CIBOLA COUNTY - Recognizing that many individuals often play an important role in achieving the success of an organization, including those who often reside outside its four walls in the community, Cibola General Hospital created the Hall of Fame Award program. Nominees for the award must have exhibited commitment to the hospital and the community and have shown dedication to the healthcare field and the service of others. Physicians, board members, volunteers, and philanthropists were eligible. Hall of Fame nominations were submitted by members in the community and reviewed by a panel to determine the recipients of the award.

The hospital will host a dinner and dance to honor these Hall of Fame Inductees and celebrate 50 years of serving the community. The dinner will be on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Inn. Tickets are $35 each or two for $50. The local band “Common Ground” will be playing. For tickets or more information call Marcie at 287-6702.

Each inductee was chosen for their significant contributions to Cibola General Hospital over the history of the hospital:

Dr. Diane Banks was a long-time physician in the community. She will always be remembered as a beloved physician to her patients. She was known for her compassion for people and sincerity in her work. So many patients recognize her for her determination and perseverance in treating illnesses when it seemed impossible. In her nomination it was noted that Dr. Banks never gave up on her patients, sought out additional resources, and gave extra time to ensure they received proper care.

Dr. J.H. Fjord will always be remembered as one of the first physicians to serve the hospital. His involvement and personal contribution in the initial campaign to get the first hospital built was just one demonstration of his commitment to the community. Dr. Fjord was a physician who was devoted to providing quality care to the area. His countless hours of service throughout his career to the hospital, nonprofit organizations and his patients was remarkable.

Dr. Gilbert Gutierrez was selected for his lifetime contribution to the health of the community. Dr. Gutierrez came to Grants in 1956 prior to the hospital being built. He was the first Chief of Staff to serve the hospital in 1959 when the hospital opened. Dr. Gutierrez served the community until his retirement. As a long-time community physician, his dedication helped establish quality healthcare services in our area.

Frank and Zoila Holmberg were instrumental in the hospital's establishment and throughout its entire history. Frank Holmberg is often remembered as one of the founders and worked diligently to rally support from the community and raise money to build the initial facility. He consistently demonstrated a commitment to the hospital and the community through his strong leadership and vision. His contributions continued throughout his life as a Hospital Auxiliary volunteer, raising thousands of dollars to provide equipment and needed medical supplies. Zoila Holmberg was just as much a part of the hospital's history. She dedicated so many years to the Hospital Auxiliary, working at the Hospital Thrift Shop. Tragically, her life was taken while volunteering for a cause so dear to her heart.

Dr. Arnolfo Valdivia was a long-time community physician, whose dedication helped establish several healthcare programs in the area. He participated in research projects directed toward understanding respiratory carcinogenesis in former uranium miners, which was instrumental in the organization of the Uranium Miners Compensation Act. Dr. Valdivia's nationally recognized work in a smoking education campaign is also remarkable. In his nomination it is noted that his “driving sense of purpose” was apparent to his staff, patients, and community.