California Assemblymember Heather Hadwick visited the future Lake Almanor Community Hospital on Tuesday, touring the active construction site with leaders from the Seneca Healthcare District (SHD). The visit underscored the region’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access for rural families and celebrated the progress of one of Plumas County’s most anticipated public health projects.
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Local officials said Hadwick’s tour reflected a broader understanding of the challenges small communities face in building modern medical facilities. The new hospital is expected to provide expanded services, modernized emergency care, and state-of-the-art treatment capabilities to serve residents across the Lake Almanor Basin.
Before walking the jobsite, Hadwick met with SHD leadership to discuss goals for the new facility and the role it will play in improving long-term regional healthcare. Hospital executives emphasized that the building effort is grounded in the same values that define the Lake Almanor community: resilience, trust, and access to compassionate care.
SHD CEO Shawn McKenzie commended Hadwick for personally engaging with the district’s mission.
“We are truly grateful for Assemblywoman Hadwick,” McKenzie said. “Her willingness to spend time with our team and learn more about the hospital’s progress shows how deeply she understands disadvantaged communities. This new facility is for the people, and it’s encouraging to share that excitement with our elected leaders.”
The tour concluded with Hadwick hosting a community town hall, where residents raised regional healthcare needs, economic issues, and concerns about access to medical professionals in rural California. The session gave locals the opportunity to speak directly with their representative and share priorities that will influence legislative action.
Seneca Healthcare District leaders say the Lake Almanor Community Hospital will be more than a building—it will be a commitment to rural families seeking reliable care close to home. Designed to be warm and welcoming, officials say the hospital will reflect local values and help strengthen trust between patients and providers.
Originally reported by Will Anderson in Action News Now.
