Kaiser Permanente Awards $800,000 to Solano and Napa Organizations

“Welcome on this beautiful first day of summer” said Max Villalobos, senior vice president and hospital administrator for Kaiser Permanente in the Napa Solano area as he addressed a crowd of 150 attendees June 21st at Kaiser Permanente’s “Caring for Our Community” event. “This event today is our chance to thank each of you for the amazing work you have done to enhance our community.”

This is the sixth year for the event, which celebrates community partners and the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit grantees that help make a difference in Solano and Napa Counties.

“Our commitment to our communities is an integral part of who we are as a not-for-profit health care provider,” said Villalobos. “In 2012 alone, I am pleased to share that Kaiser Permanente contributed more than $94 million to support programs and community organizations that benefit our local community. This includes $1 million dollars in cash grants and sponsorships from our local hospitals, and another $4 million dollars in cash grants from our Northern California region donated directly into Solano and Napa Counties. The remaining investment includes charity care for the uninsured, subsidized care for low-income individuals and children, a summer internship program for high school and college students, our Educational Theater performances, and other in-kind programs and services.”

During the awards presentation, Solano County Supervisors Erin Hannigan, Linda Seifert, Jim Spering, Skip Thompson, John Vasquez, and Napa Vice Mayor Peter Mott, accepted ceremonial plaques from Kaiser Permanente representing the more than $94 million given last year in grants and support to community organizations and programs that improve health outcomes in their local communities.

Grants totaling nearly $1,000,000 were awarded to 39 area nonprofits that focus on five key areas: access to prevention and primary care services; reducing obesity and overweight rates in adults and children; decreasing risky teen behaviors; prevention of community violence; and reducing health disparities.

“Beyond the significant dollars we have invested, Kaiser Permanente works with other community care organizations—sharing clinical practices and physician expertise—to benefit everyone in our community,” said Dr. Steve Stricker, physician-in-chief for Kaiser Permanente in the Napa Solano area. “For example, our support of La Clinica de la Raza and our Volunteers In Public Service program. The VIPS program has close to 50 physicians that volunteer at many of the organizations that are represented here today.”

The Officer Jim Capoot Community Partner of the Year Award was presented to LIFT3 Support Group. LIFT3 is a non-profit organization that offers direct services to victims of domestic violence in Solano County.  Now in its second year, the award is given in memory of the service and dedication of Vallejo Police Officer Jim Capoot, who was struck down in the line of duty in 2011.

“LIFT3 touches the lives of hundreds of children and families each year,” said Community Benefit Manager Cynthia Verrett while introducing the award. “In 2012, they established a Community Engagement in Violence Prevention program designed to mobilize the community to help prevent intimate partner violence through community conversations, and to address and respond to family violence…Supporting this initiative is a tall order to fill, but LIFT3 demonstrates its effectiveness in changing the lives for victims of domestic violence.”

First runner went to the Area Agency on Aging and the Fairfield PAL – Matt Garcia Center received second runner up. Both will receive $2500 in unrestricted funds. LIFT3 will receive a $5000 unrestricted donation.

Lt. Jim O’Connell from the Vallejo Police Department spoke about Officer Capoot’s tenacity and dedication, urging the six Jim Capoot high school scholarship recipients, also recognized at the event with resolutions from Assemblyman Jim Frazier and Senator Lois Wolk, to follow in his footsteps. “Jim was a warrior. He was ferocious. Never quit. He gave more to this world than he took and he protected and stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. And I challenge you to do the same.”