Power County Hospital District

03/30/2026

In a small town, finding a doctor you trust is everything.
You're not choosing from a directory of hundreds. You're counting on the few who made a deliberate decision to bring their skills, their time, and their care to a rural community day after day, patient after patient.

That is not a small thing.

Today on National Doctors Day, Power County Hospital District is honored to celebrate Dr. Scott Conover, Dr. Brian Vause, and Dr. Brian Hopkins three physicians who bring exceptional care to American Falls every single day.

We are proud of our team.
Happy Doctors Day. 🩺

03/20/2026

This week we're celebrating HR Professionals Week and we couldn't let it pass without shouting out two people who keep our team running behind the scenes Kendra Sweat and Lindsay Anderson, we see you and we are so grateful for everything you do! 💙

03/13/2026

Ready to Play: Fact or Fiction Measles Edition.

Swipe through and see how many you get right.

If you have questions about symptoms, vaccination, or testing, schedule a visit with our providers 208-226-1057

03/13/2026

Idaho has had 22 confirmed cases of measels as of March 2026.
Bonner County: 1 case
Bonneville County: 5 cases
Boundary County: 6 cases
Canyon County: 6 cases
Kootenai County: 1 case
Madison County: 3
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Measles is spread via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, spit), it can aerosolize and remain airborne/in the environment for 2 hours (meaning anyone who enters that room within the 2 hour time frame would be at risk), and it can also be transmitted via surfaces (virus is on a surface, someone touches it, and then touches their mouth/nose).

Symptoms include:
High fever
Cough
Runny Nose
Red/Watery eyes
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Usually appear 2-3 days after the above symptoms begin)
Measles Rash (appears 3-5 days after above flu like symptoms begin)
This rash is very distinctive, red flat spots begin on the face at the hair line and spread downward (like someone dumped a bucket of red paint on their head).
Severe complication include:
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
Permanent hearing loss
Long Term Complications
SSPE, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Rare but fatal.

If you or a family member is experiencing the below symptoms
Rash
High Fever
Cough
Runny Nose
Red/watery Eyes or have been exposed to measles, please do NOT enter, call 208-226-3200 for the Emergency Department and 208-226-1057 for the family clinic for further instruction.

03/12/2026

Did you know in 1985, President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery after doctors discovered a cancerous tumor during a routine colon screening. At the time, colorectal cancer was rarely discussed publicly. Reagan chose to speak openly about his diagnosis and treatment, and the impact was immediate.

In the months following his surgery, doctors across the country reported a significant increase in people scheduling colon screenings. Public health experts even named the surge the “Reagan Effect.” Many believe thousands of cancers were detected earlier because people who had been putting off screening finally made the appointment.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms until it has already progressed. Screening can detect precancerous polyps before they ever become cancer.

One conversation in 1985 encouraged a nation to pay attention to their health.

This March, consider having that conversation with your own family. If you are age 45 or older, or have risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. Early detection saves lives.

Power County Hospital District is committed to supporting the health of our community through prevention, screening, and care close to home.

03/11/2026

Power County Hospital District would like to welcome Jordan Wickham to our Therapy team.

Jordan was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. He earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Idaho State University and went on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the University of St. Augustine in San Diego, California. He is also professionally certified in dry needling and has a special interest in treating neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and concussions.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors, including hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and golfing in the summer, as well as snowboarding in the winter. He is excited to join the team and looks forward to working with everyone.

Physical therapy plays an important role in helping individuals regain strength, restore movement, and return to the activities they enjoy.

Our therapy team works closely with patients of all ages to develop personalized treatment plans focused on healing, prevention, and long-term wellness.

Please join us in welcoming Jordan to the Power County Hospital District team. We are excited to have him serving our community.

To learn more about therapy services at Power County Hospital District or to schedule an appointment, contact our Therapy department or speak with your provider about a referral.

Or call to schedule 208-226-2476

03/06/2026

Power County Hospital District is pleased to introduce Dr. Brian Hopkins, DO, FAAFP, FASAM, who provides care for patients in our Emergency Department.

Dr. Hopkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Idaho State University before attending the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine residency at the South Baldwin Family Medicine Residency Program and went on to further specialize through the Full Circle Health Rural Medicine Fellowship. With five years in practice, Dr. Hopkins brings a strong background in rural healthcare and a passion for serving communities like Power County.

For Dr. Hopkins, a career in medicine was a natural fit. “I love problem solving, feeling challenged, and taking care of my neighbors,” he says.

Originally from Moses Lake, Washington, and Firth, Idaho, Dr. Hopkins feels at home working in a rural community. He especially enjoys the people who make up Power County.

“The patients in Power County are my kind of people,” he says. “Good, hardworking, rural-living folks.”

Dr. Hopkins values building relationships with the people he cares for and believes healthcare works best when providers understand the community they serve.

Outside of work, Dr. Hopkins enjoys lifting weights, playing sports, traveling, and spending time with his family. He jokes that one of his favorite hobbies is “picking on my kids.” He also enjoys flying and has a strong interest in aviation.

If he hadn’t pursued medicine, Dr. Hopkins says he would have likely become a pilot.

Dr. Brian Hopkins is part of the medical team serving the community through Power County Hospital District.

03/04/2026

Hillcrest Elementary School recently hosted its annual Kids Heart Challenge, and our American Falls community showed incredible support!

This year students raised more than $8,000 for the American Heart Association. Over the past 31 years, the American Falls community has contributed more than $180,000 to support heart health through this event.

We would like to recognize the top student fundraisers for this year’s Kids Heart Challenge:

Quincy Porath
Oaker Scherer
Orin Hoskins
James Pahl
Wyatt Colton
Xoie Silva
Dennis Enriquez
Ava Hawker
Brazyn Nichols
Amontae Meyer

A special congratulations to Quincy Porath, who was the top student fundraiser this year and raised over $1,000 for the event.

Power County Hospital District has proudly partnered with the Kids Heart Challenge for the past 19 years and provides an extra prize for the top ten students each year. We are grateful to support a program that helps teach students about heart health while benefiting lifesaving research.

Thank you to the students, families, and the American Falls community for continuing to make this event a success.

Top Step (Left to Right): Jacklyn Taylor CEO PCHD, Dennis Enriquez, Ava Hawker, Brazyn Nichols, Amontae Meyer, Kristin Pollard

Bottom Step (Left to Right): Oaker Sherer, Orin Hoskins, James Pahl, Wyatt Colton, Xoie Silva

03/04/2026

We’re excited to welcome Cecilia Lopez-Avila, FNP-C, to the Power County Family Clinic.

Cecilia is a bilingual Family Nurse Practitioner who provides care in both Spanish and English, helping ensure patients feel comfortable and understood when discussing their health.

She has a special interest in women’s health and rural healthcare and is passionate about building strong relationships with patients and families in the community.

Cecilia was born and raised in Idaho and chose to return home to serve communities like Power County. She believes healthcare in small communities is deeply personal and values getting to know her patients beyond their diagnoses.

Outside of work, Cecilia enjoys biking, gardening, reading, and traveling. One of her favorite local spots is biking along the Snake River.

Cecilia Lopez-Avila welcomes new patients and accepts walk-ins at the Power County Family Clinic.

Call 208-226-1057 to schedule an appointment.

Nos da mucho gusto dar la bienvenida a Cecilia Lopez-Avila, FNP-C, a la Clínica Familiar de Power County.

Cecilia es una proveedora médica bilingüe que ofrece atención en español e inglés, ayudando a que los pacientes se sientan cómodos y comprendidos al hablar sobre su salud.

Tiene un interés especial en la salud de la mujer y en la atención médica en comunidades rurales. Le apasiona crear relaciones de confianza con los pacientes y las familias de la comunidad.

Cecilia nació y creció en Idaho y decidió regresar para servir a comunidades como Power County. Ella cree que la atención médica en comunidades pequeñas es muy personal y valora la oportunidad de conocer a sus pacientes más allá de su diagnóstico.

Fuera del trabajo, Cecilia disfruta andar en bicicleta, trabajar en el jardín, leer y viajar. Uno de sus lugares favoritos en la zona es recorrer en bicicleta el área del río Snake.

Cecilia Lopez-Avila está aceptando nuevos pacientes y también atiende consultas sin cita previa en la Clínica Familiar de Power County.

Llame al 208-226-1057 para programar una cita.

03/02/2026

Power County Hospital District is proud to recognize Gayla for an incredible 30 years of dedicated service.

For three decades, Gayla has been a steady and compassionate presence for residents, families, and fellow staff. Her commitment to quality care, teamwork, and professionalism has made a lasting impact on our Skilled Nursing team and the community we serve.

Milestones like this reflect more than years on a calendar. They represent early mornings, long shifts, countless acts of kindness, and a deep commitment to caring for others.

Please join us in congratulating Gayla on her well-earned retirement and thanking her for the meaningful difference she has made at PCHD. We are truly grateful for her service and wish her all the best in this next chapter.

02/23/2026

The Power County Hospital Auxiliary is serving up comfort food for a great cause at their annual Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser!

📅 Tuesday, February 24
⏰ 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 St. John’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

Load up your baked potato with all your favorite toppings and enjoy a warm meal with friends and neighbors all while supporting a wonderful cause ❤️

💙 Funds raised will help purchase needed items for residents and patients in the hospital district.
💵 Donations are appreciated and gladly accepted for the meal!

Bring your appetite, bring a friend, and help us make a difference one potato at a time! 🥔✨

02/11/2026

Power County Hospital District is hiring! We’re looking for a Full-Time Accounts Payable Clerk to join our team in American Falls, ID.

This role is essential to keeping our financial operations running smoothly. The successful candidate will manage and process invoices, work with vendors, maintain accurate records, and support our administrative functions. You’ll be part of a mission-driven healthcare organization that provides quality care close to home.

What you’ll do:
• Review, verify, reconcile, and record invoices and reimbursements.
• Maintain orderly financial records and assist with weekly cash requirements.
• Communicate with vendors and internal teams.

What we’re looking for:
• High school diploma and proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Previous related experience (healthcare experience preferred).

📍 Location: American Falls, ID
📞 For more info or to apply: https://www.pchd.net/current-job-openings/jobdetails/15636/

Join a team that makes a difference in our community every day.

Job Title Type Category Expiration Date ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Full-time Non-Clinical March 31, 2026 CNA – Long Term Care Full-time Clinical / Patient Care Support April 13, 2026 Occupational Therapist General Clinical / Patient Care Support July 20, 2026 Volunteer Volunteer General December 31, 2028 Ge...