Northern Inyo Healthcare District (NIHD) will host a special Plaque Unveiling Ceremony on Friday, September 13, at 3 p.m. to honor posthumously the contributions of two distinguished leaders: former CEO/CFO John Halfen and Dr. John Ungersma, NIHD’s first orthopedic surgeon and a former member of the District’s Board of Directors.

The ceremony will be held in the Main Lobby of the two-story hospital, a facility that Mr. Halfen played a pivotal role in developing to better serve the community’s healthcare needs.

Honoring a legacy of leadership and service
John Halfen’s 14-year tenure at NIHD, first as Chief Financial Officer and later as Chief Executive Officer, was marked by his commitment to expanding and modernizing Northern Inyo Hospital. Under his leadership, the hospital evolved from a small rural facility into one equipped with state-of-the-art technology often not seen at other critical access hospitals.

His vision led to the successful passage of a General Obligation Bond and the construction of a new healthcare facility that met California’s seismic safety requirements, years before other hospitals. Beyond the physical infrastructure, Mr. Halfen championed innovative programs aimed at enhancing patient care.

“John’s leadership definitely extended beyond the walls of our hospital,” said Alison Murray, NIHD’s current Chief of Human Resources, who worked with Mr. Halfen. “While he preferred a more behind-the-scenes approach, he built lasting relationships with staff, patients, and the broader community. His dedication to the future of healthcare in this region continues to resonate within our facility every time a patient walks into the Main Lobby or the Emergency Department, or undergoes surgery in one of our three surgical suites.”

Dr. John Ungersma was instrumental in introducing specialized orthopedic care to the area, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment. His dedication to delivering quality care to rural populations, his quest for continuing medical education, and his surgical expertise elevated the standard of healthcare at NIHD.

In 1986, along with fellow orthopedist Jon G. Mclennan, Dr. Ungersma developed “the Inyo Nail,” an orthopedic device used to treat ankle fractures. The Inyo Nail, one of the first such devices studied in medical literature, reported faster recovery times and fewer complications. Ultimately, the orthopedists donated the device to further the advancement of sports medicine.

“Dr. Ungersma was a true healthcare pioneer in our community,” said NIHD Board member Mary Mae Kilpatrick, whose family received care from Dr. Ungersma. “His contributions went beyond medical practice; he served 18 years on the District’s Board of Directors, guiding the hospital through critical transitions, and was recognized statewide for his efforts as the Association of California Healthcare Districts’ Trustee of the Year in 2015.”

A lasting tribute

The event will feature the unveiling of two bronze relief plaques, each commemorating the significant impact of these men had on NIHD and subsequently the community. These plaques will serve as a lasting tribute to their enduring contributions.

“We invite the community to join us in celebrating the legacies of these remarkable individuals,” said Stephen DelRossi, NIHD’s Chief Executive Officer. “Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care has laid the foundation for the future of the Healthcare District.”

Families, friends, staff, and community members will gather to honor their lives and legacies, with light refreshments served following the ceremony.