Advocacy

The Health system advocates for vulnerable populations by developing relationships with policy-makers and by targeted education efforts.

• Area Advocacy

  By promoting grassroots advocacy and engaging persons of influence, Area Advocacy works to affect social and public policy change in order to promote both community health and healthy communities.

  Visit the system-wide St. Joseph Health System Advocacy web site.

• The Circle of Sisters Program

  A strategic initiative providing safe, fun after-school program for at-risk girls, age 10 to 14, that promotes healthy decision-making for youth, instills self-esteem, confidence, and positive values. It is currently offered in Guerneville, Sonoma, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa.

  Girls at Risk

  Fun and friends are the immediate draw for girls like Frias, ages 10–14. But when St. Joseph Health System – Sonoma County created this free after-school program in 2000, it had a bigger agenda: decreasing female juvenile violence—a big problem in Sonoma County. In 2003 alone, female juvenile violence in the county increased by 29 percent.

  "When girls ages 10–14 don’t learn good decision-making skills and don’t have an appropriate outlet for their emotions, they may end up using drugs and alcohol, acting out violently, or doing things they don’t want to do because they don’t have the confidence to say no," says Amy Chevrolet, program supervisor for Circle of Sisters. "That’s why Circle of Sisters is so important. We’ve created a safe and nurturing environment where girls can explore issues, connect with peers, enhance their self-esteem and confidence, and learn social and life skills."

  Positive Results

  At seven sites across Sonoma County—four schools and three centers at a housing development—120 girls meet twice a week for Circle of Sisters. A session typically begins with a journaling exercise, in which the girls write about a topic such as trust, conflict resolution, peer pressure, or body image. Then they form a circle and share their experiences. "This develops their confidence," says Chevrolet. "They discover that they have something important to share."

  The session continues with other activities—from cooking or yoga to guest speakers on everything from sexual assault prevention to photography. The girls help each other with their homework. "We’re giving them an opportunity to feel empowered and have a sense of belonging," says Chevrolet.

  Feedback on the program has been overwhelmingly positive. "Parents have told me that their daughters know how to handle conflicts better and get in fewer fights," says Chevrolet.

  For Frias, now 15, the program made such an impact that she has come back to help as a volunteer and mentor for younger girls. "Circle of Sisters has helped me learn a lot about myself," she says. "I’m more confident and outgoing, and I’m willing to step up and take on the role of a leader."

  For more information, please contact Amy Chevrolet at 525-5311 and visit Circle of Sisters web site.

• Medical Interpreters

  Bilingual interpreters are available for staff to access in order to facilitate delivery of highest quality care to Spanish-speaking patients and family members. Services are currently offered at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital 24 hours a day, and at Petaluma Valley Hospital from 8:30am to 11:30pm Monday through Friday, and 9:30am to 11:30pm Saturday and Sunday.
  
  For more information, please contact Melinda Rivera at 522-1567.