May 2026 Community Update

As we near the end of May, we wanted to share a few updates and highlights from around BMHD. 

 

New Providers Coming to Expand Primary and Maternal Care 

BMHD continues taking steps to strengthen local primary care access and expand maternal care services with two upcoming additions to the care team: 

  • Erin Gosnell, currently participating in BMHD’s “Grow Your Own” program, will complete her training and join the Clinic as a nurse practitioner this summer. 
  • Dr. Brent Shepherd, Family Practice / OB, will arrive in May to support primary care and maternal care through a six-month engagement. 

By strengthening both primary and maternal care services, BMHD hopes to improve continuity of care and support better outcomes for families across Grant County. 

New Leadership at BMHD 

BMHD is proud to continue investing in local leadership and is happy to announce three new promotions that will support better care across BMHD. 

Congratulations to Maisie Taylor, who has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer. In her expanded role, Maisie will oversee recruitment, employee engagement, district-wide human resources, and Environmental Services. Her leadership will help support BMHD employees and future workforce development.  

Tomi King has been named Director of Patient Access and Practice Management. Tomi will oversee patient access and clinic operations while working closely with Dr. Yee, BMHD’s new Chief Medical Officer. Together, their work will help improve how Grant County residents access care and navigate our clinics. 

Amanda Rockhill has been named Manager of the Materials Management/Purchasing Department. Amanda played a huge role in transforming the department over the last few years alongside Tomi. Her experience, efficiency, and level of service will continue to carry on the success of the department.  

As part of these changes, BMHD has also begun recruiting for a new Purchasing Assistant.  

Boise State University Nurse Practitioner Student Returns 

Amanda Hebison, a Boise State University nurse practitioner student, will return to SWCC from August 24 through December 11 after a positive rotation with us last fall. 

Amanda enjoyed her time with our clinic team and community so much that she requested to come back and continue her training as part of our growing partnership with BSU’s School of Nursing. She was the first nurse practitioner student from BSU to rotate with BMHD and also brings experience as a former ICU nurse. 

We are proud to support the next generation of healthcare providers while strengthening long-term recruitment opportunities for our district. 

Rural Health Transformation Program 

BMHD continues monitoring new funding opportunities through the Oregon Health Authority’s Rural Health Transformation Program Catalyst Awards, which are designed to support rural healthcare services across the state. 

BMHD is working closely with the Office of Rural Health to pursue opportunities that could help strengthen and sustain healthcare services locally, including support for rural hospitals and maternal care programs. 

Expanding Stroke Services Through New Partnership 

In case you missed this exciting news: BMHD is partnering with St. Alphonsus Health System to bring Telestroke capabilities to the Emergency Department, providing 24/7 access to stroke specialists. 

This partnership will allow patients experiencing stroke symptoms to be evaluated in real time by specialists while remaining in John Day or surrounding communities, helping speed up treatment decisions and, in some cases, avoid the need for transfer.