Our Commitment to You
2017
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
Each year, Sequoia Healthcare District provides grants through our Caring Community Grants Program that usually range from $10,000- $100,000 to non-profits that offer health services to District residents. Grants are awarded with an average amount of $50,000.
525 Veterans Boulevard Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 421-2155 www.sequoiahealthcaredistrict.com
Most years, these grants serve collectively more than 60,000 residents. For the 2017-18 grant cycle year, we awarded 36 grants totaling $2,063,500! We are pleased to support their outstanding work serving our residents’ needs.
Neighbors‌. I am very happy to share with you this annual report highlighting some of our recent accomplishments. The many programs that we offered or funded provided health care services to more than 60,000 residents, a number that would completely fill every seat in a football stadium.
Caring for Community
Sequoia Healthcare District values everyone that lives in our area from the very young to the most mature in age and everyone in between. We serve all income groups, all ethnic groups and all gender classifications honoring our rich diversity. Hopefully, through your review of this report, you will gain a better understanding and appreciation of our efforts on your behalf. All the best,
Lee Michelson
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Magic at Play
Kathleen M. Kane, President
We are proud to be the Spin Zone sponsor of the future Magical Bridge Playground in Redwood City, having contributed half a million dollars to the Magical Bridges Foundation. Redwood City has contributed another $1.5 million towards the $3.3 million needed in order to begin construction in October, 2017.
Kim Griffin, Vice-president
OUR MISSION: To improve the health of District residents by enhancing access to care and promoting wellness.
Jeffrey Shefren, Secretary/Treasurer Arthur J. Faro, Director Jack Hickey, Director
DISTRICT STAFF Lee Michelson Chief Executive Officer Pamela Kurtzman Director of Grants & Programs Glenn Nielsen HeartSafe Program Coordinator Heidi Stamper Executive Coordinator Jenny Bratton Program Coordinator
OUR VISION: To improve the health of our community through responsible stewardship of District taxpayer dollars.
Residents are encouraged to attend Board meetings held the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 PM at SHD Headquarters in Redwood City.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: sequoiahealthcaredistrict.com Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
Senior social isolation increases the risk of mortality; it affects the mental and physical well-being and leads to risky health behaviors. What can we do about it as we get older or have family members who we are concerned about becoming socially isolated? Last year, SHD in partnership with Peninsula Family Service launched 70 Strong Initiative, which comprises a free directory website, phone line and network of social workers who can refer you or the older adult in your care to 300 partners that provide local resources. Call (650) 780-7547 or meet with a 70 Strong community navigator in your area or visit us on the web at www.70strong.org.
Caring Community Grants
Healthy Schools Initiative Grants
SHD welcomes our newest community grant recipients. For a complete list of grantees, visit our website at www.sequoiahealthcaredistrict.org:
The SHD Board of Directors approved 15 school grants for the 2017-18 school year. The grants total $327,000 and cover a range of important health areas. A total of 15 grants were awarded, including three newly funded grants:
CASA (casaofsanmateo.org) works to ensure that all neglected children under the protection of the Court have an adult to help them. Become a CASA volunteer today.
City of San Carlos Adult Community Center provides lunch daily Mondays thru Thursdays and breakfast on Fridays for a low price. Vouchers are available to qualified seniors.
Kainos at the YMCA of Silicon Valley (ymcasv.org) offers persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to improve their fitness and mental health.
One Life Counseling (onelifecounselingcenter.com) offers programs like its Music and Memory program that uses customized playlists to unlock memories and alleviate mental isolation among seniors.
Jewish Family Services (jfssv.org) provides occupational and psychotherapy to children with developmental and sensory delays, and/or emotional and psychological challenges.
Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (pcrcweb.org) targets residents to address diabetes with fitness, diet and nutrition through their participation in the Pacific Islander Diabetes Health Ambassador Program.
Families United’s United through Education (Familias Unidas) promotes the progress of our community by teaching parents how to help and support their children.
Children’s Health Council’s Teen Mental Health Initiative (chconline.org) seeks to expand CHC’s work with teens and families with mild to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Initiative’s goals are to: Remove stigma Increase wellness Connect those in need to those who can help Reduce teen suicide
John Gill Elementary PTO’s Education Outside Garden Program teaches hands-on nutrition science and health education. Students learn where their food comes from and that they can be agents in growing that food. As agents in growing their own food, they may be willing to try new foods. Their bodies may be strengthened by time spent tending to the garden. In addition to the HSI grants, the SHD Board has agreed to spend almost $4 million dollars for school health programs for the school year. Support will be offered to all eight public school districts in our area. Together these school districts serve more than 28,000 children. For information on our programs and grants, visit out website: www.sequoiahealthcaredistrict.com/hsi.
Infant CPR Program Added Due to overwhelming positive community response, we now offer both Adult CPR and Infant CPR classes at our headquarters located in Redwood City as well as in the community at various sites. These popular classes are offered year-round, approximately once a week. All classes are 90 to 120 minutes long and are offered free to District residents. Since they are in-demand, we request that you register for classes through our website. We are also able to arrange for special group programs. To arrange this, call Glenn Nielsen, HeartSafe Program Coordinator at 650-421-2155 ext. 204.
Mission Hospice RWC Mission Hospice & Home Care’s (MissionHospice.org) new hospice house is under construction and scheduled to open in February, 2018. SHD is a major sponsor of this project that will have six family focused rooms for our neighbors facing their end of life transition. Pictured: Mission House San Mateo
Five Facts About SHD 1. Established in 1946 as California’s first health care district, SHD is a special district, not under the direction of the County or State. 2. Our area covers most of central and southern San Mateo County. There are about 220 residents in the District. 3. We are publicly funded by 1.3% of property tax dollars. 4. Our largest program is our Healthy Schools Initiative that works with 8 local schools districts and helps more than 28,000 children. 5. We are committed to returning to the community 100% of property tax revenue in health-related programs and services. Our community investment for the 2017-18 fiscal year is $11.8 million.