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.

(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.