June 2021
Caring Community Update
June 2021
Grief during COVID
One of the most profound changes during COVID has been the drastic departure from familiar grief practices. Families who would normally sit vigil at a loved one's bedside weren't able to do so, and many had to say "goodbye" over a video call.
Social Workers at Salinas Valley Health Medical Center worked to find grief therapy for the loved ones left behind, only to discover that Spanish-only grief support was not available locally. With help from the Hospice Giving Foundation and a matching gift from the Salinas Valley Health Foundation, a unique program was created to address this specific need.
Salinas Valley Health Achieves Magnet!
In May 2021, Salinas Valley Health Medical Center achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition®, the highest and most prestigious distinction that a healthcare organization can achieve for nursing excellence.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Update
Salinas Valley Health Medical Center has been a proud member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 1989 and since that time has raised over $15 million to support the healthcare needs of local kids. This fiscal year, the CMN Hospitals Program at Salinas Valley Health Medical Center provided $33,623.78 in Medical Needs Grants to 28 Children in the tri-county area, covering a variety of needs such as a hearing aid for a young boy in Soledad and a backup generator for a 3 month old girl in Boulder Creek to support her medical equipment in case of a power outage.
It is through generous donations from our corporate partners and the community that the Medical Needs Grants are possible. Thank you for allowing us to make miracles happen on the Central Coast.
During the month of May, Costco warehouses across the nation rallied together to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by raising funds through customer donations and associate fundraising. This year, our three Costco warehouses in Sand City, Salinas, and Santa Cruz held an amazing campaign to support local children’s health. Thank you Costco for changing kids health and changing the future!
May really is for miracles on the Central Coast. During the month of May, Bay Federal Credit Union also hosted their annual Miracle Balloon Campaign which set a record and raised over $17,000 for our local CMN Hospitals Program! Bay Federal Credit Union takes caring for community to heart and have been long time supporters of the CMNH Program at Salinas Valley Health Medical Center. They go all out with elaborate balloon displays, and every year the 7 branches compete in a friendly Miracle Balloon decorating contest. This year the Watsonville branch blew away the competition with their Miracle Carnival Balloon display creating an entire amusement park out of Miracle Balloons. Thank you Bay Federal Credit Union!
At the end of the month we are kicking off our Walmart Summer Campaign! Starting June 28th, you can stop by your local Walmart or shop at Walmart.com and donate to our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals program.
Individual Giving Update
The Foundation recently celebrated the kick-off of the
Employee Giving Campaign: Help Us Grow! Foundation Staff set up in the hospital cafeteria on May 26th to promote the campaign, sign up new donors, and give away fun prizes.
We have had 25 new sign-ups so far, and we are hoping there will be more
to come throughout the month of June.
We are excited to announce a new program that is launching July 1st: Partners in Excellence, an internal grants program open to all medical center employees. Employees with program or project ideas that would improve Patience Experience can apply for funding online. Our employees are the heart of our hospital community, and this program will empower them to make decisions around the use of funds donated through the Employee Giving Campaign, in partnership with our Executive Leadership.