Pete’s Perspective: Fall Updates

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

While construction of our new four-story garage is a visible sign of growth at Salinas Valley Health, growing to help our community rise in good health is something we achieve daily with steadfast focus on patient care. I am deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of an amazing team of staff who makes possible the continued expansion of our life-impacting work.

Increased Access

• More than 160 providers are supporting over half a million patients annually through the Salinas Valley Health Clinics, opening increased patient access to physicians who are board-certified in numerous practice areas with in-person visits and telehealth.
• Our PrimeCare physicians, with specialties in obstetrics and family medicine, offer a continuum of care from pregnancy through every age and stage of life.
• People living with obesity are finding new hope through our Lifestyle and Metabolic Program that provides comprehensive treatment including bariatric surgery.
• Expanded online appointment scheduling throughout our healthcare system makes it easier for our patients to connect with the services they need.
• Our Salinas Valley Health Retail Pharmacy, now open to Salinas Valley Health staff, will soon begin service to the community, providing rapid prescription fulfillment in a convenient and friendly setting.

Community Well-being/Individual Well-being

To help meet the demand for the behavioral and mental health services that the pandemic brought to a greater forefront, we have increased virtual care options. And, because we believe community well-being is the foundation of individual well-being, we offer a wide selection of free bilingual classes, workshops and programs. They range from fitness to financial health, educational opportunities, and fun events that bring families and the community together. We look to a future where our healthcare system is a partner in the individual and collective good health of everyone we serve.

Social Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships

As you may have read in earlier news headlines this summer, Salinas Valley Health is earning national recognition for some special achievements. Widely recognized for our medical expertise, we are now nationally recognized for collaboration and social responsibility. The Lown Institute named our organization as one of the top five socially responsible hospitals in the country based on health equity, patient outcomes and value of care. The American Hospital Association honored our collaboration with Montage Health on the Monterey County Diabetes Collaborative with its 2022 Dick Davidson NOVA Award – tribute to the effectiveness of this partnership in changing lives.

As we approach the start of the holiday season, I remain thankful for the rich diversity of the Salinas Valley and grateful for an exceptional team of staff committed to helping our community rise to good health and wellbeing.

Be safe and be well.

– Pete