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

Other local organizations share this vision, and Salem Health is teaming up with several of these groups through its Community Partnership Grant program.

Salem Health introduced the Community Partnership Grant program in Oct. 2014, in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of the Community Health Education Center. Funding is provided to encourage collaborative and innovative engagement among community agencies that share a common vision for better health.

After conducting a community needs assessment during 2014, the Community Benefits Committee selected three areas for the grants to focus on: diabetes education and prevention, mental health, and transportation (for medical needs). Four projects were selected with a total of $168,477:

• Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties received $27,000 to expand its Healthy Lifestyles Education Program to include diabetes education and prevention among low-income youth and their families.

• HOME Youth & Resource Center, a place to meet the needs of Salem’s at-risk and homeless youth, was awarded $41,537 to extend its current services to seven days a week, filling a community gap in resources.

• Salvation Army of Salem received $50,000 to hire a Qualified Mental Health Professional to work with residents who have mental health barriers residing in the shelter serving homeless adults in Marion and Polk counties.

• Oregon State University Extension Service was awarded $49,940 to expand the Just Walk Salem program into six high school feeder neighborhoods. Just Walk Salem is a grass roots movement aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing diabetes through organized neighborhood walking groups.

Healthy communities are a team project, and it is a privilege for Salem Health to partner with these like-minded organizations.

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.