SJHS-SC invests millions to help those in need throughout Sonoma County

In the mid-1600s, a small group of women went into their neighbor-hood to build relationships with the community, learn about the people’s needs, and, together with their neighbors, find solutions through direct community action. These pioneers were the Sisters of St. Joseph—founders and spiritual leaders who guide St. Joseph Health System – Sonoma County. Nearly 400 years later, St. Joseph Health System continues the legacy and tradition through its Community Benefit Department.

Each year, St. Joseph Health System–Sonoma County invests millions of dollars into local communities to increase access to health care for vulnerable populations and to arm local residents with the resources they need to make their neighborhoods healthier and hap-pier places. Below are the highlights of our efforts to make a difference in Sonoma County.

More than 1,500 Sonoma County residents participate in St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Care Staff (NCS) activities. These residents—in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, Fulton, and Windsor—are building 12 resident-led organizations designed to address the needs of their specific neighborhoods.

Agents of Change Training in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION) is a companion program to NCS that builds the leadership skills of community members and local groups.

Sonoma County’s adult suicide rate is nearly twice the national average. St. Joseph Health System’s response to this tragic reality is the Quality of Life Initiative, a program focusing on mental health issues. St. Joseph engages more than 100 community stakeholders to enhance Sonoma County’s mental health system and increase access to quality care.

St. Joseph Health System Health System – Sonoma County’s Community Health programs promote health improvement by reaching directly into the community to ensure underserved people can access health care. Last year St. Joseph provided dental and medical care and prevention services to nearly 17,000 low-income and underserved children, frail homebound seniors, and adults.

St. Joseph Health System Advocacy Program works to assist vulnerable populations by developing relationships with policymakers and by targeting education efforts. The program lobbies legislators at the state and national levels on behalf of the residents of Sonoma County in order to ensure public policy supports healthy communities.

Circle of Sisters provides safe educational after-school programs for girls ages 10–14 to prevent juvenile violence and to promote healthy decision-making for youth throughout Sonoma County.

St. Joseph Health System provided 10,153 medical interpretations for non-English speaking patients who sought healthcare. This meets St. Joseph Health System’s mission of ensuring everyone has equal access to health care.