabetes and encouraging our community to take steps toward better health.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body manages blood sugar. When not properly managed, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.

Knowledge is power when it comes to diabetes! You can take steps to protect your health by:
• Knowing your risk factors and getting regular checkups.
• Staying physically active and choosing nutritious foods.
• Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
• Monitoring your blood sugar as advised by your care team.

Whether you’re living with diabetes, at risk of developing it, or supporting a loved one, awareness and early intervention can make a meaningful difference.

Looking for a local primary care provider? Visit our physician directory: https://providers.barstowhospital.com/.

Let’s work together to build a healthier community!

11/01/2026

Traditional Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage DO YOU KNOW THEDIFFERENCE?

Medicare Advantage IS NOT the same as traditional Medicare. Limits on hospital stays is just one key difference. There are other key differences that can have a real impact on how, when, and where you get the medical care you might need.

For other differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, visit
https://barstowhospital.com/traditional-medicare-vs-medicare-advantage-do-you-know-the-difference-2/

11/01/2026

Celebrating National Medical-Surgical Nurses Week | November 1–7

Barstow Community Hospital proudly celebrates our medical-surgical nursing team during National Medical-Surgical Nurses Week!

Our med/surg nurses play a vital role in patient care, supporting patients through illness, recovery from surgery, and complex medical conditions. Their clinical expertise, compassion, and dedication help patients and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.
Thank you to our medical-surgical nurses for the difference you make every day and for your commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve!

Ready to make a difference with us? If you’re a licensed RN looking for your next career opportunity, explore our openings at www.BarstowCareers.com.

08/05/2026

Congratulations to McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 312 hospitals nationwide with a MRSA infection rate of zero. This achievement reflects McKenzie-Willamette the daily commitment by hospital staff and physicians to patient safety and quality care. Read more:

312 hospitals lowest MRSA — Explore the list of 312 hospitals with the lowest MRSA infection rate, based on CMS data from July 2024 to June 2025.

08/04/2026

We are pleased to welcome Jamal Perry to Quorum Health!
He brings more than 25 years of experience driving enterprise modernization, operational excellence, and measurable financial outcomes across complex, highly regulated environments.

Jamal will lead enterprise architecture, infrastructure, and technology strategy across Quorum, with a near-term focus on modernizing our infrastructure to support the hospitals we serve.

07/31/2026

Congratulations to McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center (Springfield, OR), named a five-star hospital on Forbes' 2026 Top Hospitals by State list—the highest overall quality rating on the Forbes scale. The rating is built on patient outcomes, safety, value, and experience, which makes it a direct reflection of the care delivered every day. We're proud of the team that made it possible.

Read more:

Explore the top hospitals by state per Forbes 2026, ranked on patient outcomes, best practices, value, and experience.

07/20/2026

We're pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Robinson as Chief Executive Officer of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, effective July 20.

With nearly 30 years of hospital leadership experience and a people-first approach, Mark comes to Springfield from Great Falls Hospital and Clinic in Montana.

"Listening and learning from our teams will be one of my first priorities." — Mark Robinson

We look forward to the future he'll help build at MWMC.

07/16/2026

Congratulations to Forrest City Medical Center on earning two American Heart Association achievement awards! This national recognition reflects the team's commitment to providing research-based, quality heart care to the communities they serve. Learn more: heart.org/quality.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day from all of us at Quorum Health!

07/02/2026

Congrats to the Wound Care Team at Forrest City Medical Center for earning the Healogics Clinical Excellence Award!

To receive this recognition, teams have to clear a high bar—including a patient satisfaction score of 92% or greater. The FCMC team hit that mark through the kind of dedication and day-to-day compassion that doesn't happen by accident.

We're proud of this team and the difference they make for patients in the Forrest City community.

07/01/2026

Congrats to Odessa Regional Medical Center for earning the 2026 IBCLC Care Award from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA).

The recognition acknowledges hospitals that provide access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and support breastfeeding education and resources as part of maternal-child health services.

We're proud of the ORMC team—from lactation consultants and nurses to every caregiver on the Maternal Child Services team—for the dedication they bring to support families throughout the breastfeeding journey.

07/01/2026

Meet Cosmo, Wanda, and Timmy—ORMC's newest innovation to support team members.

"They're a tool to make us better at our jobs so we can spend more time with the patients." — Jami Brothers, ER Director

Three AI-powered robots. One mission: more time for nurses to focus on patients.

At Quorum Health, innovation is a core focus and we're proud to see it in action at Odessa Regional Medical Center.

Full story and video here: https://www.firstalert7.com/2026/06/10/odessa-regional-medical-center-introduces-service-robots/

06/30/2026

We gathered to surprise and celebrate Brandon Rorer, honoring his Carnegie Medal for civilian heroism and the incredible bravery behind it. Seeing our teams come together to recognize one of our own was a reminder of what makes this organization so special: support, connection, and genuine care for one another.

Brandon, thank you for inspiring all of us. We are proud to celebrate you and your family.