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, Ore. – August 31, 2022) – Salem Health awarded seven organizations in Marion and Polk counties Community Investment Grant funds for the 2022-23 fiscal year to strengthen the health of our communities. Salem Health’s grant funding priorities align with those priorities outlined in the Marion-Polk Community Needs Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan.

“We are honored to invest in these community partners to help build a healthier community,” said Leilani Slama, chief communications and community relations officer, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics. “Through our shared goal in reaching and supporting people with services and resources for a healthier life, together we improve the quality of life of community members and, in turn, strengthen our community as a whole.”

Salem Health’s Community Investment Grants for fiscal year 2022-23, aimed at responding to community-identified needs and supporting initiatives that improve the health of the citizens of Marion and Polk counties, were awarded in July for one year of funding to each of these organizations:

• Boys & Girls Club, Marion and Polk counties, $30,000. Its Triple Play program helps build skills, attitudes, knowledge and behaviors essential to an overall healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating, physical activity and relationship building are addressed in health habits, daily challenges and social recreation.
• Catholic Community Services, Salem/Keizer/Woodburn/Mt. Angel, $30,000. Its Fostering Hope Initiative will utilize bilingual/bicultural community health workers to identify affordable housing and transitional living sites, and to connect those individuals and families who have insufficient access to health care services to the appropriate services.
• Church at the Park, Marion County, $30,000. Adding a case manager to coordinate mental and physical health services for unsheltered guests at its two micro-shelter locations.
• Liberty House, Marion and Polk counties, $30,000. Supporting the work of two therapists providing mental health services for 100 new cases per year with trauma-informed, evidence-based counseling and mental health support.
• Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality, Salem/Keizer, $30,000. Supporting its Forming Strong Families (Formando Familias Fuertes) year-round project focused on mental and emotional health of family relationships. The program includes parenting classes, family communication and activities, monthly speakers, and mentoring and peer support to build protective factors in families that contribute to the educational and life success of children in families.
• Salem Pastoral Counseling Center, Marion and Polk counties, $15,000. Supporting its Client Assistance Program, providing at least 700 free counseling sessions for more than 100 low-income people, and upholding Salem Pastoral Counseling Center’s philosophy to turn no one away for lack of ability to pay for these services.
• The Gate, Independence/Monmouth, $30,000. Supporting its Community Youth Center which will provide year-round substance abuse prevention activities for 6th through 12th graders. The program includes parent/family/youth recreation and learning opportunities, evening youth activities and a coaching program focused on “Your Choices Matter” to foster healthy choices.

About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics

Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.