Honoring Philanthropy
WINTER 2021
Message from our Vice President of Philanthropy The holiday season is a wonderful time to joyfully pause our busy lives and gather with family and friends to give thanks. And when we celebrate those for whom we are most grateful at Woodland Healthcare Foundation, we think of you. We are honored by your steadfast friendship and your dedication to the highest quality health care for our community.
Devere and Bob Garner were honored as generous supporters of Woodland Healthcare Foundation at an event in 2014.
A Life of Service and Generosity Devere Garner Talks about Her Family’s Legacy to Woodland Healthcare Fifty-eight years ago, Devere and Bob Garner began their dedicated service to Woodland Healthcare. Proud lifelong residents of our community, Bob and Devere’s involvement began during the campaign to build Woodland Memorial Hospital in 1963—four years before Woodland Healthcare Foundation opened its doors in 1967. Bob (who passed away in 2014) and Devere, were active in the campaign to build a new hospital, and, in turn, move Woodland Healthcare to its current location on Cottonwood Street. During their incredible years of volunteerism, Bob served as a Foundation Trustee for 11 years, and Devere volunteered for 20 years for the Woodland Healthcare Auxiliary Board, which manages the Hospital Gift Shop. “My husband was president of the Foundation before they even had a director. And I was a buyer for Continued on page 2
Your generous gifts ensure that Woodland Healthcare physicians and staff can offer the best care possible, using the latest equipment and treatments benefiting our families, friends and neighbors. Thank you for strengthening services at our hospital and clinics and delivering the highest levels of patient care and comfort to our community. During this special time of year, we send each of you our deepest appreciation for your support and wish you the warmest of holiday seasons. With gratitude,
Kevin B. Duggan Vice President of Philanthropy
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the Gift Shop for 18 years. We’ve been involved for a long time,” says Devere, and adds with a laugh, “I’m 92! I’ve been around for a while.”
Since Bob’s passing seven years ago, Devere’s commitment to Woodland Healthcare Foundation remains strong. “All of our donations have been from the two of us, not just from me.” Explaining why she has continued giving to the Foundation, Devere says, “We have always supported non-profits in Woodland and the hospital has always been the priority for us. We have seen the positive results of our donations— this is why we have always supported it.” Devere remembers that years ago, she and Bob made a gift that provided a piece of equipment for Woodland Healthcare that
was used in the Emergency Department. Shortly afterwards, they learned that it had saved someone’s life, the first of many. “It was really exciting and rewarding to learn about the impact of our gift.”
She and Bob also enjoyed making year-end gifts to Woodland Healthcare Foundation, a tradition she still honors. “To others considering donating, I believe it is a very rewarding contribution, and you do see results. The hospital has grown—and you can donate to any department you think is important. We’ve supported the Family Birth Center, the Oncology and Infusion Services, Advanced Imaging and Surgical Services, the Emergency Department, and more, but you can give wherever you feel will do the greatest good.”
Throughout her years in Woodland, Devere has always cherished its small town feeling, even amidst its growth. “Since my husband passed away, I have a group of friends, all younger than me. There are about 25 of us widows, and we’re all close-knit, and so supportive of each other. I’m lucky to have deep roots in this wonderful community!” Thank you, Devere, for your continued generosity and for your steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare for your family, friends, and neighbors. Your family’s philanthropy serves as a fitting and enduring legacy and Woodland Healthcare Foundation is grateful for your friendship, loyalty, and leadership!
Congratulations to Gena Bravo! Gena Bravo, MSN, RN, HACP, who serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nurse Executive at Woodland Memorial Hospital, was recently honored as a 2021 Woman of the Year for California’s 3rd Congressional District. Each year, Congressman John Garamendi recognizes outstanding women who reside in the district and have been nominated by their peers for demonstrating a clear commitment to their community through their leadership, volunteerism, and civic engagement. We're extremely fortunate that Gena also contributes her energy, enthusiasm and leadership experience as a Board Trustee for Woodland Healthcare Foundation. 2
Thank You for Strengthening Our Roots! Thanks to generous support from our community and employee donors like you, Woodland Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the successful completion of the $1.2 million
You Helped Someone in Need Receiving Cancer Treatment The recent inaugural CommonSpirit Health Concert for Humankindness was an exciting celebration of you, our donors, and our heroic health care workers. Locally, Woodland Healthcare Foundation raised support for the Angel Care Fund, helping women and men in our area with limited resources who are experiencing cancer, and providing assistance with the medical care and support they deserve. We’re excited to share the proceeds from the concert exceeded $15,000, ensuring that particularly vulnerable cancer patients are able to continue treatment, afford necessary medication, stay in stable housing, and more.
Strengthening Our Roots initiative, a community-wide effort to enhance our hospital and clinics.
Laboratory, Radiology, Surgical Services, and Woodland ClinicGibson Road.
Your gifts will enable Woodland Healthcare patients to benefit from upgrades and new equipment in the following departments: Behavioral Health, Cardiology, Emergency, Family Birth Center, Intensive Care,
We are grateful to you for your generosity, and for helping realize this vision for the best possible care for our community—for years to come. Thank you!
Thank you to all of our compassionate donors and to the event’s generous sponsors— the John and Eunice Davidson Fund, Roger and Judy Kohlmeier, Genentech, Oncocyte, and Western Health Advantage. You made a meaningful difference to someone in need receiving cancer treatment.
As an Oncology Nurse Navigator, Cindy Sucevich, RN, offers support with humankindness to our patients.
Save the Date for
Star Light Star Bright Beginning December 1, we invite you to visit supportwoodlandhealthcare.org to view a listing of those remembered through Star Light Star Bright. Your tribute gift will help provide safety and comfort for every baby born in Woodland Memorial Hospital’s Family Birth Center during their precious first days.
Donate here:
supportwoodlandhealthcare.org/slsb/2021
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Your Donations at Work 2021 Greatest Needs Grants
Each year, Woodland Healthcare Foundation is pleased to meet the most outstanding needs of our hospital and clinics through our Greatest Needs Grants. When you make a gift to the Area of Greatest Need, we ensure that your support is used to provide important equipment and programs that truly enhance health care for our community. This year, we were pleased to approve grants in eight departments, listed below and on the next page, totalling $463,621. Woodland Healthcare Foundation is deeply grateful to donors like you who generously made these grants possible!
Behavioral Health
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a new treatment option at Woodland Healthcare for adults with severe Major Depressive Disorder for whom other treatments have not been effective. This non-invasive, safe procedure stimulates areas of the brain to improve symptoms of depression, and can produce long-lasting results. This new treatment option at Woodland Healthcare will increase the level of care we can offer to our community.
ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Two new microscopes have doubled the amount of this equipment, ensuring a microscope is available in each of the four patient examination rooms. Advanced and easy-to-use, this equipment has helped ease the wait time for patients who need access to this important and frequently used diagnostic tool.
IV (Intravenous) Therapy
A vein finder device will increase our providers’ ability to visualize veins not seen by the naked eye or palpated by feel. Using infrared light reflection to create a map of the veins, this tool displays imagery which allows the caregiver to easily access the vein with the first attempt, resulting in improved patient satisfaction and comfort. 4
Internal Medicine and Family Practice (Woodland/Davis Clinics) Home blood pressure devices will be distributed at no cost to low-income patients, who will receive instructions on how to monitor their health from the comfort of their home. Because high blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of heart disease, providing these devices will empower and help vulnerable patients in our community.
Respiratory Therapy
A software upgrade in the EEG (electroencephalogram) Department will allow caregivers to access the most up-to-date studies available, helping them to provide the best care to neurology patients. An EEG is one of the key tests used to diagnose neurological issues and this technology enhances treatment to our patients.
Pharmacy
A portable freezer will store COVID vaccines on site and enable transport to other clinics. This specialized freezer is highly efficient and will allow our team to most effectively continue serving our community.
Surgical Services
Thirteen new Stryker gurneys will bring additional safety and comfort to patients and are easier for emergency transport staff to maneuver. These new, high-quality gurneys will replace outdated models in the Surgery Center.
Clinical Laboratory
Replacement microscopes will provide improved imaging with the use of LED lighting, crisper images with superior lenses, and improved ergonomics. These scopes will assist the Hematology and Pathology Departments and are used throughout the day to complete a variety of diagnostic tests for patients.
A Message of Gratitude for You
"We would like to thank you for our two new operating microscopes installed today in our clinic! They are the highest quality with the best optics. Having two new microscopes doubles our ability to see patients with ear problems. We feel very fortunate to have been chosen to benefit from our community's generosity, as it helps us take care of patients. Thank you very much for your incredible gift!" Our best, Dr. Matt Zavod, Dr. Craighton Chin, Berenice Ruvalcaba, Aleta Welch, and Kristina Harris—the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Team at Woodland Healthcare
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Thank You to Retired Board Member, Michael Chandler
Thank you to Michael Chandler, former Board Trustee, for his many years of volunteerism on the Woodland Healthcare Foundation Board. After 12 years of service, Mike recently retired from his role and leaves a strong legacy of service and dedication. His deep commitment to our community is exemplified in many volunteer leadership roles, including President of the Rotary Club of Woodland and Woodland Memorial Hospital Community Board Representative and Chair, and his current service as President of the UC Retirees Association Board. Now retired from a rewarding 45-year fire service
deserving local student entering the field of healthcare or emergency services.
career, Mike served as the UC Davis Fire Chief from 1996 to 2004, followed by service as the Yocha Deche Fire Chief from 2004 to 2012. To honor his father Herb Chandler, who lived by the motto “keep smiling,” Mike also contributes to a scholarship in his name, which, through Woodland Healthcare Foundation, awards a $1,000 scholarship annually to a
“The funds the Foundation raises truly do have a significant impact on Woodland Healthcare’s ability to offer the highest quality care by providing much needed life saving equipment and supplies, as well as support important programs,” says Mike. “I am very proud to have served on the Woodland Healthcare Foundation Board and do my part to help ensure that Woodland Healthcare continues to provide the absolute highest level of patient care.” Thank you, Mike, for your years of friendship, generosity, and leadership in our community!
Has your life been touched by a Woodland Healthcare Guardian Angel? Has a doctor, nurse, staff member, or volunteer provided special care that made an impact during your visit? In appreciation of extraordinary humankindness, many patients ask how they can express their appreciation for the care they have received. The Guardian Angels program provides grateful patients, and their loved ones, an opportunity to thank caregivers and other Woodland Healthcare staff who have made a difference in their life. To learn more, call (530) 669-5680 or visit supportwoodlandhealthcare.org/ways-to-give/guardian-angel-program
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Meet Your New Board Members Woodland Healthcare Foundation is proud to introduce our two newest Board Trustees. We’re deeply thankful for their commitment not only to high-quality patient care but to our community as well. We are honored they have joined us, and appreciate their time, experience, and fresh perspectives to help guide Woodland Healthcare Foundation’s goals and priorities.
Dr. Natasha Bir, General Surgeon
Julie Johnson, Manager of Clinic Operations
Dr. Bir has served Woodland Healthcare for 10 years and been a loyal, active donor throughout her career here. After attending medical school at UC Davis and training in general surgery at UC San Francisco East Bay, she chose to make her home in Woodland to be part of a tight-knit community and to live in a family-friendly location.
A lifelong resident of Woodland, Julie first became interested in healthcare at the age of 13, when she volunteered as a candy striper, helping the nurses at Woodland Memorial Hospital. After graduating college, she began her career with Woodland Clinic in 1992, became a manager in 2006, and currently works as a Clinic Operations Manager supporting the surgical departments.
She brings extensive leadership experience to the Board, serving as a board member of the Woodland Clinic Medical Group, a member of the Medical Executive Committee and former Chair of the Surgery Department, as well as the former Perioperative Medical Director for Woodland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bir says, “Woodland Healthcare administration, staff, and physicians are incredibly devoted to our patients, and it is truly a privilege to be part of this healthcare team.”
Married for 38 years, she raised two daughters and is a proud grandparent. Julie’s husband owns a heating and air conditioning business in Woodland, which has proudly served the community for over 50 years. “As a Board Trustee, I believe I can contribute a fresh perspective from the clinic side as I have supported multiple departments over the years,” Julie says. “Most importantly, I love working with our patients and the community.” 7
Non Profit US Postage Paid Sacramento, CA Permit #604 1321 Cottonwood Street, Suite 207 Woodland, CA 95695 supportwoodlandhealthcare.org 530.669.5680 (o) 530.669.5689 (f)
Woodland Healthcare Foundation
Your Year-End Giving Makes a Difference!
Officers Thomas Schwarzgruber, Chair Michael Pirruccello, MD, Vice Chair
Eric Sharp, Secretary Marcus Ullrich, Treasurer
Board of Trustees Natasha Bir, MD Gena Bravo, MSN, RN, HACP Kevin Duggan Peter Fayé, IV Vicki Fayé Kevin Haarberg Ernest Hodges
Julie Johnson Roger Kohlmeier Marianne MacDonald Dennis Miller Aaron Schmoekel Christina Stokke, RN Jan Whittle
Use the enclosed envelope or give securely online at Philanthropy Team Kevin Duggan, Vice President of Philanthropy
Kevin Sanchez, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Kendra Martin, Manager of Philanthropy
Jenine Ramirez, Administrative Coordinator
www.supportwoodlandhealthcare.org Thank you for your generosity! Questions or comments about this newsletter? We welcome your feedback. Contact us at woodlandhealthcarefoundation@ dignityhealth.org or (530) 669-5680 to share your comments or sign up for an electronic version of Honoring Philanthropy.