Table Mountain Rancheria’s $10 million gift to Community Regional Medical Center’s trauma center more than a decade ago was more than an investment. It was a promise that has helped serve those in need – more than a million to date – in the hospital’s emergency department. At the time, the gift was the largest in the state and nation ever made to health care by a tribe.
 

Mark Borba, Community’s Board of Trustees chairman said, "Table Mountain Rancheria redefined philanthropy 10 years ago and demonstrated the true meaning of giving back. Their selfless act continues to fuel Community’s vital mission to care for all in need.”
 

The Table Mountain Rancheria Trauma Center – the only Level 1 trauma center between Los Angeles and Sacramento – provides the highest level of trauma care to a nearly 15,000-square-mile region. The gift from the Table Mountain Rancheria ultimately helped complete the trauma and critical care building and transition services from University Medical Center to Community Regional’s new facility.
 

“We share a common vision and purpose to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of our community. We are very proud of our partnership with Table Mountain Rancheria and look forward to celebrating many more milestones for many years to come." Borba said.

A tremendous amount of growth has taken place since construction of the 340,000-square-foot trauma and critical care building was completed in 2004. Licensed beds at Community Regional have increased from 457 to 625 – allowing the regional academic medical center to care for more patients. The emergency department is one of the busiest hospital emergency departments in the nation, and nearly 600 patients come to the trauma center each year from other hospitals for a higher level of care.
 

"We are very grateful to Table Mountain Rancheria for their extraordinarily generous gift,” said Lynn Bennink, director of the trauma program. “It has played a special role in helping the team in Community Regional’s trauma center do what they do best – save lives.”
 

Jennifer Avila-Allen reported this story. She can be reached at MedWatchToday@CommunityMedical.org.