Photos by Mary Alice Murphy 

From left are volunteer servers, Rennie Mariscal, Barbara Barela-Ontiveros, Michelle Carillo and Rexine Sierra.Gila Regional Medical Center held a celebratory cook-out the day after the County Commission on July 19, 2018, made the decision to keep the hospital county-owned and community-managed

David Carter, an orthopedic nurse at GRMC for 14 years, said he was glad to see the decision. "We have a good hospital, but we do have to do some work."

Doug Oakes, marketing director, shovels out heaping bowls of ice cream

Irene Arzola said one word: "Relieved." Eileen Smith, Auxiliary member said she was glad to see yesterday's vote. Trustees Jeannie Miller and Tony Trujillo said the were relieved and elated. Trustee Chairman Mike Morones said when Chief Executive Officer Taffy Arias texted her executive assistant, JoAnn Holguin, about the result, Holguin went on the intercom and announced the decision, she could hear cheers and applause throughout the hospital.

Chief Nursing officer Peggy White's reaction? "Now we can get to work."

Board of Trustee members celebrate with lunch and dessert. From left are Trustee Jeannie Miller, recently retired Trustee Jeremiah Garcia, Trustee Chairman Mike Morones and Trustee Tony Trujillo.