Trailblazer Remembered: Hospital and CA State Parks Unite to Celebrate Jane Pinheiro During 70th Anniversary
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Photo caption: Jane Pinheiro (far right), first board secretary for AVMC witnessing the groundbreaking of the future hospital on July 2,1954.
Jane Pinheiro was Antelope Valley Medical Center’s first board secretary
(LANCASTER, Calif., September 3, 2025) — In celebration of its 70th anniversary, Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is proud to announce a meaningful partnership with the California State Parks to honor Jane Pinheiro, one of the hospital’s original board members and a pioneering advocate for California’s native wildflowers.
As part of this tribute, the hospital will showcase a special exhibit of Jane Pinheiro’s original paintings, depicting medicinal plants native to California. Additionally, the hospital’s main gift shop will feature poppy-themed merchandise from the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, which is also named in honor of the late Jane Pinheiro. Patients, visitors and staff are encouraged to see the display on the first floor of the main hospital and to stop by the gift shop. The exhibit will be displayed from September 8 – 26, 2025, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
“We are honored to celebrate our 70th anniversary by recognizing Jane Pinheiro’s extraordinary contributions,” said Edward Mirzabegian, Chief Executive Officer, Antelope Valley Medical Center. “Her passion for nature and community reflects the values we hold dear, and this partnership allows us to share her story and honor her legacy.”
Jane Pinheiro was a trailblazer for her time—an artist, conservationist, and civic leader whose vision helped shape both the hospital and the Poppy Reserve. Jane was a founding member of the Lancaster Women’s Club’s Wildflower Preservation Foundation. The Foundation led the successful effort to create the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, a protected place where the state flower, the California Poppy, could flourish. Her legacy continues to inspire generations through her art and environmental stewardship.
“We are very pleased that she (Jane Pinheiro) is being honored for one of her many noteworthy contributions to our community and that her legacy is being remembered as part of the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Antelope Valley Medical Center,” said Margaret Rhyne, President, Poppy Reserve Mojave Desert Interpretive Association.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, one of AVMC’s logo colors were chosen to reflect the brilliant orange of the California poppy—honoring Jane’s enduring legacy as the “Poppy Lady” and as a homage to the Antelope Valley region.
To learn more about Antelope Valley Medical Center’s 70th anniversary and history, please visit www.avmc.org/70Years.
Photo caption: Jane Pinheiro (seated in striped dress) in a healthcare district meeting on February 26, 1953.
About Antelope Valley Medical Center
Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is the leading hospital in the heart of the Antelope Valley, delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the community since 1955. As a 420-bed, full-service, acute-care hospital, AVMC offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, advanced surgical procedures, maternity and neonatal care, cardiovascular care, and the region’s only trauma center, pediatric and inpatient behavioral health unit. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, AVMC is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.avmc.org, call (661) 949-5000, or follow us at @avmedicalcenter.
