Nine year old Hazel Hawkins died from an appendicitis. Because Hollister did not have a hospital, little Hazel Hawkins had to endure a two-day buggy ride into Monterey County. The tragic death of Mr. T. S. Hawkins granddaughter; his Little Sunshine, led him to make a public commitment that no other member of this community would have to die for lack of adequate health facilities.

Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, originally located on Monterey and Hawkins Street in Hollister, was presented to the public November 13, 1907, and served as the community's principal hospital until the new district hospital was completed. The issue of Hospital District formation was submitted to voters and passed by a margin of two to one on December 10, 1957. The dedication of the new District hospital on Sunset Drive was June 13, 1962; the first patients were admitted on June 19, 1962.