Saint Alphonsus Donates $250,000, Expands Surgical Services in Baker County

Saint Alphonsus Foundation announced on December 19, 2025 that it had donated $250,000 to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City to fund advanced surgical equipment. The purchase includes two laparoscopic light sources, cameras, and consoles, equipment that will expand the hospital's ability to perform common general surgery procedures locally.

With the new equipment, physicians at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City will be better equipped to perform hernia repairs, gallbladder and appendix removal, lipoma removal, and breast biopsies. Hospital leaders say the upgrades will allow a broader range of procedures, reduce wait times, and improve patient outcomes for residents of Baker County and the surrounding region.

“This generous gift from the Saint Alphonsus Foundation is a powerful investment in the health of our community,” said Tony Swart, Baker City Administrator. “It allows us to bring more advanced surgical care to Baker City, so patients can receive the treatment they need without having to travel far from home.”

The equipment will support the hospital's surgical team by enabling more efficient and precise care and by helping to attract and retain surgical talent in the region. For many patients the ability to receive care close to home means staying near family and support systems during diagnosis and recovery, a practical benefit that can also lower out of pocket costs and reduce stress.

The donation was coordinated by Saint Alphonsus Foundation Baker City board members Angela Robb, Julie Davis, Jill Welter, Debbie Poe, Jessica Hill, and Adam Berry. “The Foundation is proud to support the growth of surgical services in Baker City,” said Angela Robb, Foundation Board Chair. “We believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional care, no matter where they live. This donation reflects our deep commitment to the people of Baker County.”

Saint Alphonsus Health System is a faith based, not for profit health care system serving Idaho, eastern Oregon, and northern Nevada. The system includes four hospitals, 595 licensed beds, 74 medical group clinics, and several joint ventures, and employs about 6,200 colleagues and 544 medical staff. The health system was named a 2025 Forbes Best Large Employers of America. For more information about the Saint Alphonsus Foundation or to learn how you can support local healthcare initiatives, please visit Saint Alphonsus Foundation Baker City.