Fairchild Medical Center Receives $1 Million Commitment from The McConnell Foundation
Gift honors deep community roots and helps inspire continued support for rural healthcare. 

Yreka, California — October 29, 2026 

Fairchild Medical Center has received a $1 million philanthropic commitment from The McConnell Foundation in support of the medical center’s current capital campaign to strengthen healthcare access and services for patients and families across Siskiyou County and the surrounding region. 

The gift reflects the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to improving the quality of life in Northern California communities. McConnell’s contribution will advance Fairchild Medical Center’s mission of providing exceptional, compassionate care close to home for residents of this rural region. 

The support also carries a meaningful personal connection. Leah McConnell’s maiden name was Fairchild, and her family had strong roots in Yreka, creating a unique historical and local relationship the hospital shares with the Fairchild name. 

“On behalf of our entire organization, we are deeply grateful for The McConnell Foundation’s generous commitment,” said Jonathon Andrus, President and CEO of Fairchild Medical Center. “This investment reflects a shared belief in the importance of strong, local healthcare and the role rural hospitals play in sustaining healthy communities.” 

Consistent with the Foundation’s longstanding philanthropic approach, The McConnell Foundation has chosen a quiet and understated posture, hoping that this gift will inspire others who care about the future of rural healthcare to support Fairchild Medical Center’s expansion.  

As a healthcare provider serving a large rural geography, Fairchild Medical Center plays a vital role in supporting community health, economic stability, and access to essential medical services. Community partnerships and philanthropic investments are critical components to ensure that the hospital can meet the growing healthcare needs and support expansion of its services for generations to come. To learn more about Fairchild’s expansion, contact Claire Anstead at 530-841-6239. 

 

About Fairchild Medical Center 

Fairchild Medical Center is a nonprofit hospital serving Siskiyou County and surrounding communities in Northern California. For more than 25 years, Fairchild has provided exceptional healthcare services while advancing innovation, patient-centered care, and community partnership. The medical center remains committed to strengthening rural healthcare access and improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.  

 

Media Contact
Claire Anstead
Executive Director
Fairchild Medical Center Foundation
530-841-6239
[email protected]
www.fairchildmed.org