It was 35 years ago that Dignity Health’s Mercy Hospital of Folsom and local resident Jessica Nicholson made history together. On January 24, 1990 Nicholson became the first baby born at the Folsom hospital. On Friday afternoon, the staff of Mercy Hospital gathered to celebrate this milestone with an impromptu birthday celebration for Jessica and the birth center. Local leaders, hospital staff, and the Nicholson family joined the festivities to commemorate the occasion on its anniversary.
“Being the first baby born at Mercy Hospital of Folsom has always been a fun little piece of trivia about me,” said Nicholson, whose last name was Pheasant at the time. Now a dental hygienist, she still resides in Folsom, more than three decades after her arrival marked not only the beginning of her own life but also a milestone for a hospital that has become a cornerstone of the Folsom community.
“My parents saved all the newspaper clippings and photos, so it’s always been a part of my story,” Nicholson told Folsom Times in a previous feature story on the milestone leading up to the big day Friday. “It’s not every day you meet someone who can say they were the very first baby born at a hospital.”
On Friday, Lisa Hausmann, president and CEO of Dignity Health’s Mercy Hospital of Folsom, led the celebration in the hospital’s lobby. Hausmann was joined by members of her staff, Interim City Manager Dan Haverty, Choose Folsom’s Joe Gagliardi, and other community leaders. Nicholson was accompanied by her parents and her husband as she was presented with a special cake, Mercy Hospital gifts, and a balloon bouquet.
It’s not every day you meet someone who can say they were the very first baby born at a hospital. – Jessica Nicholson
Mercy’s 35th anniversary celebration of its birth center highlights the deep bond between the hospital and the community. Jessica, the guest of honor, reflects a story of shared growth and connection. When Mercy Hospital of Folsom opened in 1990, it aimed to provide local families with quality care close to home, eliminating the need to travel to larger cities—a burden that posed health concerns for some expectant mothers. Jessica’s birth symbolized the start of that mission. Her mother, Vivian, vividly recalls the day and even remembers that the doctor was John Candy who also lived right in Folsom at the time.
“Jessica’s heart rate started acting up, so the doctors decided on a C-section,” Vivian shared. “It wasn’t what we had planned, but it was the safest option. At the time, I had no idea she would be the first baby born there—I was just focused on making sure she was healthy.”
Jessica’s father, Christopher, had his own whirlwind of a day. A close friend was in a serious car accident, and Christopher rushed to help while Jessica was being born. “He didn’t want me to worry, so I didn’t learn about it until later,” Vivian said. Christopher was absent from the traditional photo of mom, dad, and baby due to the chaos of the day. However, on Friday, the family had the opportunity to recreate the photo together.
Since Jessica’s birth, both the hospital and the community have grown tremendously. In 1990, the Family Birth Center recorded 109 births. By 2024, that number has risen to more than 800 annually. The center now offers state-of-the-art amenities, including birthing tubs and a doula program, to create a more personalized and supportive experience for families.
“Folsom has changed so much since I was born,” Nicholson said. “When I was little, there wasn’t much here. Now, the hospital and the community have grown together. It’s amazing to see how central the hospital has become to Folsom.”
Hausmann echoed that sentiment: “Jessica’s birth marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between the hospital and the families of this area. Her story is a perfect representation of how the hospital has grown with the community over the years.”
Nicholson’s ties to the community run deep. She grew up in El Dorado Hills and now lives in Folsom with her husband, Eric Nicholson. Together, they contribute to the community through Nicholson Music Center, a beloved local business owned by Eric’s family.
“My husband and I actually met through music,” she shared. “It’s funny because I rented my first guitar from Nicholson Music Center, and now, years later, I’m part of the family. Staying connected to the community has been such an important part of our lives.”
After the lobby celebration, the group visited the hospital’s birth center, where Nicholson and her parents reminisced about the day she was born. Hausmann gave the family access to one of the maternity rooms, which now features modern amenities and advanced technology. It was there that the family recreated the photo from the day Jessica was born—this time with her father included.
It’s special to be part of this milestone, the hospital and I have grown together, and it’s amazing to see how much it has impacted the community – Jessica Nicholson
As the hospital marks its 35th anniversary, Nicholson’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring connections that define Folsom. “It’s special to be part of this milestone,” Jessica said. “The hospital and I have grown together, and it’s amazing to see how much it has impacted the community.” She joked that if she lives to be 100, she might return to celebrate another milestone.
Mercy Hospital of Folsom continues to expand, with plans for new facilities and services south of Highway 50 to meet the needs of a growing population. “We’re investing in the future and focusing on making families feel supported during one of the most important moments of their lives,” said Hausmann.
For Jessica, being part of the hospital’s history is a source of pride. “It’s not just about my story—it’s about what the hospital represents to this community,” she said. “I’m honored to celebrate this milestone with Mercy Folsom and the people of Folsom.”
As the sound of a lullaby plays through the hospital halls to announce each new birth, Mercy Hospital of Folsom continues its mission of care, growth, and connection—one baby at a time. And it has done so more than 25,000 times since Jessica became the first.
Portions of this story were published in an original, full length feature on Jessica Pheasant and Mercy Hospital’s unique anniversary. Those wishing to view that full length interview and see additional photos can read it HERE.
