Program goals

The mission of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. Through our community health impact work, we respond to evolving health care and community health needs by supporting initiatives that advance our mission.

Guiding principles

• We give high priority to investments that create positive, functional change and attempt to resolve problems at their source.
• We recognize and respect Marion and Polk counties' diverse regions and populations and seek to advance health equity through our programs.
• We believe that creative and sustainable solutions come from engaged community partnerships united toward a common goal.
• Projects must have measurable goals, tangible outcomes and a plan for sustainability.
• We aim to invest in the entire Marion and Polk region through a variety of partnerships.

Funding limitations

Funding is limited to $2,500 per organization. Larger requests are by invitation only. If you have an idea which requires an investment more than $2,500, please share your thoughts at community.relations@salemhealth.org to begin a dialogue.

Nondiscrimination policy

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability/disability, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or any other protected class. Applicants must adhere to similar standards in the delivery of services.

Criteria

• Events and programs must take place within Marion and Polk counties.
• Individuals, individual schools, sports teams, capital expenses, endowments and political activities or candidates are not eligible for funding.
• Organizations may not receive funding from Salem Health more than twice in a fiscal year (July – June).
• Events with a focus on the consumption of substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana are not eligible.
• Events intended strictly for the purpose of fundraising are not eligible.

Funding priorities

Salem Health’s funding priorities align with the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP), as well as Salem Health’s internal organizational strategies. Salem Health will consider the following as areas to invest resources to enhance our community’s overall health.

Access to health care

Access to health care, especially preventative and primary care, is the foundation of a healthy community.

Examples:

• Vaccine education and access
• Health screenings
• Coordination of care for marginalized and vulnerable populations
• Culturally and linguistically responsive care
• Telehealth and mobile clinic supplies
• Sports physicals
• Health fairs
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Health care workforce recruitment and retention

Community safety

Violent assaults and shootings are on the rise in our community. We believe everyone should live in a safe home, neighborhood and community. Salem Health works collaboratively with local partners to reduce violence and improve safety, resulting in resilient community and better overall health outcomes.

Examples:

• Community safety, violence prevention and intervention initiatives.
• Events and activities intended to build relationships and trust between citizens and law enforcement.
• Projects supporting safer neighborhoods.
• Safe weapon and medication storage.
• Community building activities for vulnerable populations.

Event sponsorships

In alignment with our mission and priorities listed above, Salem Health welcomes the opportunity to sponsor events that promote healthy behaviors and help meet community needs throughout our service area.

Examples:

• Community building events.
• Events that promote resiliency, belonging and wellness through physical activity.
• Events that create opportunities to build social connections, resiliency and improve emotional well-being, especially for underserved populations.
  

Process

• Requests should be submitted 90 to 120 days before the event.
• Requests are reviewed monthly. Requests received after the fifth day of the month will be reviewed the following month. Notification of funding decision will be given the same month request was reviewed.
• A contract for funds, along with an invoice, are required if the request is awarded.
• Awardees are asked to provide a brief outcome report. Failure to submit will affect eligibility for future funding.

Get started

Submit your request by clicking on the applicable box below. You will receive notification that your request has been received. If you have questions, please email community.relations@salemhealth.org.

News and past recipients

Salem Health is pleased to announce two Community Investment Grants — each totaling $30,000. These grants have been awarded to Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s (MWVCAA) HOME Youth Services. Both organizations help connect vulnerable populations with a range of services needed to maintain good health.

At Mano a Mano, a new community health worker will help low-income families that identify as Latinx or Hispanic find primary care providers. Health education workshops empower the families to make everyday decisions that support health. Peer-led community meetings improve resilience by building positive social connections in a culturally appropriate way. Critically, COVID-19 related resources and information are prioritized in these meetings, helping access testing and supporting contact tracers when a client is infected.

At HOME Youth Services, a new youth navigator will help underage youth experiencing homelessness connect to services needed (school, medical, dental, counseling, substance abuse, etc.) to achieve some stability as they enter Taylor’s House, an emergency shelter for unaccompanied minor youth. Staff training improves the behavioral health services provided to these youth.

“Achieving good health requires, among other things, access to resources,” said Leilani Slama, Salem Health chief communications and community relations officer. “Salem Health is proud to invest in community partners committed to creating environments conducive to health for vulnerable populations in our area.”

Salem Health is among the team of organizations that provide health care for mid-valley residents. Mano a Mano and HOME Youth Services work is critical because it addresses underlying issues related to health, which positively impacts outcomes for the people Salem Health serves. Their COVID-19 prevention activities are particularly important during this time to keep our families safe.