June 2026 Community Update

As summer approaches, we’re excited to share a few updates and highlights from across BMHD. 

New Funding for BMHD’s Maternity Program  

We’re pleased to share that BMHD will receive a one-time funding package to help stabilize and support maternity care services in John Day! BMHD is one of 21 hospitals across Oregon to receive this funding from the Oregon Health Authority, which is designed to support labor and delivery services in rural communities.   

These funds will support programs, such as our maternal and prenatal health programs. And more broadly, the funds will support investments in staffing and equipment to ensure that local maternal care services in Grant County remain available.  

We believe it’s essential for healthy rural communities to have access to local maternity services, and BMHD remains committed to seeking out additional opportunities to further preserve these services for families in John Day and throughout Grant County.  

National Hospital Week 

Last month, we celebrated National Hospital Week and recognized the incredible work of our team members who help keep our hospital running and care for our community every day. 

 

Exciting Improvements Coming to BMHD’s Surgery Clinic 

We just received great news: the Surgery Clinic will be included in our Rural Health Clinic designation later this year!  

While this is a year-long process, we’re looking forward to the improvements this change will bring. This will ensure patients have even more support and coordination of their care, and it will also eliminate the need for separate waiting areas! 

Why is this happening? Recent federal regulations have changed, allowing specialists’ services, like surgery, to be included in Rural Health Clinic designations. The SWCC already has this designation.    

Congratulations, Erin Gosnell! 

We’re proud to congratulate Erin Gosnell on passing her Family Nurse Practitioner Board Exam and officially becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner! 

Erin has been a part of the BMHD team for the past nine years, starting as a nurse in 2017. Since then, she has served as Hospice Case Manager and later as Manager of Outpatient Services and Hospice, always finding new challenges and leadership roles.  

Erin is now completing the final licensing and credentialing steps before joining the Clinic team as a Family Nurse Practitioner. We look forward to welcoming her into this new role and expanding access to care for patients across Grant County. 

Congratulations, Erin! 

New FP/OB Care Physician: Dr. Shepherd! 

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Brent Shepherd as he joins the BMHD team for the next six months.  

Dr. Shepherd arrived in May and has since supported our primary care and maternal care programs. He is currently on a six-month engagement, so please give him a warm welcome if you see him around!