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RCMS News and Events

Stay Connected with RCMS​
​Scroll down to see the latest updates and click the button below to subscribe to The Pulse to get regular updates from RCMS directly to your email inbox.
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Join Us for Black & White Night 2026

8/17/2026

 
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Redwood Coast Medical Services is excited to welcome our community to Black & White Night 2026, our annual fundraising event celebrating community, generosity, and the continued support of healthcare along the Mendonoma Coast.

Join us on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Sea Ranch Lodge for an unforgettable evening of great food, entertainment, community connection, and fundraising in support of local healthcare.

Tickets are selling quickly, with only 16 remaining. If you are hoping to attend this year’s Black & White Night, we encourage you to reserve your tickets soon.
​
Reserve your tickets:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/black-and-white-night--2026

​Thank you for supporting Redwood Coast Medical Services and helping us continue our mission of providing compassionate, accessible healthcare for our community.

​Can’t Attend? You Can Still Make a Difference.​

Black & White Night is about more than one evening. It is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of the equipment, technology, and infrastructure RCMS needs to continue providing quality healthcare close to home.


Even if you are unable to attend—or if tickets sell out—you can still participate by making a contribution toward one of RCMS’s current priority projects, including the Gualala Urgent Care Generator, new dental equipment, a second pharmacy service window, and new computer workstations for RCMS staff.


And your gift can have an even greater impact: thanks to a generous anonymous donor, eligible contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000.


Sponsorship opportunities are also still available for businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to support Black & White Night and invest in the future of local healthcare.
​
Choose a priority project that is meaningful to you:

Dental Chair
Funding Goal: $10,000
Help replace aging dental equipment with a new patient chair designed to support safe, comfortable, and efficient dental care.
Support Dental Care
 
Dental Hygienist Chair
Funding Goal: $10,000
Provides updated equipment to support comfortable, high-quality preventive dental care.
Support Hygiene Care
 
Second Pharmacy Window
Funding Goal: $28,000
Adds a second service window to improve patient access, privacy, and efficiency in our future pharmacy.
Support the Pharmacy

​10 New Computer Workstations
Funding Goal: $31,000
Provides updated technology for 10 employees to improve efficiency and support quality patient care.
Support Technology
 
Gualala Urgent Care Generator
Funding Goal: $65,000
Provides backup power for Urgent Care, Imaging, and other critical services during power outages.
Support the Generator

National Immunization Awareness Month: Protecting Our Community Together

8/9/2026

 
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a reminder that staying up to date on recommended vaccines is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and our community.


Vaccines help prevent serious illnesses before they occur and play an important role in keeping children healthy, protecting older adults, and reducing the spread of preventable diseases. Whether you're preparing a child for the new school year or reviewing your own recommended vaccinations, now is an excellent time to talk with your healthcare provider.


RCMS encourages patients of all ages to stay current on recommended immunizations, including childhood vaccines, adult boosters, seasonal vaccines, and those recommended for older adults.


As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.


📞 Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
📞 Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704
​

Primary Care • Behavioral Health • Dental • Urgent Care

Anonymous Donor Challenges Community to Double the Impact for RCMS

8/4/2026

 
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Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS) has received an extraordinary show of support from a generous anonymous donor who has pledged to match community donations to Black & White Night—up to $50,000.
​
The matching gift means that every eligible dollar donated by community members, businesses, and organizations will be doubled, helping RCMS invest in critical equipment, technology, and infrastructure that support patient care throughout southern Mendocino and northern Sonoma counties.

"We are incredibly grateful for this remarkable gift," said Linda Royal, Chief Executive Officer of RCMS. "This challenge is more than a donation—it is an invitation for our entire community to come together and make an even greater impact. Every contribution, regardless of size, will help strengthen healthcare close to home."

As RCMS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, the organization continues to invest in projects that will sustain and strengthen healthcare services for future generations. Current priorities include replacing a backup generator in Gualala, upgrading dental equipment in Point Arena, investing in technology that supports providers and patients, and enhancing the facilities and equipment needed to continue delivering high-quality care.

Robin Hathaway and Paddy Batchelder, volunteer Co-Chairs of Black & White Night, said the anonymous matching gift reflects the generosity that has defined the event since its beginning.

"We've always believed this community understands the importance of having exceptional healthcare close to home," Hathaway said. "This generous challenge gives every donor the opportunity to make twice the difference."

Batchelder added, "Whether someone gives $25, $250, or becomes an event sponsor, every gift will have double the impact thanks to this extraordinary act of generosity."

​Sponsorship opportunities for Black & White Night, scheduled for September 24, 2026, at The Sea Ranch Lodge, are still available. Tickets for the event will go on sale in August, with additional event details to be announced soon.

Community members who wish to take advantage of the matching challenge by making a donation or becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact Robin Hathaway, Event Coordinator, at [email protected] or Karen Wilder, Event Liaison, at [email protected].
​

National Health Center Week: Celebrating Community Care

8/4/2026

 
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National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize the vital role community health centers play in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare across the country.


For Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS), it's also a time to celebrate the patients, families, providers, staff, and community partners who help make our mission possible.


As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. We proudly serve the coastal communities from Elk to Timber Cove by providing Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental services in Point Arena, and a unique 7-day-a-week Urgent Care that helps bridge the distance between our rural communities and the nearest hospitals.


Healthcare is about more than treating illness—it's about building relationships, supporting prevention, and helping individuals and families live healthier lives. Every day, our dedicated team works to provide compassionate, patient-centered care close to home.


During National Health Center Week, we thank our patients for trusting us with their care, our staff for their dedication, and our community partners for helping us build a healthier coast together.


As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.


📞 Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
📞 Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704
🦷 Point Arena Dental Center: (707) 882-2189
​

Thank you for allowing RCMS to be part of your healthcare journey.

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits: A Simple Step Toward Better Health

7/12/2026

 
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Staying healthy isn't just about treating illness—it's also about preventing health concerns before they become more serious. That's why Medicare Annual Wellness Visits are such an important part of healthy aging.

A Medicare Annual Wellness Visit gives you and your healthcare provider time to review your overall health, discuss risk factors, update medications, and develop a personalized prevention plan based on your individual needs and goals.

During the visit, your provider may discuss:
• Recommended screenings and preventive services
• Current medications and health history
• Fall prevention and home safety
• Memory and cognitive health
• Nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits

These visits are designed to help you stay healthy, maintain your independence, and identify potential concerns early.

If you have Medicare and haven't had a wellness visit within the past year, now may be a great time to schedule one.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.

📞 Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
📞 Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704

Primary Care • Behavioral Health • Dental • Urgent Care

UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Skin This Summer

7/7/2026

 
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July is UV Safety Month, a reminder that protecting your skin is an important part of maintaining your overall health.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage skin cells and increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. While everyone enjoys spending time outdoors during the summer months, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your skin.

Tips for staying safe in the sun include:
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Seek shade during peak sun hours
• Stay hydrated when spending time outdoors

Early detection and prevention play important roles in skin health. If you notice changes in your skin or have concerns about sun exposure, talk with your healthcare provider.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.

📞 Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
📞 Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704

Primary Care • Behavioral Health • Dental • Urgent Care

Independence Day Service Reminder

7/2/2026

 
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As our community celebrates Independence Day, RCMS would like to remind patients that Urgent Care services will remain available on-call during the holiday on Saturday, July 4.

While RCMS Primary Care and Dental clinics are not open on Saturdays, our Urgent Care team will be available to assist patients with urgent healthcare needs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

To help us provide the best possible care, patients are asked to call before arrival:

📞 (707) 884-4005

RCMS Urgent Care plays an important role in serving our rural coastal communities, providing access to care close to home when hospitals and emergency services may be many miles away.

We wish our patients, staff, visitors, and community members a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend.

🩺 Urgent Care Available On-Call
🕗 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📞 (707) 884-4005

June Health Observances: Building Healthier Communities Together

6/29/2026

 
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As June comes to a close, RCMS would like to thank our community for joining us in recognizing several important health observances throughout the month.


Together, we highlighted Cataract Awareness Month, Men's Health Month, Pride Month, and Men's Health Week—each serving as a reminder that prevention, education, and access to care play important roles in maintaining healthy communities.


Throughout June, we shared information about vision health, preventative screenings, mental health, wellness visits, and the importance of creating a healthcare environment where all individuals feel respected and supported. These observances reflect RCMS's commitment to caring for the whole person and helping community members stay connected to healthcare resources close to home.


In rural communities like ours, access to healthcare can make a meaningful difference. Whether it's scheduling an annual wellness visit, seeking behavioral health support, accessing dental care, or receiving urgent medical attention, RCMS is here to help individuals and families throughout the coastal region.


As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.


Thank you for allowing RCMS to be part of your healthcare journey. We look forward to continuing to support the health and well-being of our communities throughout the year.


📞 Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
📞 Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704
Primary Care • Behavioral Health • Dental • 7-Day Urgent Care

​Join us next month as we continue sharing resources and information focused on healthy aging, summer safety, and community wellness.

Cataract Awareness Month: Protecting Your Vision

6/28/2026

 
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June is Cataract Awareness Month, a reminder that healthy vision is an important part of overall wellness and quality of life.


Cataracts are a common age-related condition that can cause blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, and faded colors. Because cataracts often develop gradually, many people may not notice changes right away.


Regular healthcare visits and routine eye examinations can help identify vision changes early and support timely treatment when needed. Staying informed about your eye health is especially important as we age.


At RCMS, we encourage community members to prioritize preventative care and discuss any vision concerns with their healthcare provider. Early detection and routine health screenings can help individuals maintain their independence, safety, and overall well-being.


As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.


📞 Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
📞 Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704

​Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental, and Urgent Care services available.

Men's Health Month: Prioritizing Wellness at Every Age

6/26/2026

 
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​June is Men's Health Month, an opportunity to encourage men and boys to take an active role in their health and well-being.

Preventative care plays an important role in maintaining long-term health. Regular wellness visits, blood pressure screenings, mental health support, and healthy lifestyle habits can help identify concerns early and improve outcomes over time.

Many common health conditions—including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure—can develop gradually without obvious symptoms. Routine check-ups provide an opportunity to discuss concerns, monitor health, and create a plan for staying well.

At RCMS, we understand that healthy individuals contribute to healthy families and stronger communities. We encourage men throughout our coastal region to make their health a priority—not just during June, but throughout the year.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, RCMS provides care regardless of ability to pay—no one is turned away.

📞 Schedule a wellness visit today:
Gualala Health Center: (707) 884-4005
Point Arena Health Center: (707) 882-1704

​Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental, and Urgent Care services available.
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  • Home
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  • Services
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  • ABOUT
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    • Donate >
      • IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
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