In the early 1950’s, residents of Big Bear Valley had a dream of receiving quality healthcare close to home. J.B. Quale conceived the idea for a hospital in 1949 when he broke his hip skiing and was taken down the mountain in an ambulance (a two hour ride). The first planning meeting was held in 1950 and the hospital Fund was incorporated. In 1970, the non-profit, government Hospital District was formed in a general election by a 95% favorable vote. The original facility was funded by private contributions; a General Bond Obligation and Hill-Burton funds with land donated by the Bear Valley Mutual Water District. Bear Valley Community Hospital was dedicated on June 24, 1974 and the now 30-bed hospital (9 acute care beds and 21 skilled nursing beds) became the cornerstone of the Healthcare District.

Bear Valley Community Hospital services include 24 hour emergency care, acute respiratory care, inpatient medical care, both in and out-patient surgery, laboratory, physical therapy, skilled nursing facility and two rural health clinics. We also offer comprehensive diagnostic imaging including quad detector CT scanning, ultrasound, digital x-ray, and mammography services.