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 Health introduced the Community Partnership Grant program in October 2014 and will grant a total of $306,382 in 2017. Successful initiatives improve the quality of life for those most at risk in our community and decrease the need for catastrophic care and its associated social, emotional and economic costs.

“This pilot project will make a difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable citizens – our children,” said Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director of Family Building Blocks. “The use of tablets by our staff during home visits allows us to address needs immediately and offer on-demand resources. With the support of Salem Health, we are providing local children more opportunities to thrive.”

Electronic screenings increase the chance of early detection of developmental delays. Early detection followed by quality interventions result in better long-term health outcomes. Research indicates that detection rates for developmental disabilities without using tools is 20 percent, compared to 80-90 percent using a screening tool. Only 30 percent of children with disabilities are identified for intervention before starting school. Providing intervention prior to kindergarten for children with potential delays has significant benefits.

“Community Partnership Grants are designed to improve the quality of life for those most at risk in our community,” said Sharon Heuer, director of community benefit at Salem Health. “We know that this pilot project will address a specific need in the development of these young children and we’re pleased to partner with Family Building Blocks to help keep children safe and families together.”

Community Partnership Grant funding encourages innovative collaboration and engagement among community organizations that share a common vision for better health and meet community health needs identified by the Salem Health Board of Trustees. Current priorities for projects include obesity prevention, tobacco and substance use and early childhood health.  

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 Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.

Pictured (L to R): Leilani Slama, Vice President of Community Engagement, Salem Health; Patrice Altenhofen, Executive Director, Family Building Blocks; and Diana Rojas, Home Visitor, Family Building Blocks