Del Puerto Pathway to Health
March 2026 Update
Del Puerto Pathway to Health / Paseo de Del Puerto hacia la Salud
March 2026 – CEO’s Message
One of the things I have come to appreciate most about Patterson is that this community does not wait to be served – it shows up. Residents ask hard questions at board meetings, organizations open their doors for campus presentations, and neighbors share updates with one another because they genuinely care about what is being built here.
That spirit is what makes moments like this month's so meaningful. When a family that has spent a lifetime in this community steps forward to invest in its future, it is a reminder of why this work matters and who we are doing it for. The healthcare campus is about more than infrastructure – it is about the kind of community Patterson wants to be for the next generation.
As spring begins, I am grateful for the trust our community continues to place in DPHCD and am encouraged by the momentum building around expanded healthcare access on the west side of Stanislaus County. There is still much work ahead, and we remain committed to doing it transparently, thoughtfully, and in true partnership with the people we serve.
— Dr. Karin Freese, CEO of Del Puerto Health Care District
A Generous Gift: The Buehner Family Donates $200,000 to Del Puerto Hospital Foundation
At our March Board meeting, long-time Patterson residents Larry and Joyce Buehner presented a $200,000 donation to the Del Puerto Hospital Foundation – a landmark gift in support of the future hospital campus.
The donation was received by foundation President George Mac Master and the DPHCD Board of Directors. Funds will ultimately advance the development of new hospital facilities in Patterson, helping to bring the community one step closer to the comprehensive healthcare campus.
The Del Puerto Hospital Foundation was established in 1981 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a mission centered on providing financial support for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of medical facilities in Patterson. The Buehner’s contribution is among the most significant in the Foundation's history and reflects the deep community commitment that has sustained DPHCD's mission for more than 75 years.
To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.dphealth.org/foundation.
Join Us: NAMIWalks Stanislaus
Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9 AM – 12 PM for NAMIWalks Stanislaus — a community walk at the Patterson Community Stadium to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support mental health services across our region.
DPHCD is proud to serve as a local sponsor and community partner. This event is especially meaningful as we move forward with plans for the Community Mental Health Clinic, part of the first phase of the campus with a target completion of late 2028. Expanding access to behavioral health services is a core part of our mission, and the NAMI Walk reflects that same commitment to compassion and care.
We encourage community members, families, and partners to join us on April 25. Register your team today!
Board Update: Recognizing the Service of Luis Avila
At the March board meeting, DPHCD Board Member Luis Avila announced his resignation from the board. Luis has represented Zone 1 since 2020, bringing his experience in medical administration to the District's governance. Luis recently accepted a position as Vice President of Operations at Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved opportunity.
Zone 1 Board Seat Vacancy
Are you or someone you know interested in driving the future of healthcare in Patterson? The DPHCD Board has opened the application period to fill the Zone 1 vacancy. Application are due from residents of Zone 1 by March 30, 2026 . Read the Board of Directors job description and submit your application.
Community Engagement
DPHCD staff continue to educate community members about the healthcare campus by providing presentations to local organizations. If your organization would like to schedule a presentation, please contact us at engage@dphealth.org.
Follow Us & Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook @DelPuertoHealth for regular updates, event announcements, and opportunities to get involved.
Sign up for monthly updates: Visit www.dphealth.org and scroll to the bottom of the homepage to subscribe to the Healthcare Campus Newsletter.
Share your ideas and feedback: dphealth.org/planning-feedback