Program goals

The mission of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is to improve the health and wellbeing 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, which 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 equity, diversity and inclusion 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 following the completion of the grant.

Nondiscrimination policy

Salem Health 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 for Community Health Impact Investments must hold similar standards in the delivery of services. 

Funding priorities

Salem Health’s funding priorities align with the Marion-Polk Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Community Health Assessment (CHA) 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.

Health-related social needs that help people receive the right care at the right time.

Health-related social needs (HRSN) refer to the social and economic needs that individuals experience that affect their ability to maintain their health and well-being. They include things such as housing instability, social support, safety, transportation, education, employment, help with utilities, and food insecurity. Through partnerships, we can facilitate safe discharge from acute hospital care, prevention of avoidable readmissions, and inappropriate emergency visits.

Examples:

• Transitional housing or shelter
• Peer support, counseling, substance abuse treatment
• Access to primary and preventative care
• Health Navigators

Workforce development

A key piece of a healthy and vibrant community is a strong workforce. Health care careers are a consistent need throughout our region to meet the growing and complex needs of the community. Through partnerships, we can inspire the next generation to pursue rewarding and well-paying careers in health care.

Examples:

• Partnerships with higher education & trade schools
• Experiential programs for individuals 16 years and above
• STEM Career Exploration

Cardiovascular health

Heart disease is the second leading cause of mortality in our region, on the rise along with stroke mortality. Healthy behaviors are critical to reducing risk factors such as tobacco use, high blood pressure and cholesterol, social isolation, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity.

Examples:

• Drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention education or programming
• Healthy behaviors programming
• Fostering family, cross generational and other healthy relationships with trusted adults
• Community building activities

Criteria

• Events and programs must take place within Marion and Polk counties.
• Salem Health does not fund events and programs with a marketing or branding focus, including sporting events such as golf tournaments, runs, walks and fundraisers. Additionally, individuals, capital expenses, endowments and political activities are not funded.

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. 
  
• Contract for funds and invoices are required if request is awarded.

Get started

Investments are closed for submission starting June 6, 2025 as we transition to the new fiscal year. Please revisit in July for updates.

For investments up to $2,500 please submit your request by clicking here. You will receive notification that your request was received. If you have questions, please email community.relations@salemhealth.org.

For larger investment requests please share those thoughts at community.relations@salemhealth.org to begin a dialogue. Larger investments are by invitation only.