Transformational $1 Million Gift to Expand Heart Care

When the community comes together with a shared purpose, powerful things can happen. In August, Valley Strong Credit Union demonstrated that commitment in action, pledging $1 million toward the cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab) expansion at Adventist Health Hanford.

This transformational gift will help bring more advanced, lifesaving heart care to families across the Central Valley — ensuring that high-quality cardiac services are available close to home.

Strengthening heart care for our community

The cath lab plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions, offering minimally invasive procedures using small catheters instead of open surgery. These services are essential to protecting heart health and saving lives.

With the region’s growing population and increasing need for cardiac care, demand has surged. In 2024, Adventist Health Hanford cared for more than 650 unique patients in the cath lab. With the expansion of four additional cath labs from the expansion project, that number is expected to grow to over 2,000 patients each year.

The expansion is part of a $10 million fundraising effort within a larger $40 million investment to enhance heart care services for the region.

A gift rooted in community values

Valley Strong Credit Union’s leadership believes deeply in investing in the well-being of the communities they serve.

“At Valley Strong Credit Union, we are deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community,” shared Nick Ambrosini, President and CEO, Valley Strong Credit Union. “We believe in making a positive impact and ensuring that our Members and their families have access to top-notch medical care. This partnership reflects our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community.”

The organization’s generous contribution will enhance the patient and family experience by elevating the cath lab waiting area.

Advancing technology and expertise

Along with expanding capacity, Adventist Health Hanford will introduce ARTIS imaging technology — a state-of-the-art angiography system known for delivering precise, real-time imaging during procedures. This advanced capability will mean:

• Faster and safer diagnoses
• More accurate and effective treatments
• The ability to attract top cardiologists and specialists to the Central Valley

Care close to home

For many families, traveling outside the region for heart care places added stress on an already challenging health journey. This project will ensure world-class cardiac care is available right here at home.

“This expansion isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about saving lives,” said Jason Wells, president of Adventist Health Central California Network. “Thanks to this generous donation from Valley Strong Credit Union, we are one step closer to improving access to critical procedures, from heart to bariatric and pediatric care, right here in our own community.”

Join us in building a healthier future

Adventist Health Hanford built its current cath lab nearly 15 years ago. Today, as demand reaches a tipping point, donations like the one generously pledged by Valley Strong Credit Union, will bring us closer to meeting the needs of a growing community and offering leading-edge heart care for generations to come.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

To learn how you can support the cath lab expansion, please contact Lauren Day, Philanthropy executive for the Adventist Health Foundation, by calling 559-537-0760 or emailing CVHFoundation@ah.org.