August 5, 2026 – MARIPOSA, CA – The John C. Fremont Healthcare District Board of Directors approved a non-binding Letter of Intent during a Special Board Meeting on August 4, authorizing the District to begin discussions with Oak Valley Hospital District regarding a potential regional healthcare partnership.
The action also authorized the District to pursue funding through the California Rural Health Transformation Program and include the approved Letter of Intent in upcoming grant applications. The original announcement stated that the Board would consider the partnership and grant opportunities during the meeting.
The proposed collaboration is intended to strengthen healthcare services, workforce development, technology modernization, clinical quality, operational performance, and the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare in both communities.
John C. Fremont Healthcare District and Oak Valley Hospital District are neighboring independent public hospital districts. Representatives from both organizations emphasized that the purpose of the proposed partnership is to strengthen both hospitals while allowing each organization to remain independent.
The Letter of Intent does not transfer governance, ownership, or decision-making authority. John C. Fremont Healthcare District’s locally elected Board of Directors will retain its legal responsibilities and authority over District governance, strategic direction, budgets, contracts, credentialing, quality of care, and other matters reserved to the Board.
“This is an opportunity for two independent rural hospitals to work together, share expertise, and strengthen the services available to our communities while maintaining our local identity and autonomy,” said Stacey Kuzak, Chief Executive Officer of John C. Fremont Healthcare District. “The Board’s approval allows us to begin meaningful discussions and pursue funding opportunities that could support long-term improvements in patient care, workforce development, and technology.”
During the meeting, Oak Valley representatives discussed opportunities for executive, clinical, operational, and administrative collaboration. Potential areas of support include strategic planning, clinical operations, quality improvement, revenue cycle management, human resources, compliance, technology, physician support, and operational consulting.
Clinical leaders also discussed how closer coordination could improve access to specialty services, surgical care, intensive care consultation, and transfers for patients who require a higher level of care.
“Quick ICU consultations and more efficient transfers have the potential to improve patient care, particularly when patients need services that are not available locally,” said Dr. Adam Leight, ER Physician for John C Fremont Healthcare District, during the meeting.
Technology was also identified as a possible area of collaboration. Both organizations are evaluating opportunities to improve their electronic health record systems. A coordinated electronic health record strategy could improve communication among emergency, inpatient, clinic, surgical, and specialty-care teams while supporting more efficient transfers and consistent clinical workflows.
The approved Letter of Intent will strengthen the District’s applications for California Rural Health Transformation funding. Current funding opportunities focus on areas including regional collaboration, organizational acceleration, workforce development, and healthcare technology.
John C. Fremont Healthcare District and Oak Valley Hospital District will submit separate grant applications and would receive separate awards if selected. The Letter of Intent demonstrates that the two organizations are willing to work collaboratively on shared rural healthcare challenges.
Representatives from both organizations stated that they remain committed to exploring the partnership regardless of whether grant funding is awarded.
The Letter of Intent allows negotiations and due diligence to begin. It does not create a final support-services agreement or obligate either District to enter into a permanent partnership. Any definitive agreement would require the development of specific terms, legal review, public transparency, and approval by both Boards of Directors before taking effect.
Board members and hospital representatives also emphasized the importance of keeping employees and the community informed as discussions continue. Potential outreach efforts may include employee meetings, administrative updates, community town halls, and other opportunities for residents to learn about the proposed collaboration and provide feedback.
The meeting was recorded in its entirety and will be posted promptly to the District's website at: www.jcf-hospital.com/getpage.php?name=Bdminagendhistory.
Source & photo: John C. Fremont Healthcare District
