Sequoia Healthcare District is partnering with organizations like Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to increase access to quality, nutritious food. Read about a client’s story on page 8. Pictured here is Second Harvest CEO Leslie Bacho.
CEO MESSAGE
The Heart of Our Efforts
Dear Sequoia Healthcare District community member,
People often ask me, “Why does the District exist?” What is at the heart of our efforts? Simply put, we are only here to be of service to you, and the growing number of our community members who are struggling to maintain a sense of well-being and safety
It’s certainly clear that our world is going through uncertain times For many, including myself, uncertainty is difficult even under the best of circumstances When it’s compounded by the dire conditions of our world today, from climate change to war, to the dramatic Supreme Court Roe v Wade decision, this collective uncertainty has resulted in an unraveling of our social and political connections This can be found in our most intimate relationships and in our most public policy debates However, I believe if we learn to open our hearts, even people with polar opposite views, can be our teacher and our differences don’t have to push us apart.
At Sequoia Healthcare District, we have the opportunity if not the duty- to open our hearts to being active learners and promote solutions that help bring people together. We do this through supporting what people share in common, not what sets them apart. This report highlights how our work has centered around the common desire to experience good health, to feel safe and supported, and to have equitable access to food, shelter and quality health services
Achieving and sustaining these outcomes is a big task and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve so far Our successes are due, in part, to our hardworking staff and dedicated Board members along with our high-quality community organizations and other collaborators who understand our community’s priorities and are willing to confront the longstanding inequities that lead to poor health
Ultimately, social systems must change from within each community to improve equity and we know that it will take us to be curious, open to new ideas, and willing to listen and learn. It is easy to think, “I am not the problem. That other group over there is the problem.” Maybe the problem is all of us. And the solution, then, is also all of us. And that is at the heart of our efforts.
We also know it will take years to overcome. It is our goal, and our hope, that District investments will initiate and appropriately accelerate equity change in important ways And that is why we exist
In good health
Pamela Kurtzman, CEO
SHD Staff from left to right: Grants Director Jenny Bratton, Communications and Engagement Officer
Luz Garcia, Clerk of the Board Heidi Stamper, Director of School Health Ann Wasson, and CEO Pamela Kurtzman
2022-25 STRATEGIC PLAN
2023-24 Highlights
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We increased our level of engagement and support to nonprofits who work in the community spaces that are historically underserved or particularly impacted by health disparities.
INNOVATION
We developed an innovative solution to meeting our residents dental needs by working with San Mateo Health Plan and SMC Dental Society to promote the new Dental Learning Collaborative.
COLLABORATION
We collaborated with the new SMC Navigation Center to create an onsite dental clinic, local cities to replenish AEDs, Health Plan of San Mateo and SMC Dental Society on a dental learning collaborative, and the County Office of Education on mental health asset mapping.
COMMUNICATION
We published our 2023 Annual Report in Mandarin (in addition to Spanish) and moved our website services to Streamline in order to ensure ADA compliance. We also presented at local City Councils and tabled at many community events.
ADVOCACY
We are addressing the needs of our non-profit partners and using data to guide and shape our advocacy efforts.
Sequoia Healthcare District is committed to investing all property tax revenue into quality, high impact programs that enhance our community's health and well-being. We administer grants that serve our most vulnerable residents through three large grant portfolios: Caring Community Grants, Equity, Innovation, and Collaboration (EIC) Grants (formerly known as Community Impact Funds), and the Healthy Schools Initiative.
$21.8 M
Oral Health
Community Campaign
Increasing Dental Access:
11 NEW CHAIRS
To the left are the preliminary blueprints for the new SHD and Ravenswood dental clinic.
NEW Dental Clinic Coming To Redwood City
A significant transformation in oral healthcare accessibility is on the horizon for our community coming Fall 2025. In April 2024, the board approved a $6 million community investment to repurpose the District office building located at 525 Veterans Blvd. in Redwood City into a stateof-the-art dental clinic for lower-income residents. The clinic will be operated by Ravenswood Family Health Network. In addition, we will be embarking on an oral health campaign aimed at providing crucial dental information for our residents. Follow us on social media and periodically check back at seqhd.org to find out more.
Current building:
Caring Community Grants
SHD grants are made possible through your tax dollars and we diligently assure that programs and services we fund directly benefit you and/or your neighbors This year, $4 1 million dollars in grants supported a total of 60 in-district programs that served approximately 81,000 residents (compared to last year's 70,000 and the previous year's 65,000). This is an indication of the utilization and reach of the services offered by our partners to local residents.
Grant funding supported the salaries and wages of crucial program positions such as: executive directors, clinical directors, site directors, intake coordinators, fitness coaches, therapists, athletic leads, recreation coordinators, education and training, cooks and cooking instructors, community health nurse, administrative staff, dieticians, nutritionists, IT staff, case workers, early learning teachers, medical doctors, registered nurses, practicum student stipends, meal packers and meal delivery drivers, and bilingual counselors
A comprehensive list of our partners is located at the end of this report while a few are featured in our client and partner highlights following this page. We hope you are inspired by these client stories and feel motivated to learn more ways you can give back or donate to one of these organizations.
$4.1 M awarded
81,000* 60 grants
OUTCOMES AT A GLANCE
With the support of SHD funding, our non-profit partners are making a difference in our community. Below, we showcase a few in each of our 6 priority areas.
Food/Nutrition
560 residents
received home delivered meals provided by Peninsula Volunteer's Meals on Wheels program 5 days a week.
Health Literacy for Seniors
>1,600
Health Literacy for Youth and Adults
90%
686 of the SHD residents visits
were made to approximately 160 long-term care facilities by Ombudsman to ensure SHD residents have access to medical and social services.
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD)
90 clients
completed the Substance Use Disorder program at Casa Aztlan Men's Recovery Home and received screenings for mental health and primary health care needs.
seen by Kara for grief support reported an improvement in their emotional and mental health.
Clinical/Medical
945 clients received items
3,205
through the Medical Equipment Loan Program.
Mental & Behavioral Health
72 Peninsula Family Services peer counselors
recorded 1,582,980 minutes of counseling to 163 SHD residents.
Gabriel is a devoted father and grandfather from San Mateo. At 58, he shares a two-bedroom apartment with his wife, their children, and grandchildren.
After losing his job last November, Gabriel has taken on the role of caregiver for his young daughter and granddaughter while his wife works as a cook.
Despite their struggles, Gabriel is grateful for the support they receive: “I start thinking how much broccoli, fruit, and milk I’m going to get for my girls. I thank God for the people with a kind heart who help others because we are in need of this food. With this economy, we can’t afford it.”
NUTRITIOUS FOOD IS ESSENTIAL FOR KIDS AND TEENS AS THEY LEARN, GROW AND DEVELOP, YET 1 IN 3 CHILDREN IN SILICON VALLEY IS AT RISK OF FOOD INSECURITY. ACCESS TO FOOD FROM SECOND HARVEST HELPS BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER AROUND A NUTRITIOUS MEAL, PROVIDING NOURISHMENT TODAY AND CONTRIBUTING TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOMORROW.
Every Friday I say, ‘We’re going to get food today!’
We can't afford all the bills so we’re in need and that’s why we come here, to get food.
SHD responded to the ongoing food scarcity in the community by awarding SHSV with an additional $500,000 on top of their Caring Community grant award of $200,000 to ensure that families like Gabriel’s have access to nourishing food over the next two years.
Gabriel with his girls
Luis first came to the Samaritan House Free Clinic in Redwood City over nine months ago. For a while, he’d been feeling like something was wrong. “I was seeing changes in my body, my skin, and my eyes. Someone told me about the clinic so that’s why I came.” While Luis works a full time job and is able to make ends meet, medical bills were a challenge he wasn’t sure how to meet. Samaritan House’s free healthcare meant he was able to finally speak to a doctor about the changes he’d been experiencing. He was diagnosed with diabetes, which meant he’d have to make major changes in his life. A dietician helped him navigate new food choices and his doctor gave him a prescription to the Food Pharmacy. With access to fresh, nutritious food and medical professionals to help him learn how to change his diet, he was able to make changes to better his health.
Without my doctors and without this clinic, I don’t think I would have made it. The people here are the best.
According to the California Health Interview Survey, 8.1% of residents in San Mateo County are uninsured. The uninsured patients of Samaritan House free clinics are residents in the neighborhood. In spring 2024, SHD committed approximately $2.4 million over the next 3 years for the Redwood City Free Clinic. SHD 9
Luis with former dietician Jill Goldring
CLIENT & PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS
“In the year 2023 I suffered a stroke, which caused me to lose balance and mobility on my left side (arm and left leg). After I received the approval from my doctor, I joined the gym. My family and I started using the A.P.E. facilities. At the beginning of my rehabilitation I used the wheelchair to move from one place to another because I could not stand or walk. Now, after a few months of coming to the gym and exercising on the machines, I have been able to improve my physical condition, such as having better balance and being able to start walking again on my own. In this gym I have seen and met people who have motivated me to get out of this situation.”
Adaptive Physical Education is a fitness and wellness program designed for adults of all ability levels with physical disabilities or health limitations. For more, visit: adaptivepevmsc.org.
I am very grateful to the A.P.E. program!
Lesieli is a current Hope House client.
Hope House was a great fit because of its structure and stability.
Lesieli enrolled in the Hope House's Residential Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Program in late 2023 after she relapsed. Since then, she has had a new outlook on life: “It’s amazing to have a safe place to come home to, with accountability. It’s given me a new outlook on who I want to be and where I want to go,” she said. She is currently working at a local non-profit and is enrolled in school to complete her Substance Abuse SUD counseling certificate. She would like to help others who are struggling with substances live a healthy and fulfilling life. Lesieli has mended relationships with her family and continues to attend local meetings, including the weekly alumni meeting at Hope House.
Hope House program offers residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment (SUD) for women including those who are pregnant, with an infant, or postpartum and transitional sober living for adults. To find out more, visit: www.serviceleague.org
Alma Gabriela Reyes on an exercise bike
IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS
SEQUOIA HEALTHCARE DISTRICT HAS PLACED LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT IN PUBLIC LOCATIONS FOR ACCESS BY THE PUBLIC IN EMERGENCIES. DOWNLOAD THE APP PULSEPOINT ON YOUR SMART PHONE OR SCAN THE QR CODE FOR ALL THE LOCATIONS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
SAFE STRONG SMART
The District funded a series of virtual and in-person chair yoga and balance and brain classes during fall 2023 at San Carlos Parks and Rec targeting adults over 50 to improve flexibility and coordination and prevent injuries.
The Parent Education Series facilitated by longtime partner Parent Venture, continues to educate the community on a myriad of timely topics such as substance abuse, mental health, and digital media.
In 2024, SHD replaced over 132 aging Automated External Defibrillors in public locations and began exploring a comprehensive plan to engage non-profits in identifying their role in disaster response and recovery.
Sequoia: Strong, Smart, Safe
100 fall class attendees
30
virtual parent workshops
350
HEALTHY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE (HSI)
The Healthy Schools Initiative was launched in 2010 to provide health and wellness support to school districts in our catchment area. This initiative is based on the belief that good health is essential for academic achievement and schools play a critical role in promoting lifelong healthy behaviors.
During the 2023-24 school year, our Healthy Schools Initiative provided nearly $5 million of support in pursuit of these health and wellness goals. Funds were used to support staff positions (nurses, wellness coordinators, PE+ coaches, and school counselors) as well as grants for local non-profits to provide school-site programming and services in the areas of:
MENTAL
HEALTH & SOCIAL
EMOTIONAL LEARNING
COMMUNITY & FAMILY
ENGAGEMENT
HEALTH LITERACY & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
HEALTH & SAFETY & NUTRITION EDUCATION
The 2023-24 Healthy Schools Initiative (HSI) Wellness Team: Minah Shah (PVSD), Director of Healthy Schools Initiative Ann Wasson, Nell Curran (LLESD), Patrinia Redd (RCSD), Kristen Sevillia (BRSSD) and Chris Arrington (MPVSD)
Not pictured: Stephen Emmi (SUHSD), Sheila Brar (SCSD)
HEALTHY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE (HSI)
THE PARENT VENTURE
As they begin their 19th season, The Parent Education Series, a program of nonprofit The Parent Venture, is proud to offer inclusive, high-quality parent and community education to families served by Sequoia Healthcare District. The Parent Venture was founded in 2018 to extend the reach of their programming to more parents, caregivers, educators, health professionals, and community members.
From the beginning, we have partnered with The Parent venture, supporting their work to deliver timely, research-based education on critical issues mental health, substance use, digital media, and more that impact the health and well-being of children and teens.
This year, they launched a new Neurodiversity Education Series in collaboration with Silicon Valley nonprofit organizations (Children’s Health Council, REEL2e, Compass, The RILEY Project). We look forward to events on emotional regulation, executive functioning, gender identity, and digital media in the neurodiverse community, as well as a robust new 2024-25 Parent Education Series!
Parent Venture Video Series
Did you know the Parent Venture offers a FREE video library consisting of past events? We encourage you to explore it and delve into recordings covering a wide array of the most pressing topics.
HSI SCHOOL DISTRICTS
SHD has a long-standing history of supporting staff wellness at our school districts by funding programs that increase the well-being of school staff This year, another way we are making staff wellness a priority is investing in a new pilot program titled Integrative Wellness, a 10-class program to address. Read more to find out other ways we support our HSI Districts.
Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD)
SUHSD Wellness has grown tremendously this past school year. In particular MenloAtherton worked with their Wellness Youth Council to name and execute PAWS - Peace and Wellness Space. PAWS is a structured place where students can go to gain skills to cope with school and life. They are confident that students will get what they need and be able to return to class ready to engage.
Las Lomitas Elementary School District (LLESD)
Kindergarteners at Las Lomitas learned to ride two-wheeled bicycles during PE as part of the All Kids Bike program, which provides transitional bicycles, helmets, and a multiweek curriculum to schools. The District, therefore, is in the process of developing a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycling program that will teach and reinforce skills throughout the K-8 years, from safe walking to bicycle maintenance to proper e-bike use.
San Carlos School District (SCSD)
In the San Carlos School District, One Life Counseling mental health associates and interns provided one on one therapy to their students who are experiencing mental health concerns that are impacting the students ability to access their education. One Life associates work collaboratively with school site staff, counselors, and psychologists to ensure care is comprehensive and individualized to support each student. With our support, One Life associates provided 150 hours of therapy and collaboration with school mental health teams every week. This unique partnership with One Life Counseling allows SCSD to offer therapy services at school to students with emerging mental health concerns.
Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD)
MPCSD has been able to strengthen both the nursing and mental health programs in all schools. MPCSD recognizes the link between student health and learning and desires to provide a comprehensive approach supporting physical and mental well-being. One highlight of this past year has been their work with Project Cornerstone, partially funded by an HSI grant. This grant provided by Sequoia Healthcare District helped fund parent workshops and professional development resources to middle school counselors, paraeducators, and teacher aides to best support students and their families.
Belmont-Redwood Shores School District (BRSSD)
All BRSSD employees were invited to participate in a unique and exciting opportunity to strengthen their well-being and resilience. The Mindfulness & Wellbeing Workshop for Educators was a highly interactive and engaging workshop series where employees focused on themselves as educators. The Mindfulness & Wellbeing Workshop for Educators was made possible because of our partnership with the Sequoia Healthcare District and the Healthy School Initiative Grant.
PVSD continues to provide SEL (Social Emotional Literacy) and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports) to students in the form of a check-in/check-out program, buddies, grade level intervention meetings and more. Sequoia Healthcare District has been instrumental in supporting PVSD with both wellness initiatives (e.g., Universal Screener) and staff & community wellness (Care Solace).
Redwood City School District (RCSD)
With funding from SHD, Sonrisas Dental Health, a non-profit dental organization, provided oral health education and free dental screenings to TK and Kindergarten students, along with children in the CDC and SDC programs, in Redwood City School District this year. A total of 917 students were screened in the Redwood City School District, while other screenings took place with students grades 1-7 who were referred for a screening.
Portola Valley School District (PVSD)
APPRECIATING Our Non-Profit Partners
CARING COMMUNITY GRANTS
New Grantees
Belmont Rotary
Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
Catholic Charities
Children's Health Council
El Concilio
Family Connections
San Mateo Police Activities League
Upward Scholars
Whole Health for Youth
Food & Nutrition
City of San Carlos
Peninsula Volunteers, Inc
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
Society of St Vincent de Paul
St Anthony's Padua Dining Room
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
Adolescent Counseling Services
El Centro de Libertad / The Freedom Center
The Latino Commission Service League
Clinical
Mission Hospice & Home Care
National Center for Equine Therapy
Planned Parenthood
Behavioral Supports
Adolescent Counseling Services
Community Overcoming Relationship
Abuse (CORA)
Downtown Streets Team
Friends for Youth
Kara
Life Moves
One Life
Peninsula Bridge
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte
San Mateo County Sherrif's Activities League
Star Vista
Health: Youth & Adults
Ability Path
Adaptive P E
CASA of SMC
Edgewood
Jasper Ridge
PARCA
Redwood City PAL
Redwood City Together
St. Francis Center
Vista Center
Health: Seniors
Catholic Charities
Foster City Village
Jewish Family & Children's Services
Ombudsman
Peninsula Family Services
Peninsula Volunteers
Rebuilding Together
Villages of San Mateo County
APPRECIATING Our Non-Profit Partners cont.
HEALTHY SCHOOLS
INITIATIVE GRANTS
Nutrition Education
Adelante Selby
Each Green Corner
Sager Family Farm
School-based Healthy Living Program
Health & Safety
Addiction Education Society
El Centro de Libertad
San Carlos Charter Learning Center
StarVista
Health Literacy & Physical Education
Health Connected
Peninsula Community Center
St Francis Center
Mental Health & Social Emotional Learning
Acknowledge Alliance
Adolescent Counseling Services
Center for Wellness & Achievement in Education
Friends For Youth
Jasper Ridge Farm
Mission Be
One Life Counseling
San Carlos Charter Learning Center
Summit Prep
StarVista
YMCA
Community & Family Engagement
Parent Venture
United Through Education
Youth Community Service
EQUITY, INNOVATION, AND COLLABORATION (EIC) GRANTS
BGCP Psychotherapy
LifeMoves LVN
First 5 SMC
PJCC Pink Power
Pink Ribbon Good
Ravenswood
Samaritan House
SMMC Dental
SMC Health Foundation
SNAP Chef Club
EPiC - Woodside CERT
CWAE Integrative Wellness
SMC Navigation Center
Health Plan of San Mateo
Peninsula Volunteers Rideshare
Sonrisas Dental
ART FARO FOOD GRANTS
The Art Faro Food grants were awarded in collaboration with Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital.
LifeMoves
Friends of the Veterans Memorial Center
Karat School Project
Upward Scholars
Ecumenical Hunger Project
525 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94063
facebook.com/shealthdistrict
650-421-2155
@shealthdistrict
seqhd.org
We strive to return to the community 100% of the net tax revenue within three years in health-related programs and services
Our Mission:
To improve the health of District residents by enhancing access to care and promoting wellness through responsible stewardship of District taxpayer dollars. Vision
For all District residents to experience optimal physical and mental health at every stage of life
Board of Directors
Aaron Nayfack, MD
Ivan Martinez
Kim Griffin, RN President Secretary/Treasurer Vice-President
Jerry Shefren, MD
Director
William Fong, PharmD, JD Director
Staff
Pamela Kurtzman, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
Heidi Stamper
Clerk of the Board
Director of Grants & Partnerships
Ann Wasson
Jenny Bratton Luz Garcia
The 1st of 79 Health Districts in California
Director of School Health
Communications and Engagement Officer