Record-Breaking Support for Southern Humboldt’s New Hospital at 2025 Benbow Wine Auction

Community members, vintners, and supporters from across Humboldt County and Northern California came together for a night to remember. The 2025 Benbow Wine Auction raised a record-breaking $152,000 to support the construction of Southern Humboldt’s new hospital—marking the most successful fundraising event in SoHum Health Foundation’s history.

This year’s event showed what happens when a community rallies around a shared vision.

Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to building a state-of-the-art medical facility in Southern Humboldt—so care can stay local, accessible, and responsive to our community’s needs.

The Benbow Wine Auction has become one of the area’s most anticipated events, drawing guests together for an evening of fine wines, hors d’oeuvres, and spirited bidding. Proceeds directly support SoHum Health’s New Hospital Project, which will replace the aging Jerold Phelps Community Hospital with a modern, 45,000-square-foot facility designed for the next generation of rural healthcare.

Building the Future of Rural Healthcare

The new hospital will feature:

• A 30,000 sq. ft. acute-care hospital and 15,000 sq. ft. clinic, built to modern seismic and safety standards.
• An 8-bed Emergency Department and 10-bed inpatient unit.
• Advanced diagnostic imaging including CT, ultrasound, and mobile MRI.
• A full-service laboratory and expanded primary care clinic with mammography and bone density scanning.
• A helipad for rapid emergency transfers and a tranquil Meditation Park to support healing and family connection.

The final design plans have been submitted to the state for approval and construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the new facility opening to serve patients by 2030.

A Community Effort

Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District operates the only hospital between Willits and Fortuna, serving an area spanning more than 1,300 square miles. Many residents live far from major highways and public transit routes, making local access to healthcare essential.

The success of the 2025 Benbow Wine Auction is a reminder that when we come together, we can accomplish something extraordinary.

A BIG thank you to Benbow Historic Inn and all of the attendees, sponsors, small businesses, wineries, and volunteers for making this event possible.

Sponsorships and naming opportunities are still available for those who want to be a part of this historic effort. Go to sohumhealthfoundation.org to make a pledge or donate today.

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SoHum Health Foundation is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to sustain high-quality healthcare in the Southern Humboldt community. More information can be found at sohumhealthfoundation.org or by contacting (707) 923-3921 x1241 or foundation@shchd.org.

Chelsea Brown, submitted on behalf of the SoHum Health’s Outreach department.