April 21, 2012, Rio Rancho, New Mexico ~ The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center emerges from the earth like a steel rose in the desert.
A topping off ceremony was designed to mark the occasion of the last steel beam to be erected in the frame of the hospital. Everyone in attendance were allowed to sign the white beam right before it was put in place. (shown in the photo. placed horizontally, upper left corner of main structure) It was cool, very exciting and actually quite moving to imagine all the lives that will be impacted by the new teaching hospital, set to open it's doors to the public in June, 2012. Programs are already in place to teach and provide much needed medical care to the area, a school of pharmacy is also well on it's way. The horizon expands with a clear view of a brighter future for many people in need of the valuable resources found through it's corridors. The new medical center will soon be home to ground breaking research and learning new ways of treatment in specialty fields of medicine.
It is these moments; children, teens, parents, grandparents, generations... refer to as milestones; "Oh that was before SRMC, was built". or "Don't you remember the hospital was already up and running" when this or that occurred?" A facility such as a hospital in a city, town or community, resonates with people, those who will work, learn, depend on it and count on it being there in times of need. It is a public facility, part of a thriving infrastructure that defines the area, something people tend to take personally and call their own.
