Every time I hear the roar of a helicopter over the Mee Memorial campus, I am reminded that the strength of a Critical Access Hospital is not measured by services alone, but by its readiness to respond in an emergency. As the only hospital in South Monterey County, we at Mee Memorial take this responsibility extremely seriously.
Here for You 24/7
The Mee Memorial Emergency Department operates with a clear understanding: we are often the first — and sometimes only — line of defense. This knowledge calls for resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to excellence. It shapes how we show up for our community.
Unlike larger urban systems, where specialized services may be readily available nearby, rural emergency teams must be prepared for anything. From trauma care to cardiac events, from pediatric emergencies to behavioral health crises, the breadth of expertise required by our team is considerable.
When a patient’s needs exceed what can be provided locally, rapid transport becomes essential. A vital factor in this level of emergency response is our helipad. Access to air medical services allows us to connect patients in crisis to specialized treatment centers in a fraction of the time it would take by ground. In major emergencies, our helipad ensures that geography does not become a barrier to survival. It is a clear reminder that while we are a small hospital, we are part of a much larger system of care.
A Legacy of Community Investment
Our ability to respond today is built on a foundation laid decades ago. The Mee Memorial helipad exists because of this very community. It was planned and funded by the King City Lions Club in 1974 in partnership with military personnel from Fort Hunter Liggett. It was the late Marion Pope, as Lions Club president, who established a collaboration with Col. Johnson of Fort Hunter Liggett to construct the helipad. Marion was later honored as Citizen of the Year for his many contributions to the community and to Mee Memorial. This is a community investment for which we will be forever grateful.
The need for strong rural healthcare systems has never been greater. Agricultural communities are home to diverse populations who rely on local services for their well-being, and so the importance of quality healthcare in areas such as ours extends well beyond emergencies. It includes regular medical care, prevention, education, and the development of lasting relationships. When you walk through our doors, you aren’t just a patient; you are the parent we know from school, the friend we see at the grocery store, and the neighbor who has lived down the street for 20 years.
Looking to the Future
As we continue to plan for the future, we’re focused on further strengthening our ability to respond, adapt, and serve. Rural healthcare is essential to a healthy, thriving community, and this is not something we will ever take for granted. By investing in our hospital services and clinics, we are not only saving lives but preserving and supporting the vitality of the community we call home.
Rena Salamacha is CEO of Mee Memorial Healthcare System, based in King City.
