Del Norte Healthcare District Donates One Million Dollars to CR DN

Published on May 12 2025

College of the Redwoods is happy to announce a $1 million contribution from the Del Norte Healthcare District in support of the college’s vision create a state-of-the-art healthcare training center on their Crescent City campus. This generous investment will fund advanced healthcare training equipment, helping prepare local students for in-demand careers in the healthcare sector.

“It is hard to articulate how moved and excited everyone at College of the Redwoods is by the generosity of the Del Norte Healthcare District,” says CR President Dr. Keith Flamer. “This gift will forever change healthcare education in Del Norte County, which is one of the most underserved areas in California, and help us address critical disparities in access to healthcare training. Thanks to their vision, our Del Norte County students and faculty will have access to tangible tools, such as high-quality simulation labs and state-of-the-art instructional equipment.”

The Del Norte Healthcare District is a public agency committed to improving the health and well-being of Del Norte County residents through education, prevention, and access to healthcare services. Governed by a locally elected board of directors, the District plays a vital role in advancing community health initiatives and supporting strategic investments that meet local healthcare needs. Their $1 million contribution underscores their long-standing commitment to ensuring quality care for the region—both today and for generations to come.

“Providing funding for equipment to facilitate healthcare education is considered by the District to be ideally suited to the Healthcare District’s goals, and the Board of Directors is happy to partner with College of the Redwoods to see Del Norte’s healthcare improved,” said Tonya Pearcey, R.N., Board Chair of the Del Norte Healthcare District.

The donation comes as College of the Redwoods enters the design phase of its reimagined Del Norte Center, made possible by the passage of Measure I. This project includes plans for a modernized healthcare training facility and upgrades to the campus environment to foster a more collegiate and student-centered experience.

“College of the Redwoods is an institution for the whole community, says Carol Mathew, CR Board of Trustees member representing Del Norte County.  “It is fitting for the publicly funded Healthcare District to support the Del Norte campus of the college with such a generous donation to the benefit of our entire community.” 

“With this significant gift,” says Flamer, “We will be able to meet our goal of graduating more LVNs and RNs to serve the local community.”

As construction costs continue to rise, the design phase will prioritize the efficient and strategic use of both bond and donor funds to deliver the greatest possible benefit to students and the broader community. The contribution from the Healthcare District represents a significant step toward that goal, enhancing both the quality and reach of CR’s healthcare programs in Del Norte County.