Salem Health seeks new partnerships for healthier communities

Salem Health welcomes Marion and Polk county organizations to apply for its 2016 Community Partnership Grant program.

Ideal applicants are those who share Salem Health’s commitment to improve the health and well-being of the community. Grant amounts generally range from $20,000 to $50,000, and applicants must meet the minimum requirements.

“Healthy communities are a team project,” said Sharon Heuer, director of community benefit at Salem Health. “It is a privilege for Salem Health to partner with like-minded organizations.”

Current priorities for projects include:

• Diabetes prevention and control
• Mental health
• Medical transportation

Earlier this year, Salem Health joined with four organizations by awarding nearly $170,000 in these Community Partnership Grants:

• Salvation Army of Salem: Received $50,000 to hire a qualified mental health professional to work with people who have mental health barriers residing in the shelter serving homeless adults in Marion and Polk counties.
• Oregon State University Extension Service: Awarded $49,940 to expand the Just Walk Salem program into six high school feeder neighborhoods. The grass-roots movement aims to increase physical activity and reduce diabetes through organized neighborhood walking groups.
• HOME Youth & Resource Center: Received $41,537 to extend its current services to seven days a week, filling a community gap in resources. The center strives to meet the needs of Salem’s at-risk and homeless youth.
• Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties: Awarded $27,000 to expand its Healthy Lifestyles Education Program to include diabetes education and prevention among low-income youth and their families. 

For more information regarding eligibility, application criteria and deadlines, visit salemhealth.org/about/community/community-partnership-grants.

Salem Health is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. The prestigious 2015 Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals named Salem Hospital among the highest performing hospitals in the nation—and the only Oregon hospital, and one of two Pacific Northwest hospitals, to receive this honor. “Like” us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter; and view us at YouTube.