SITKA, Alaska — SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center on Thursday, April 23, marking a major milestone for healthcare in Southeast Alaska and the culmination of years of planning, partnership and commitment to regional care access.
The new facility represents one of the most significant healthcare investments in Southeast Alaska history and is designed to serve patients and families across the region for generations to come. SEARHC has made a major self-funded investment in this project, estimated at approximately $300 million across two phases, including the hospital campus, caregiver housing and related infrastructure.
The modern medical center features expanded inpatient capacity, enhanced emergency and surgical services, improved patient flow, and updated technology, all in support of high-quality care close to home. Design features include state-of-the-art airborne infection isolation rooms designed to contain harmful airborne contaminants; bathtubs in every labor and delivery suite to increase comfort during birth; and centralized nurses’ stations in support of improved coordination between care teams, increasing collaborative, integrated care. From a workflow perspective, the building layout supports more efficient care delivery, helping providers spend more time with patients and less time navigating the complex.
The facility was intentionally designed by architecture firm NBBJ to echo the surrounding landscape, drawing on the natural world to create a more healing, welcoming environment for patients, visitors and caregivers.
“This is a proud moment for our communities and for everyone who helped bring this vision to life,” said President and CEO Charles Clement. “The new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center reflects our commitment to ensuring the people of Southeast Alaska have access to excellent care in a facility built for the future.”
The new hospital strengthens SEARHC’s ability to meet growing healthcare needs across the region while improving patient experience and supporting recruitment and retention of excellent healthcare professionals.
During Thursday’s ceremony, SEARHC leadership also recognized the many Tribal leaders, board members, employees, partners and community advocates whose dedication over many years helped make the project possible.
The ribbon cutting signals the beginning of a phased opening process, with the first services – outpatient Behavioral Health and Physical Rehabilitation – opening to patients in early May, and additional services and patient care transitions occurring in the weeks ahead.
For nearly 50 years, SEARHC has served communities throughout Southeast Alaska with a mission rooted in self-determination, partnership and improving the health of the region.
About SEARHC
SEARHC is one of the largest Native-run healthcare organizations in the United States, serving communities throughout Southeast Alaska. Established in 1975, SEARHC works in partnership with communities to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare.