Dignity Health—Mercy Hospital Southwest Dedicates New Hospital Entrance in Memory of Beloved Community Leader, Beverly Camp
BAKERSFIELD, CA, AUGUST 11, 2025 – Mercy Hospital Southwest today announced the dedication of "Beverly Camp Way," a newly named entrance to the Thomas M. Hardt Tower, in honor of Beverly Camp's exceptional contributions to the hospital and the wider community. This dedication serves as a lasting tribute to Camp's leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving the underserved.
Beverly Camp played a pivotal role as the chair of the capital campaign for the Thomas M. Hardt Tower. Her fundraising efforts were instrumental in bringing this vital project to fruition, ensuring that the community has access to state-of-the-art medical facilities. Beyond her fundraising success, Camp was deeply involved in numerous charitable organizations, most notably Catholic Charities, demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of others.
Camp's dedication extended beyond financial contributions. She was celebrated for her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to serving the underserved. She believed that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserved access to high-quality, compassionate medical care.
Tragically, Beverly Camp was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2021, preventing her from witnessing the completion of the Tower project. Despite undergoing 20 months of grueling treatment, she remained steadfast in her commitment to the Tower and its mission. In fact, her diagnosis fueled her determination, as she recognized that many women lack the same access to quality care that she had. Beverly Camp passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.
“Knowing that this road will now bear her name, Beverly Camp Way, fills my heart with a bittersweet joy, " said Jim Camp, Beverly’s husband. “It means her spirit, her strength, and her unwavering kindness will forever be etched into the landscape, guiding others on their own journeys to healing. I'm so proud of Bevie. She did so much good for so many people, and this is a beautiful way to honor her legacy and ensure she's never forgotten."
The Thomas M. Hardt Tower represents a significant expansion of Mercy Hospital Southwest's facilities, providing state-of-the-art medical technology, enhanced patient care areas, and expanded services to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region. The tower stands as a testament to the power of community support and the transformative impact of philanthropic leadership.
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About Dignity Health California
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.
Publish date:
Monday, August 11, 2025