On Tuesday, October 7, San Juan Regional Medical Center officially unveiled its newly renovated Childbirth Center, drawing a large and emotional crowd for a ribbon-cutting that felt more like a community celebration than a hospital ceremony. The renovation, years in the making, marks a major step forward for maternity care in the Four Corners region. Led by Sonja Crum, director of Women’s and Children’s Services, the project transformed the hospital’s aging maternity wing into a modern, family-centered space designed for comfort, safety, and connection. Each of the private birthing suites now includes space for a support person, a Jacuzzi tub for water therapy during labor, and features designed to encourage natural movement, including birthing bars and a dedicated area for immediate skin-to-skin bonding.

Families can stay overnight, access free Wi-Fi, and receive support from on-site lactation consultants—all within a secure, locked unit with matching armbands for safety. “This was no longer just a renovation project, it was a renewal of our commitment to mothers, babies, and families in our community,” said Crum, who has guided the vision since 2019. County leaders and hospital officials joined in celebrating the milestone.

San Juan County Commission Chair Terri Fortner, a former ER nurse, reflected on her years in the hospital and called the day “a full-circle moment.” Commissioner Sam Gonzales described San Juan Regional as “the jewel of our community, the jewel of the state.” CEO Jason Rounds added, “They say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to raise a childbirth unit.” The Farmington Chamber of Commerce’s Redcoats helped mark the occasion, welcoming guests with tours and refreshments.

Services officially moved into the renovated center on October 8 without disruption. San Juan Regional Medical Center, a 198-bed, Level III trauma center, serves patients across the Four Corners.

Its Baby-Friendly designation reflects a strong focus on mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding support, including free childbirth education classes. The celebration comes at a meaningful time for the county. With the 2022 closure and ongoing demolition of the San Juan Generating Station challenging the local economy, investments like this reaffirm healthcare as a pillar of stability and progress. Marketing manager Laura Werbner summed up the event’s spirit: “We knew that we were all excited, but we didn’t realize how excited our community also was.” As the first babies are born in the new center, one thing is clear—San Juan County’s next generation is being welcomed into the world with more care, comfort, and pride than ever before.