community benefit report

Providence Health & ServicesCalifornia Region

2009 Community Benefit Report

www.providence.org

Many hands, one Mission

As people of Providence,

we reveal God’s love for all,

especially the poor and vulnerable,

through our compassionate service.

Our Core Values

Our Mission

Respect

All people have been created in the image of God. – Genesis 1:27

We welcome the uniqueness and honor the dignity of every person.

We communicate openly and we act with integrity.

We develop the talents and abilities of one another.

Compassion

Jesus taught and healed with compassion for all. – Matthew 4:24

We reach out to people in need and give comfort as Jesus did.

We nurture the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of one another and those we serve.

We embrace those who are suffering.

Justice

This is what the Lord requires of you: act with justice, love with kindness and walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

We believe everyone has a right to the basic goods of the earth.

We strive to remove the causes of oppression.

We join with others to work for the common good and to advocate for social justice.

Excellence

Much will be expected of those who are entrusted with much. – Luke 12:48

We set the highest standards for ourselves and for our ministry.

We strive to transform conditions for a better tomorrow while serving the needs of today.

We celebrate and encourage the contributions of one another.

Stewardship

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. – Psalm 24:1

We believe that everything entrusted to us is for the common good.

We strive to care wisely for our people, our resources and our earth.

We seek simplicity in our lives and in our work.

Providence Health & Services 2009 Community Benefit Report [ page 3 ]

One of the most trying years in our nation’s recent history is behind us, one that truly

underscored the importance of outreach efforts of Providence Health & Services,

California, to bring health care services to the most vulnerable - the sick, the poor,

the elderly and the families struggling with job losses.

The global recession also highlighted the importance of partnering with our government

leaders, industry, nonprofit agencies, our own Providence family of physicians, nurses

and volunteers, and the communities we serve to ensure help for those most in need.

It is especially important during challenging times to adhere to our core values:

Excellence, Compassion, Justice, Respect and Stewardship. Our numerous community

benefit programs, inspired by our founding Sisters, are built on those ideals as we

provide the best for our less fortunate neighbors, utilizing a variety of resources.

In 2009, we saw tremendous progress in our efforts to expand access to

uninsured adults through the Vasek Polak Health Clinic, which had a 60 percent

increase in patient visits. Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center

Torrance was one of just two California nonprofits chosen by the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services to receive funding to assist parents in enrolling

their children in subsidized health insurance.

In our Valley Service Area, we were proud to partner with Dr. Glenn Lopez whose

mobile van provides preventative health care, screenings and follow-up to low-income

areas of the eastern San Fernando Valley. We worked with our local congressman to

upgrade our tattoo removal program, gaining federal funding to help young men and

women shed anti-social tattoos through a program with proven social benefits.

By engaging stakeholders – our local churches, schools, physician groups and others

– these programs will be sustained. At the same time, we pledge to monitor the

pulse of the community to see what new programs might be necessary.

Thanks to our Providence family and to our supporters, Providence Health & Services

flourishes, never wavering in our tradition of quality and compassionate care.

Arnold R. SchafferChief Executive

Colleen Settles, OP, D. MinChief Mission Integration Officer

Volunteer Work for Valley Seniors 5

Faith Community Nurses 6

Embracing America, Learning Her Language 7

The Children’s Health Insurance Program 8

Creating Opportunity for Physical Activity 10

Patient Navigators Helping Those in Need 14

Mobile Clinic Serves Children in Need 15

2009 Community Investment 16

Greetings


In the spirit of true teamwork, the People of Providence reached out in 2009, extending their many hands in

living one Mission. Their targets were the poor and the vulnerable –elderly men and women, children living

in poverty, troubled young people trying to turn their lives around and a surge in the number of families

with no health care, struggling to survive a brutal economy.

In many cases, Providence Health & Services community benefit programs teamed with one another or

with partners in the community to help those in need. In all cases, People of Providence shared their time,

talents and humanity, revealing God’s love for all.

Many hands, one Mission


Driven to Help their PeersVolunteer Work for Valley Seniors

Minnette Wilson was the first volunteer to sign up 12 years ago

when the Senior Outreach Program was established, and today,

at 95, she is the oldest of 30 Senior Peer Counselors. Minnette

doesn’t get out of her Sherman Oaks home too often and her

eyesight isn’t what it used to be, but she remains determined

to help seniors – some young enough to be her own children –

who rely on Senior Outreach services provided by the Providence

Center for Community Health Improvement in North Hollywood.

Minnette is part of a strong volunteer team that help San

Fernando Valley seniors in need, coordinating efforts to check

on them regularly, providing peer counseling and arranging

transportation to doctors appointments and other errands.

“A lot of my counselors are in their 80s, and they’ve been with

us for years,” said Carolyn Young, Supervisor of Senior Services.

“They understand the challenges many face, especially right

now with the rising costs of housing, medicine and food. The

volunteers are trained to offer supportive counseling and help

refer them to services where they can get the help they need.

The specially-trained peer counselors are part of a larger group

of 150 men and women of all ages who reach out to the

elderly, helping them manage their simple needs. B.J. Valencia,

who coordinates the Valley Service Area’s volunteer program

for seniors, said these volunteers drive seniors to doctor

appointments, do their grocery shopping, do tasks around their

homes, help with their mail and, most importantly, spend time

with them. This crew provides a lifeline for so many seniors who

see their independence dwindling because they no longer drive

or, perhaps, their eyesight or other faculties are diminishing.

To learn more, call (818) 847-3845.

The specially-trained peer counselors are

part of a larger group of 150 kind-hearted,

Mission-driven men and women of all ages

who reach out to the elderly, helping them

manage their simple needs.

Reaching Out to the CommunitySharing Resources to Benefit those in Need

Miriam Hernandez of the Latino Health Promoter Program

found relief for Sandra Sanchez, in pain and in need. Sandra

had a terrible toothache, but no dental insurance. Miriam was

able to link her to MEND – Meeting Each Need with Dignity – a

charity that saw its client list multiply as Los Angeles County’s

unemployment rate surpassed 10 percent. Along with a busy

food bank and clothing program, MEND has a dental program

that gave Sandra the help she needed.

Providence outreach programs, Latino Health Promoters in

particular, refer clients to MEND and People of Providence

have opened their hearts to the organization by providing food

for its pantry shelves and school supplies for the youngsters

it helps. Volunteer Peer Counselors from Providence provide

counseling to MEND clients and the two organizations work

together to address any problems that surface.

The partnership works because the volunteers often are from

the communities where they are providing services. They help

those in need open up and seek the help they need to deal

with traumatic problems including immigration issues, domestic

violence, legal cases and discipline problems with their children.

Latino Health Promoters serve immigrants in the Valley Service

Area, providing a range of health care services and referrals.

One outreach campaign truly saves lives. The very grateful

mother of a 9-year-old girl told Jenny Rosales, a Providence

Faith Community Nurse, that the Chagas disease screening

program saved her daughter from the potentially fatal parasitic

infection. The disease is common in Central America and parts

of Mexico and caused by a bug bite. The effects can lie dormant

for decades, but left untreated Chagas can lead to heart and

gastrointestinal problems and even death. Early detection allows

for treatment.



Faith Community Nurses are eager to

reach out in their communities to bring

their special talents to the less fortunate.

Meeting Health Care Needs in their NeighborhoodsFaith Community Nurses

Five Emergency Department nurses at Providence Holy Cross

trained as Faith Community Nurses, eager to reach out in

their communities to bring their special talents to the less

fortunate. Each was driven by different life experiences – from

Susan Ortiz, a former missionary who aspires to be a chaplain,

to Jennifer Dodson and Karen Muff, whose own personal

tragedies drove them to help others. Also joining the training

were Sue Baunsgard, and Suenett Watnick.

The five were linked by their work together at Providence

Holy Cross, but share a bigger bond because they are among

the few who step forward to help those in need in their own

neighborhoods. For Karen Muff, serving others fills her own

need. She lost her 22-year-old son in a motorcycle accident

and that, coupled with the passing of her mother, made her

realize she wanted to help with outreach in her parish in

Sylmar. One of her passions is increasing organ donorship, an

issue that comes up frequently in the Emergency Department

and an effort she hopes to see expand.

Providence Health & Services’ Faith Community Nurse

Partnership, formerly the Parish Nurse Program, encourages

nurses seeking to satisfy their own spiritual needs to enroll

in a certificate program to join the partnership, said Connie

Cruz, the R.N. who coordinates the program from her office at

the Providence Center for Community Health Improvement in

North Hollywood. Optional training provides nurses with the

tools to go into the community and connect with those who

have a variety of needs. Cruz said the program is aimed at

serving all denominations and that she is particularly interested

in connecting nurses with synagogues, especially in the

predominantly Jewish neighborhoods served by the newest

Providence ministry, Providence Tarzana Medical Center.

Some Faith Community Nurses provide preventative health

screening at local churches, others work with seniors.

Jennifer Dodson wants to help grieving parents like her deal

with the loss of a child. A nurse educator in the Emergency

Department, Dodson lost her toddler daughter in a home

accident and wants to honor her child by serving other

grieving parents.

Suenette Watnik said her strong faith was formed from a

tough childhood and from loving foster parents who made

their home hers. She sees her own faith as a beacon that can

help those suffering – whether they’re patients, their families,

her co-workers or fellow church members – look to God for

help, support and guidance.

Helping people ensure their wishes are carried out when they’re

incapacitated is Sue Baunsgard’s personal mission. As a faith

community nurse, she wants to educate people about advance

directives to ensure their wishes are met when circumstances

are dire. That doesn’t mean not providing the best possible

treatment, it means knowing when it’s time, she said.



Every morning at 8 a.m., 30 adults arrive at Barton Hill

Elementary, children racing ahead. It’s another day at Even

Start, a program designed to improve literacy and early

childhood education. Everyone seems happy. It’s educational,

yes, but fun too.

The kids are pre-Kindergarten age, from 0 to 5. They enjoy

an early education program next door to their parents,

learning age-appropriate skills and playing with their peers.

Their parents sit down in their own classroom for a morning

of English as a Second Language. It is here that they learn

skills to help them succeed in employment, in relationships

with their children’s teachers, in helping build and

strengthen the community in their new American home.

Just like the European immigrants of previous centuries, the

Soto family came to these shores looking for a better life.

Originally from Mexico, the Sotos faced challenges similar to

early European immigrants, including language and culture.

Fortunately, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical

Centers provided support through the Even Start program.

Little Christopher pulls his mom toward his school door every

morning. He can’t wait to see his friends, play games and learn

new things. He loves coming! But it wasn’t always that way. In

the beginning, he was withdrawn and isolated.

At 3 years old, Christopher had never been away from his

mother. He clung to her wherever they went, refusing to interact

with others. But Lucila was determined to provide a good start

for her youngest child. He needed to develop social skills that

would prepare him for Kindergarten. And he needed to learn

English. When Lucila learned of the Even Start program, she

enrolled both him and herself.

Lucila loved it. As she learned English and new parenting

techniques, she encouraged Christopher to enjoy his own

classes. Gradually, he began to trust the staff and other children,

relaxing enough to enjoy the art projects, games and books they

read together.

Lessons are lively. As they work to memorize words, tenses

and spellings, the students help one another, building

networks of support. Laughter punctuates every class! And

at the end of the morning, little voices join the adult ones

as parents and children come together for an hour of family

literacy activities.

They take their lessons home with them, too. Our lending

library includes books the children choose again and again for

bedtime stories. What a wonderful way for their parents to

practice their new skills!

Now, he races toward her at the end of each day to show

her his newest craft. He pulls her toward the playground for

shared activities. Lucila is proud of her youngest child, and

looks forward to a wonderful future for both him and her

entire family. With her own improved English-speaking and

writing skills, she hopes to find a good job. Her ultimate goal?

To send her children to college, where they will continue to

learn to become responsible, caring citizens of the world.


Embracing America, Learning Her LanguageEven Start Program

Lessons are lively. As they work to memorize

words, tenses and spellings, the students help

one another, building networks of support.

Laughter punctuates every class!


It was the Summer of 1972 and the sun had not yet risen over

the Sacramento Valley, but Maria Garibay, her parents, and 5

younger siblings were already up and getting dressed. They had

a long day ahead of themselves picking melons in the fields. As

the seasons changed, her parents moved the family between

the fields in Sacramento and the canneries in Wilmington,

picking up whatever jobs they could to make ends meet. Maria

knew the vagabond life was not for her; by the time she

married, she and her husband decided to make Wilmington

their home. Although a familiar environment, she was often

separated from her family and left alone with little support to

navigate the challenges of raising their children and struggling

financially. More often than not they had no health insurance,

so when someone in the family got sick they went to the

nearest free clinic and waited for care.

It has been over twenty years since Maria began her own family

in Wilmington and her children are grown. Now her challenge

is to help people in her own community. Last year, she was

hired as a Providence Little Company of Mary Health Promoter

as part of a new federal grant, the Children’s Health Insurance

Program (CHIP). She helps parents in her community enroll their

children in health insurance programs. She helps parents like

Wilmington resident Isabel, whom Maria sees daily bringing

her son to school. Each time, Maria told her about the CHIPRA

program and invited her to meet, but Isabel always turned

her down. After 3 months, Isabel finally agreed to meet and

now her two children are enrolled in Healthy Families. Parents

Providence Little Company of Mary’s

CHIP program works with trusted local

organizations like schools, churches,

clinics and businesses to enroll children in

subsidized health insurance.

confide in Maria that they fear their child’s enrollment in health

insurance will affect their pending citizenship application or they

will eventually have fees withdrawn from their social security.

These myths are why Health Promoters like Maria are essential

to successfully enrolling children in health insurance programs.

She has been in their position, she has heard the myths, and

understands their fears. The difference now is that she is

educated and trained in the facts and can use her credibility

with families to make sure they take advantage of the programs

and services to improve their children’s health.

Providence Little Company of Mary’s CHIP program works with

trusted local organizations like schools, churches, clinics and

businesses to enroll children in subsidized health insurance.

Children are enrolled in comprehensive medical, dental and

vision insurance for a monthly premium of $4-$24 depending

on the family’s income level and what plan they choose. A

family of four with annual income up to $55,000 is eligible to

enroll their children up to age 18. Children must be California

residents and either a US citizen or US national. The parents’

immigration status does not matter. Providence Little Company

of Mary’s goal is to enroll 1,600 children by the end of 2011.

For more information on the program or to schedule a

presentation by our staff please call us at (877) 567-7463.

Drawing on Life’s Lessons to Promote Children’s Health Care The Children’s Health Insurance Program


Remote Area MedicalProvidence Helps Serve Thousands

As Congress debated health care reform in August 2009,

tens of thousands of uninsured Los Angeles area residents

crowded The Forum in Inglewood for a week-long health

clinic that illustrated the nation’s critical need for medical and

dental services for the under-served.

In the crowds were the faces of the newly uninsured, those

who had lost their jobs and their family health insurance in

the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

And the People of Providence stepped up to help. About a

dozen physicians and nurses volunteered to provide check-

ups, screenings and vaccines.

The project was the Remote Area Medical (RAM), a

Tennessee-based nonprofit medical charity that expanded

its program of free health care to serve those in need in Los

Angeles. Service was provided at no cost to the patient, the

taxpayer or the government.

“They never asked for our help, but when we learned about

it, several physicians and nurses volunteered to help,” said

Sister Colleen Settles, OP, Chief Mission Integration Officer

for Providence Health & Services, California. Providence

also sent its Partners for Healthy Kids Mobile Clinic from

the South Bay Service Area to provide check-ups and

immunizations. In all, 3,827 RAM volunteers provided 14,561

patient services to 6,344 patients.

Providence sent its Partners for Healthy

Kids Mobile Clinic from the South Bay

Service Area to provide check-ups

and immunizations. In all, 3,827 RAM

volunteers provided 14,561 patient

services to 6,344 patients.

“We were honored to provide extensive diagnostic care

for women and immunizations for children and adults,”

said Arnold Schaffer, Vice President and Chief Executive of

Providence California. Our volunteer caregivers were deeply

moved by this opportunity to briefly touch the lives of so

many people in such desperate need.”

Philip R. Schwarzman, M.D., an Emergency Department

physician at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, spent

an afternoon at RAM. Patients, he said, waited hours to

see doctors.

“They came in with a variety of complaints, some acute,

most of them chronic,” said Dr. Schwarzman. “They were

people who had no access to medical care. They came from

all over L.A. These are people who are just getting by and

they had an opportunity to get medical care. They camped

overnight. It was amazing to see the number of people just

waiting to get care.”

“There are so many people out there who don’t have access

to medical care,” he said. “Helping where you can, it’s the

right thing to do.”


Fourth grade teacher John Scognamillo hated Physical

Education class. Growing up he was often picked last for

games and as the most overweight kid in class, he dreaded

wearing his school’s mandated P.E. shorts. “I was the first

grader who had to listen to the nurse shout out ‘110 pounds’

while being weighed in front of my friends and I looked

horrible as a heavy-set kid in our gym uniforms.”

But John loves to teach and thrives in the classroom as he

interacts with his 9 and 10 year old students who eagerly

listen to what he teaches them. His students are from Barton

Hill Elementary School in San Pedro, an urban working class

neighborhood. These kids live in neighborhoods that their

parents don’t always think are the safest in which to play and

so P.E. at school is often their only chance to be physically

active. Even though John loves to teach, he doesn’t consider

himself a “P.E.” teacher.

John was paired with a Providence Little Company of Mary peer

coach, Matthew Collette, a Physical Education Specialist who is

a Providence Little Company of Mary employee. He met with

Matt every other week for co-taught classes. He realized how

much fun his students were having, and after two years John

was taking his kids out on his own.

To reinforce the physical activity instruction that children

learn in COPA outside of the school environment, we

developed COPA: After School. On the school grounds and

at home with family members the after school program

teaches and encourages physical activity to promote healthy

John now loves to play and interact with his kids outside

during P.E. “I am very proud to be part of COPA; proud

of myself and thankful for the lessons I have learned. It

has been well worth the effort.” Barton Hill Elementary

School Principal, Louie Mardesich is grateful for his school’s

partnership with Providence Little Company of Mary and

the COPA program. He sees his school’s students excel in

new activities outside of the classroom and sees the effects

of their release of energy in the classroom where they are

more focused. Mr. Mardesich comments, “The high level of

engagement in COPA makes students forget they are even

exercising. The instructors set the expectations from the

beginning and implement exciting physical activities that all

students enjoy. PE is no longer viewed as another kickball or

sockball game.”

Over 200 teachers, like John, in three public school districts

have been trained in COPA. Kids are more active because

COPA builds teachers’ skills, confidence, and support to get

their children moving…and have fun while they are learning!


lifestyles in our community. Family Nights engage family

members in fun and educational activities that they can

replicate at home. And Cardio Carnivals are fun for the

entire community. Parents say they see increases in physical

activity and confidence in their children as a result of COPA.

Drawing on Lifes’ Lessons to Promote Children’s Health Creating Opportunity for Physical Activity (COPA)

Providence Little Company of Mary also offers COPA: After School

Kids are more active because COPA builds teachers’ skills, confidence, and support to get their children moving…

and have fun while they are learning!



Leaving the Past BehindProvidence Tattoo Removal Program

Things were OK for Alvaro Cortez when he wore long sleeves,

but when it was time for T-shirts and tank tops, the collage

of tattoos on both his arms gave away the past he was trying

hard to overcome. In 2009, Cortez was in the midst of having

the multi-colored links to gang and prison life erased through

the free Tattoo Removal Program offered by Providence

Health & Services at the Providence Center for Community

Health Improvement in North Hollywood.

“People don’t see me the same if they see my tattoos,” said

Alvaro, who had a 7-year-old daughter and a job in a body shop.

“When they’re covered, it’s fine. But if they’re not and they see

my tattoos, sometimes they don’t even want to talk to me. They

take a little step backward. If it’s a lady, she grabs her purse.”

It took several sessions with the volunteer team of physicians

using a high-tech laser device to erase the tattoos – a

collection that includes cell blocks, gates and spider webs.

And when it was over, Cortez would spend dozens of hours

performing community service, the only thing program

organizers ask of their clients.

“I would go look for a job, the first thing they would ask me

about was my tattoos,” Cortez said. “I said I put them on when

I was young, but I’m not like that any more. They would say they

would call, and I waited and waited but they never did.

“It’s so much better now.”


Samuel Dixon PartnershipProviding Services to Neighborhood Clinics

Behind-the-scenes of the ongoing battle over health care

reform are the thousands of clients served by the Samuel Dixon

Family Health Centers in the Santa Clarita Valley where the

number of patients skyrocketed in 2009 as jobs were lost in the

worst recession in 80 years.

And Providence Health & Services was there to lend a hand.

For four years, Providence has provided lab services, X-rays and

imaging for Dixon clinic patients, a contribution of more than

$60,000 annually.

The goal is outreach to those with no money for health care –

and to provide preventative medicine.

“The Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers do such important

work in the Santa Clarita Valley, particularly now when so many

people are losing their jobs and their health insurance,” said

Sister Colleen Settles, OP, Chief Mission Integration Officer for

the California Region. “It’s a privilege for Providence Holy Cross

to partner with such an important organization by providing

lab work and diagnostics. It is our mission to provide care for

the poor and vulnerable, and so our two organizations work

well together, hand-in-hand.

Established more than 20 years ago in the semi-rural

community of Val Verde, the organization now operates

three centers in the Santa Clarita Valley. Contributions from

Providence have enabled the health centers to meet the needs

of the growing population in need.

“The Samuel Dixon Family Health

Centers do such important work in the

Santa Clarita Valley, particularly now

when so many people are losing their jobs

and their health insurance.”


Building AbroadGroup Finds Tremendous Rewards in Giving

Sixteen Providence leaders made the five-day trip, an annual

Ministry Leadership project to help the Esperanza Community

Development Fund that works with member families to build

homes. The backdrop is one of extreme poverty, but one

tempered by a strong sense of community and a shared drive

to work together for a better future.

The first thing that hit the group as they crossed the border

was the contrasts. From the lush hills of San Diego to the

barren ones of Tijuana, the scenery drew a line between

the “haves” and the “have nots.” And once in Mexico, the

Providence crew saw further contrasts in the new sparkling

factories that were built among Tijuana’s shanties.

But it wasn’t long before this crew realized the riches these

families share. “We realized after three days of work that we

gained so much more from this experience than we could

ever give these people,” said Ken Keller, Regional Director of

Physician Business Services.

The Providence group was split to work on two different

homes. One group spent the day digging foundations

and trenches in very compacted clay, grueling work under

the hot sun. The second group laid blocks with cement,

backbreaking yet very satisfying labor, the kind where the

sense of accomplishment is immediate. The lessons learned

the first day centered on community and family.

“The group formed into a family,” Ken said. “We, as people

of Providence, came down to help as part of a larger group.

Even though these families don’t have a lot, they are very

proud of what they do have and they are supportive of each

other. They work harder than all of us out here. They’re

open, willing to give, charitable – again we took away more

than we gave.”

Baby MovesBuilding Blocks for the Future

Providence Little Company of Mary’s Baby Moves program offers

fun, and learning, for children from birth to age 4. It offers a safe

and fun environment for parents to learn how to engage in age-

appropriate play with their children. While children play with their

caregivers and peers, great things happen. They build cognitive,

language and social skills, they develop fine and large motor skills,

and they become eager to take part in community activities.

Promotoras (Community Health Workers) staff the program,

encouraging families to trust and confide in members of their

own community. Manuel’s story is a great example.

Manuel clung to his grandma in bewilderment and fear. At 3

years old, he had seldom been around other children, and the

Baby Moves Developmental Play Center was filled with them!

As he held on, the Promotora asked his grandmother to sit

down and tell her about their home together.

Grandma confessed that, as Manuel’s primary care giver, she

didn’t feel safe or comfortable taking him out to play, so he had

very little interaction with other children. Despite Manuel’s fear,

Grandma felt comfortable at the Center, and began to bring him

twice a week. After a short time, Manuel started playing with the

other children, and has developed social skills appropriate for his

age. Grandma says she encourages more play at home now, too.

PlaytimE iS lEaRning timE foR EvERyonE

Baby Moves sessions begin with “circle time,” where the children

and their parents sing and dance together, clap their hands and

wave colorful flags. Playtime is next. As the kids explore the

games, blocks, balls and crafts available at various stations, their

parents and staff members interact with them, as the parents learn

techniques to use to promote their kids’ development at home.

Ultimately, the parents end up having as much fun as their

children. Not only is the program educational, it offers them a

chance to laugh, share and network with one another. As one

mom says, “This program has been so enjoyable. It has taught

me things I can do at home with my son, and I see a difference

in him already. He loves coming, too. As soon as he sees the

building he tries to climb out of his car seat, he’s so excited.”


“The group formed into a family,” Ken said.

“We, as people of Providence, came down to

help as part of a larger group.”


By pairing promotoras with uninsured

ER patients, patients learn how to

navigate the complex and confusing

healthcare system. They learn about

affordable healthcare options. And they

have found new medical homes!

Uninsured patients rarely have access to regular medical care,

meaning they tend to use the Emergency Room for all of their

medical needs - even the non-urgent ones. While that strains

an already over-burdened health care system, the consequences

can be deadly for our patients. Without regular care, patients

suffer, often become disabled and even die from such

manageable diseases as diabetes and high blood pressure.

A recent health status interview of residents in economically

disadvantaged communities in the South Bay underscores the

danger: Up to 25% of residents say they rarely or never receive

health care when they need it; up to 68% say they do not have

a regular doctor; up to 37% say their health is “only fair” or

“poor.” By the time a symptom scares them enough to seek

help, their health can have deteriorated terribly.

PRomotoRa PatiEnt navigatoR PRogRam

Helping connect uninsured patients with low-cost or free

clinics was key. Any solution had to embrace the culture,

language and special needs of our diverse population. It had

to come from the community itself.

As in other areas of Providence, Promotoras helped to craft

the solution. By pairing promotoras with uninsured patients,

patients learn to navigate the complex and confusing

healthcare system. They learn about affordable healthcare

options. They learn how to enroll their children and

themselves in low cost insurance programs.

Juan’S StoRy

When Juan came to the Emergency Room looking for help,

Promotora Maria sat down with him. He had been diagnosed

with San Joaquin Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, a

disease that produces only mild symptoms in most people,

but was killing Juan. Without regular medical care, he

probably wouldn’t survive.

Juan’s family needed him now more than ever. Although his

wife had been working on her immigration papers, she had

been deported to Mexico for 3 years. Their 5-year-old daughter

had been left behind with Juan, who now had to be both

mother and father to her. Cooking and cleaning were now

taking up every minute of the time that Juan wasn’t working at

the small business he owns with his brother.

“Juan was under a lot of stress,” Maria says. “He was trying to

take care of his little girl while being very sick himself. He couldn’t

afford the medications he needed. My first job was to calm him

down a bit. My next was to get him enrolled in Medi-Cal.”

Today, Juan gets regular medical care in his community clinic,

thanks to Maria and the Promotora Patient Navigator Program.

His health has improved, and his little girl is getting ready to

start school. With a little luck, his wife will be able to return

sooner than later. And Juan’s business will have a good year!


Patient Navigator Program Helps Community Navigate the Healthcare System


Run by a bilingual staff, Partners

for Healthy Kids also provides wellness

education and referrals to dental and

specialty care when needed. The kids

learn how to keep themselves

healthy and strong.

Partners For Healthy KidsMobile Clinic Serves Children in Need

Caring for uninsured kids is a huge challenge in the South

Bay area. For one thing, their parents often don’t know that

free clinics exist. And transportation issues often keep them

at home.

Many kids have to soldier through common, but painful,

illnesses such as ear infections and strep throat without

medical care. Many have never had a regular check up

or been immunized against polio, mumps, tetanus or

whooping cough. And some children suffer with serious, life-

threatening conditions that could, if treated, be managed.

thE PRogRam

Providence Little Company of Mary created the Partners for

Healthy Kids program, sending a mobile pediatric clinic to

schools in Lawndale, Gardena, Wilmington and San Pedro

every week. The kids get the medical care they need right

where they are.

Run by a bilingual staff, Partners for Healthy Kids also

provides wellness education and referrals to dental and

specialty care when needed. The kids learn how to keep

themselves healthy and strong. Sometimes they experience

life-saving care.

a haPPy Ending

Samuel was 6 years old when he visited the Partners for

Healthy Kids van at his school. He said his throat and ears had

been hurting a lot and that he probably had a cold. Could we

give him something to make him feel better?

Our nurse practitioner examined Samuel’s throat and ears

and saw nothing unusual. But when she felt his neck, she

noticed a lump that wasn’t supposed to be there. It needed

immediate attention.

Samuel’s mom was frightened. She didn’t have a way to get

her little boy to a specialist. She spoke only Spanish and had

no understanding of the healthcare system. But the nurse

practitioner knew that if Samuel had cancer - and wasn’t

seen and treated immediately - it could spread. He could die.

The nurse practitioner got on the phone to make appointments

with specialists. She arranged transportation to and from the

appointments. As it turned out, she was right. Samuel had a

laryngeal tumor that required surgery.

Today, Samuel is a happy, healthy kid, back at school with his

friends. His mom says she will be forever grateful that we cared

enough to help him get the treatment he needed. We here at

Providence Little Company of Mary are grateful too, that we had

a program that allowed us to be part of Samuel’s successful care!



2009 Community Investment

About UsProvidence Health & Services, California, is a not-for-profit Catholic health care ministry committed to providing

for the needs of the communities we serve — especially the poor and vulnerable. The region operates five, award-

winning Medical Centers in Southern California: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Providence Holy Cross

Medical Center, Providence Tarzana Medical Center, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance and

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro. In addition, Providence operates several non-acute

facilities and physician clinics, as well as a high school.

With more than 10,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, we remain committed to our core values of respect,

compassion, justice, excellence and stewardship. These goals, defined by our founding sisters more than 150 years

ago, feed philosophies that result in high-quality care for our patients, a broad spectrum of outreach programs for our

community, and a focus on recruiting and retaining dedicated employees.

Providence Health & Services is dedicated to quality, compassionate care for all. The Providence Medical Centers

provide a full continuum of health care services.

How Do Our Communities Benefit?Providence gives back to our communities by providing a variety of health care programs. We tailor our programs to

respond to regional, area and neighborhood needs. Our contributions include:

Financial assistance for the uninsured and others •

who cannot pay for the cost of their care

Subsidies to make up the difference between the •

cost of care and what is paid by state and federal

government

Services are offered because of a need in the •

community including our primary care safety net

clinics and behavioral health programs

Subsidies for medical residency programs, nursing •

and other education, and medical research

Services to our communities such as wellness •

and prevention education, health screenings,

immunizations and support groups

Community-building grants, cash gifts, and in-kind •

donations such as medical supplies, child safety

seats and food


Total Community Benefit – $124.2 Million

Total Community Benefit $124.2 Million

People Served 180,346

Tax Status Benefit

Unpaid Costs of Medi-Cal

Free Community Programs & Services

Subsidized Health Services

Charity Care Total Cost of Care & Services Donated

in 2009

South Bay Service Area $24,042,717 $8,162,440 $3,712,447 $2,272,682 $38,190,286

Valley Service Area $59,172,698 $9,423,545 $108,014 $17,335,619 $86,039,876

Total Providence Health & Services in California

$83,215,415 $17,585,985 $3,820,461 $19,608,301 $124,230,162

As a not-for-profit service organization, Providence Health & Services in California received an estimated $35.8 million in federal, state and local tax exemptions in 2009. In comparison, we gave back more than $119.5 million to the communities we serve or more than $83.7 million in excess of our exemptions. In addition, there are taxes from which we are not exempt and which we must pay as part of our normal course of operations, just like any other organization. These taxes totaled more than $50.3 million in 2009 and include business and occupation taxes; taxes on non-exempt properties; and payroll and state taxes.

Unpaid Costs of Medi-Cal

$83.2 Million

Free Community Programs & Services

$17.6 Million

Subsidized Health Services

$3.8 Million

Charity Care$19.6 Million


Key

Health Care Campus Freestanding Long Term Care Facility Housing and Assisted Living Owned Primary Care Network Educational Facility Behavioral Health Services Adult and Child Day Care Centers Home Health and Hospice Services Medical Laboratory Services Providence Health Plan Providence Infusion and Pharmacy Services Freestanding Outpatient Services Food Bank Community Outreach Center

Region Service Area

oakland Providence HouseSanta ClaRita Providence Holy Cross Health CenterPoRtER RanCh Providence Holy Cross Health CentermiSSion hillS Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Providence TrinityCare Hospice Providence Holy Cross Surgery Center Providence Holy Cross Diagnostic CenternoRth hollywood Providence St. Elizabeth Care Center Providence Center for Community Health ImprovementtaRzana Providence Tarzana Medical Center Providence Tarzana Diabetes Care Center Providence Tarzana Women’s Center Providence Tarzana Imaging Center Providence Tarzana OutpatientTherapy Center Valley Radiation Oncology CenterBuRBank Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Providence TrinityCare Hospice Providence High School Providence Saint Joseph Health Center Providence Saint Joseph Diagnostic Center Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center Providence Home Caremanhattan BEaCh Providence Little Company of Mary

Medical InstituteREdondo BEaCh Providence Little Company of MaryMedical Institute Outpatient Care CenterhawthoRnE Providence Little Company of MaryMedical Institute Vasek Polak Community Health ClinictoRRanCE Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center

Torrance Providence Little Company of Mary Transitional Care

Center/Unit Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Institute Providence Little Company of Mary Home Health Providence TrinityCare Hospice Outpatient Care CenterCaRSon Providence Little Company of Mary Medical InstituteSan PEdRo Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center

San Pedro Sub Acute Care Center Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Institute Providence TrinityCare Hospice Providence Diagnostic Center Providence Little Company of MaryPeninsula

Recovery Center


CALIFORNIA REGION

adminiStRationarnold Schaffer, Senior vice President, Regional operations501 South Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505(818) 847-3334 kerry Carmody, Chief operating officer501 South Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505(818) 847-4561 Jeffrey winter, Chief administrative officer501 South Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505(818) 847-3375 vallEy SERviCE aREaProvidence holy Cross medical Centerlarry Bowe, Chief Executive15031 Rinaldi StreetMission Hills, CA 91346(818) 365-8051 Providence Saint Joseph medical CenterBarry wolfman, Chief Executive501 South Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505(818) 847-3380 Providence tarzana medical Centerdale Surowitz, Chief Executive18321 Clark St.Tarzana, CA 91356(818) 708-5140 Providence St. Elizabeth Care Centerneil Silverstein, administrator10425 Magnolia BoulevardNorth Hollywood, CA 91601(818) 980-3872 Providence health & Services foundationvalley Service areaPatricia E. modrzejewski, President501 S. Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505818.847.4673

South Bay SERviCE aREaProvidence little Company of mary medical Center San Pedronancy Carlson, Chief Executive1300 West Seventh StreetSan Pedro, CA 90732(310) 832-3311 Providence little Company of mary medical Center torrancemichael hunn, Chief Executive4101 Torrance BoulevardTorrance, CA 90503(310) 540-7676 trinityCare hospiceterri warren, Executive director2601 Airport Drive, Suite 230Torrance, CA 90505(310) 530-3800 Providence little Company of mary foundationJoseph m. zanetta, Jd, President4101 Torrance Blvd.Torrance, CA 90503(310) 303-5340 miSSion lEadERShiPSister Colleen Settles, oP, d. min, Chief mission integration officer501 South Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505(818) 847-3350 Jim tehan, director, Community healthProvidence little Company of mary2601 Airport Drive, Suite 220Torrance, CA 90505(310) 257-3586 Ron Sorensen, director, Community outreachvalley Service area6801 Coldwater Canyon, Suite 1ANorth Hollywood, CA 91605(818) 847-3862

501 S. Buena Vista StreetBurbank, CA 91505T: (888) 432-5464

www.providence.org/california

©2010 Providence Health & Services

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