There are three primary reasons why CMH is expanding: 1. The age of the current facility: The current hospital was state-of-the-art when it opened in 1977. It’s now nearly 47 years old. While it has served the community well, critical infrastructure is in need of major upgrades. The current facility was also constructed in an era where health care was primarily delivered in an inpatient setting, and patient amenities were not considered at all. Health care is much different today — roughly 80% of CMH’s care is delivered on an outpatient basis, patient privacy is paramount, and a more holistic approach toward health and wellness is necessary. 2. Growth: Over the past decade, CMH and OHSU have brought many new providers and specialties to the region. During this time, the number of CMH caregivers has increased from 400 to 750. CMH has simply outgrown the current facility and needs additional space to continue to serve the community. Why CMH is expanding 3. Resiliency: The North Coast is susceptible to significant earthquakes and tsunamis. The current facility was constructed entirely out of wood and is not built on a foundation that could withstand a major earthquake or tsunami. CMH’s hospital is a critical need facility and must remain operational during a natural disaster. Due to the nature of the construction, there is not a cost-effective way to retrofit or upgrade the present facility.
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