Overview

Community Benefit Programs and Initiatives

• 2005 Sonoma County SB 697 Needs Assessment (PDF - 119 pages)
• St. Joseph Health System - Sonoma County Community Benefit Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2006 (PDF - 57 pages)

Our Strong Safety Net

You may or may not be aware that thousands of people across Sonoma County have neither the money nor the transportation to access the basic medical services most of us take for granted. This problem is huge and growing: Children need cavities to be filled, moms-to-be need prenatal care, and senior citizens need healthcare services. I’m proud to say that St. Joseph Health System – Sonoma County is undertaking a Herculean effort to reach these community members and help them lead healthier lives.

At a time when some hospitals are scaling back on their charity care, St. Joseph Health System– Sonoma County is as committed as ever to its Community Benefit Department. Last year we invested nearly $2.3 million in free community outreach programs for people who have nowhere else to turn. We will not reduce this commitment, because it is a core value of our institution and part of the fabric of our mission.

Recently I spent a day with the dozens of people who run our Community Benefit programs, and it was an eye-opening experience to witness the amazing and indispensable work they do. My hope is that you can come away with the same understanding after you read about our Community Benefits programs. Read profiles of several of our programs, including pediatric dentist Cheryl Willett’s work at our dental clinic, the Neighborhood Care Staff, Circle of Sisters, and St. Joseph Hospice and Palliative Care services. What’s important to note is that our health system’s charity isn’t focused on merely providing free medical care—we’re working to build healthy, safe, and connected communities where people can thrive and grow.

I hope these stories convey the impact we’re having on peoples’ lives, and I hope they inspire you to take action and help your community in a positive way.

Sincerely,

George Pérez
President and CEO

Reaching Out

In the mid-1600s, a small group of women went into their neighborhood 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 happier places. Below are the highlights of our efforts to make a difference in Sonoma County.

The Community Benefit Department of SJHS-SC helps to breathe life into the Health System’s mission by integrating strategic actions that contribute to improving the health and quality of life of the people and communities we serve.

Through the development and implementation of the key strategic elements of Community Health, Healthy Communities, and Advocacy, both out in the community and within the Health System itself, the Community Benefit Department helps to generate positive health outcomes, fosters relationship and cooperation, and empowers individuals to care for themselves and others.