Exchange Bank Becomes First HeartSafe Financial Business

Exchange Bank LogoPetaluma Health Care District (PHCD) is proud to announce that Exchange Bank, the largest Sonoma County-headquartered community bank, has joined its HeartSafe Community initiative (HSC), a formal effort to decrease the number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by strengthening the community’s response to SCA through life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) installation and training. In February, recognized as National Heart Month, Exchange Bank will begin the process of becoming a HeartSafe Business by installing AEDs at nine of its locations throughout Sonoma County and offering expanded CPR certification and trainings to its employees.

“We are thrilled to add Exchange Bank to the growing number of HeartSafe Businesses that are proactively helping to ensure its customers, employees and the residents of our community know how to respond quickly and efficiently to a sudden cardiac emergency,” said PHCD CEO Ramona Faith. “Exchange Bank has always demonstrated a unique dedication to the community, with this effort as a prime example of showing its employees and customers that it prioritizes their health and safety.”

Exchange Bank AED Demo 3PHCD launched HSC in 2013 to strengthen Southern Sonoma County’s response to cardiac emergencies and increase survival rates through CPR and AED certification and trainings, strategic AED installation, maintenance and registration, and heart health education. The initiative is led by PHCD in collaboration with the Petaluma Fire Department, Coastal Valley Emergency Medical Services, St. Joseph Health, Arrow Benefits Group, Rancho Adobe Fire District, Petaluma City Schools, Save Lives Sonoma and the American Heart Association (AHA). HSC is managed by Healthquest CPR, an authorized AHA training center and service of PHCD.  In June 2015, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Petaluma City Council formally designated Petaluma a “HeartSafe Community.”

Throughout the month of February, Exchange Bank will install AEDs in its three main offices in Santa Rosa and in six branch locations: Rohnert Park; Cotati; Petaluma Main; Healdsburg; Reinking (Montgomery Village); and Sebastopol.

“As a true community bank, the decisions we make in running our business come down to what is best for our customers and employees – and this mentality surely extends to wellness and safety initiatives. While we’ve offered CPR training to our employees for some time, partnering with PHCD and the HeartSafe Community initiative will take our rescue ready efforts to the next level, ensuring that even more employees are trained not only in CPR, but in using an AED,” said Exchange Bank’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources Lori Zaret. “PHCD made the process of becoming a HeartSafe Business so simple, answering any and all questions we had along the way and guiding us in putting a process in place that ensures our use of AEDs are covered by the Good Samaritan law and that there is no liability for use or non-use. We hope to be a role model to additional businesses in the community looking to implement this life-changing program.”

In addition to partnering with local businesses, PHCD and HSC are working with school districts to implement AED installations, along with staff trainings and maintenance plans to ensure ongoing compliance and safety. For example, the Petaluma City Schools District is the first district in Sonoma County to become HeartSafe, which includes a cardiac emergency response plan, a designated emergency response team, installation of AEDs with corresponding maintenance plans, and staff certification and training at each of its school sites. Similarly, Shoreline Unified School District has also become HeartSafe through PHCD’s initiative, becoming the first district in Marin County to do so. More broadly, HSC in 2015 certified 1,965 community members in CPR, with an additional 1,000 trained in hands-only CPR. Further, 33 AEDs were installed at various sites throughout Southern Sonoma County. All AED installations included an AED maintenance plan that fosters ongoing compliance to ensure devices and community members are prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. In 2015, PHCD also introduced the “Golden Heart Award,” honoring nine residents who used their CPR training to save a life.

“We applaud and thank all of our partners who have made a commitment to be ‘HeartSafe’. With AED ownership comes a responsibility to understand that having an AED placed at your business, school or community center is really just the first step. PHCD, along with the rest of our HSC partners, are educating the community that AEDs must be properly maintained and in compliance with new state and federal law to ensure that they are always ready in the event of a cardiac emergency,” added Faith. “Our HSC initiative offers specific programs based on the unique needs of our members. Maintenance is very minimal and we provide all instructions and training to help ensure ongoing compliance. There is nothing worse than thinking you are prepared for a life threatening situation when you actually aren’t. Our program is saving lives.”

Alarmingly, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and Sonoma County. In support of countywide comprehensive heart health efforts, PHCD and HSC has aligned with Hearts of Sonoma County, a three year Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Initiative spearheaded by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services to reduce heart attacks and strokes by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

If you would like to purchase an AED, have questions about an existing AED, or would like CPR/AED training, please contact Healthquest CPR at 707-766-9226 or [email protected].

PHCD Boasts of Community Health, Wellness Achievements and Giving

Petaluma Health Care District Annual Report for 2015 shows $300,000 Worth of Support Donated to Local Organizations and a Record Number of Recognitions and Awards for the District

Garden of Eatin'
A preschooler picks vegetables grown in the Garden of Eatin’ at the North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC), a PHCD sponsorship funding recipient. NBCC provides free or low-cost high quality preschool to low income children in Southern Sonoma County

The Petaluma Health Care District (PHCD) is proud to report that over the 2014-2015 fiscal year, it contributed $300,000 in charitable funds, sponsorships and in-kind support to Southern Sonoma County nonprofit programs and services. More than $110,000 in direct funds were dispersed to improve local health services and aid prevention and wellness, youth programs, health education and housing. This total represented an additional $43,000 in direct giving from the previous year. A full report on PHCD’s fiscal year accomplishments and philanthropic support can be found here.

PHCD’s philanthropic support is generated not from community fundraising, but rather via profits earned from direct services, such as “Lifeline of the North Bay,” Healthquest Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) trainings and automated external defibrillator (AED) sales; the leasing of Petaluma Valley Hospital; rental property and investments; and grant funding.

“PHCD is honored to serve as Southern Sonoma County’s health care advocate, a role we take seriously,” said PHCD CEO Ramona Faith. “We work hard every day to identify pathways, partnerships and programs that contribute to the health awareness and wellness of the community we serve.”

Petaluma Health Care District is presented with the “Healthcare District of the Year Award” from the Association of California Healthcare Districts. Back row from left to right: David McGhee, CEO, Association of California Healthcare Districts; Elece Hempel, President, Petaluma Health Care District Board of Directors; Samuel “Mike” McCreary, Chairman, Association of California Healthcare Districts Board of Directors Front row from left to right: Josephine Thornton, Treasurer, Petaluma Health Care District Board of Directors; Ramona Faith, CEO, Petaluma Health Care District
Petaluma Health Care District is presented with the “Healthcare District of the Year Award” from the Association of California Healthcare Districts.
Back row from left to right: David McGhee, CEO, Association of California Healthcare Districts; Elece Hempel, President, Petaluma Health Care District Board of Directors; Samuel “Mike” McCreary, Chairman, Association of California Healthcare Districts Board of Directors
Front row from left to right: Josephine Thornton, Treasurer, Petaluma Health Care District Board of Directors; Ramona Faith, CEO, Petaluma Health Care District

PHCD bases its advocacy, community partnerships and giving on local community health assessments, whereby the district studies and identifies Southern Sonoma County’s most pressing health needs. PHCD delivers data-driven and solutions-oriented health promotions, illness prevention programs, and healthy lifestyle choice and social change campaigns, essential to improving health outcomes within the community’s diverse communities.

In 2015, PHCD was named the “Healthcare District of the Year” by the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD). The award, given to just one out of 78 districts statewide, recognized the district’s model of convening unconventional partners across all sectors to take action and improve local health issues, and highlighted two of PHCD’s community initiatives, Community Health Initiative of the Petaluma Area (CHIPA) and HeartSafe Community (HSC).

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Petaluma Health Care District Appoints Local Financial Advisor Joseph Stern to Board of Directors

Petaluma Health Care District (PHCD), a community owned and operated public agency working to improve the health and well-being of Southern Sonoma County residents through leadership, advocacy, support, partnerships and education, proudly welcomes Member at Large Joseph Stern to its Board of Directors. Filling the seat recently vacated by Petaluma Health Center CEO Kathie Powell, Stern’s appointment begins immediately and will run through the current term ending in Nov. 2016, at which point a general election will be held. Stern is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Petaluma and has been a resident of the community for the past 14 years.

PHCD’s Board of Directors is a publicly-elected five-member board made up of community volunteers serving four-year terms and working in coordination with CEO Ramona Faith. Board members may serve consecutive terms. In addition to Stern, the current board includes President Elece Hempel, Vice President Dr. Robert Ostroff, Treasurer Josephine Thornton and Secretary Fran Adams. Following Powell’s resignation effective July 14, 2015, the Board posted a Notice of Vacancy soliciting applications for appointment. Upon review of the applicants and public comments, Stern was appointed to the position on Sept. 3 and has been cleared of any potential conflicts, a standard practice for those serving on a public board.

“We are greatly looking forward to adding Joe’s analytical viewpoint, financial expertise and community-minded dedication to PHCD’s Board,” said Faith. “We sincerely appreciate the interest all the applicants have taken in our work, and thank Joe for his willingness to make this commitment for the betterment of our community.”

“I have been honored to serve as a member of PHCD’s Board of Directors for the past eight years and am so proud of the strides we have made towards improving the health status of our community,” said Powell. “I look forward to continuing to partner with the District on strengthening the spectrum of health services available for all residents. PHCD is a critical resource and steadfast advocate for addressing health inequities in our community.”

Stern has been a financial advisor for more than 20 years, working with clients in the community on a range of investment needs, from retirement planning to saving for college to individual estate issues. Deeply involved in Petaluma and Sonoma County, he has served on committees for the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Club of Southern Sonoma County. In addition, Stern has volunteered his time to local organizations such as the Committee to the Shelterless (COTS), Petaluma Bounty, Petaluma Educational Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association. He earned his B.A. from Wabash College in Indiana and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

PHCD navigates and identifies the health needs and priorities of local residents, and provides or supports services and programs in response to these needs. PHCD also ensures access to high-quality health care services, as it owns Petaluma Valley Hospital and leases its operations to St. Joseph Health. This lease ends in January 2017 and the Board has been engaged in a due diligence process to determine the hospital’s future. This process includes a thorough evaluation of current and future health care needs in the community; hospital operations and finances; the current health care landscape locally, regionally and statewide; future trends in health care delivery; and future partnerships.

Added Faith, “Our board is steadfast in carrying out our mission of serving the health needs of Southern Sonoma County and Joe’s business and financial expertise balances out the collective experience within our board, particularly as we continue through the important steps in determining the most viable options for operating Petaluma Valley Hospital.”

An exciting year of accomplishments, PHCD was named the 2015 Healthcare District of the Year by the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD). The award, given to just one out of 78 districts, touted PHCD’s model of convening unconventional partners across all sectors to take action and improve local health issues, and highlighted two of PHCD’s community initiatives, Community Health Initiative of the Petaluma Area (CHIPA) and HeartSafe Community. In June, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Petaluma City Council designated Petaluma a HeartSafe Community, formally celebrating PHCD’s efforts to address heart health education and provide life-saving CPR trainings to combat Sudden Cardiac Arrest. In addition, on May 4, the Petaluma City Council officially declared May 2015 as “Health Care District Month” in recognition of the essential role PHCD plays in Southern Sonoma County and acknowledging the importance of educating the community on its work, programs and services.

 About Petaluma Health Care District

The Petaluma Health Care District (PHCD) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the Southern Sonoma County community through leadership, advocacy, support, partnerships and education. Its vision is to foster a healthier community, a thriving hospital and local access to comprehensive health and wellness services. PHCD has served the health and wellness needs of the community for 70 years and is a public agency managed by the community for the community. For more information, please visit www.phcd.org.

City of #Petaluma Declares May 2015 “Health Care District Month”

Photo: Back row (from left to right): Suzanne Cochrane, PHCD Executive Assistant/Board Clerk; Elece Hempel, PHCD Board President; Front row (from left to right): Andrew Koblick, PHCD Controller; Ramona Faith, PHCD CEO; Tami Bender, Lifeline of the North Bay Home Service Representative, Healthquest Instructor and HeartSafe Community Lead Role; Tina Deason, Healthquest Coordinator and Instructor; Maria Larsen, Lifeline of the North Bay and Healthquest Program Manager

City Council Vote Pays Tribute to Petaluma Health Care District’s Work and Promotion of Health Care Awareness and Options in the Community

Petaluma Health Care District logoPETALUMA, Calif., May 5, 2015 – Petaluma Health Care District (PHCD) is pleased to announce that the Petaluma City Council voted last night to declare May 2015 as Health Care District Month. This declaration recognizes the essential role PHCD plays in Southern Sonoma County and the importance of creating and promoting health and wellness programs, services and initiatives that contribute to the health and vitality of the community.

Photo by BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat
Photo by BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat

In celebration of Health Care District Month, PHCD has formally launched its new website, www.phcd.org, and released its 2014 Annual Report, providing easy-to-access information and resources pertaining to its many community health programs and services. Throughout May, PHCD will be present at various local events, educating Southern Sonoma County residents on the district’s role in the community, including how to access its services and programs. These events include the Petaluma Kids Gran Fondo race, the Tuesday East Side Farmers’ Market on May 26 and the Saturday West Side Farmers’ Market on May 30. PHCD will culminate this month-long celebration with a breakfast in appreciation of its community partners. PHCD will also share information throughout the month on social media via its Facebook page.

From PHCD Website Lifeline Emergency Response
From PHCD Website Lifeline Emergency Response

“It’s an honor to receive this formal recognition, which we see as a platform to prompt awareness of the fact that we are here every day advocating for the health and well-being of our community. PHCD has a multitude of offerings and benefits related to community health, education, partnering efforts, and emergency and acute care services, as well as programs in place for our residents to access,” said PHCD CEO Ramona Faith. “Our belief is that good health is a state of complete physical, mental and societal well-being and not merely the absence of disease – and it takes a dedicated collaborative effort in today’s world to keep people educated on healthy habits and choices, as well as to provide access to high-quality medical care.”

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