We look to the future with confidence, in part because of our legacy of service and ability to implement transformative change to meet the evolving needs of the community. As we marked the organization’s 70th anniversary, we launched our new identity as Salinas Valley Health. Through the decades, we have celebrated many milestones together and overcome challenges. As an infectious disease specialist, it was a privilege to be part of our collective determination for safety during the pandemic. From outreach and education to providing large scale vaccination clinics, we emerged stronger and more connected.
Quality care is a cornerstone at Salinas Valley Health. We innovate to bring groundbreaking medical technologies while concurrently focusing on recognized best patient safety practices. We aim high to achieve results, not receive accolades, and in doing so, accomplish both. Salinas Valley Health has earned multiple recognitions including consistently maintaining a Leapfrog Patient Safety A grade and a 4 Stars CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating.
Our Magnet Recognition® for nursing excellence is enjoyed by only 10% of medical centers nationwide. Our nurses are among the best in the country, many of them homegrown through our Salinas Valley Health career programs and partnership with Hartnell College. Our nurses will be the first to tell you the prestigious Magnet® designation is a team effort, only achievable and sustainable with the partnership and support of our Board of Directors, executive leadership and entire staff.
The quality of our inpatient care is matched only by our efforts to keep our community healthy and out of the hospital. Despite national and local challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare providers, our Salinas Valley Health Clinics have grown from 21,000 patient visits in 2014 to more than 550,000 today. Our investments include building a rural health clinic in Gonzales and operating a Mobile Clinic delivering free healthcare in medically underserved areas (surpassing 15,000 patient visits in just four years).
We are co-owners of Aspire Health, which offers the only locally owned Medicare Advantage insurance plan, and are partners in the value-based Trio health plan offered by Blue Shield of California. We remain proactive wellness partners within the community through a variety of programs including our co-sponsorship (with Taylor Farms and Montage Health) of Blue Zones Project Monterey County.
Without question, what inspires me the most with respect to our ability to effect a positive impact on the health of our community are the people who make up Salinas Valley Health. We are part of the fabric of this community. If you haven’t experienced our staff commitment on a personal level, this report gives insight into our profound dedication, compassion, and quest to provide our patients and community with exceptional health.
Salinas Valley Health was founded by visionaries in Salinas Valley, is owned and governed by the people of the district, and proudly strives to serve everyone in our community.
