Women of Wellness Council Donates $144,500 in Funding for Dominican Hospital

Donation will support and expand women’s health services at the hospital 

SANTA CRUZ, CA –  July 17, 2025 – Dignity Health Dominican Hospital announced today it has received a total of $144,500 in funding from the Women of Wellness (WoW) Council, a local women’s giving society. The WoW Council proudly allocated $130,000 in funding with an additional $14,500 in anonymous support. 

The WoW Council, a program of the Dominican Hospital Foundation established in 2018, aims to provide financial resources to enhance and expand women’s health services at Dominican Hospital. This year marks the seventh round of funding for essential programs and technology, with over $584,500 raised to support these initiatives.

The members of the WoW Council pledge to contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually to fund vital technologies, innovative programs, and essential services that benefit women's health at Dominican Hospital. This dedicated council meets three times each year, providing an opportunity for members to stay updated on the latest women's health services offered at the hospital, as well as to receive comprehensive updates from prominent physicians and key healthcare providers. They then have the opportunity to evaluate project proposals presented by the hospital and vote using their pool of funds to decide which proposals will receive funding.

"Since its inception, the WoW Council has made a significant impact on various departments and programs here at Dominican Hospital," said Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, President & CEO of Dominican Hospital. "The total of $584,500 raised has provided the necessary funds for innovative technologies and support for our care providers. Each member of the WoW Council is a true partner in promoting the health and wellness of our community, both today and into the future."

The WoW Council selected the following initiatives as recipients of this year’s $130,000 donation, along with $14,500 of anonymous support:

• Bilingual Nurse Navigator, Katz Cancer Resource Center - $50,000

The Bilingual Nurse Navigator will provide equitable care to Spanish speaking patients through education, advocacy, community referrals, and emotional support to assist patients in their journey through cancer. 

• Senior and Dependent Adult Program, Wellness Center - $50,000

Senior and Dependent Adult Program is designed for community members who face barriers and inequities in accessing services due to their age, disability, social or financial status. This vulnerable population would otherwise be unable to return to or maintain function and are at risk of accelerated functional declines. 

• Panda Infant Resuscitation Warmer, Emergency Department - $18,285

A panda in the ED supports providing critical care to the most vulnerable members of our community. Infants are unable to tell us how they are feeling and what is happening. The life saving integrated resuscitation system of the Panda provides vital information that the infant cannot.

• Psychosocial Support Services for Cancer Patients, Katz Cancer Resource Center  - $11,715

The Psychosocial Support for cancer patients includes free oncology-certified counseling, support groups, and survivorship resources tailored to women’s emotional needs. Services also offer financial navigation, insurance help, and disability support, alongside wellness programs like nutrition talks and a wig boutique to boost recovery and self-esteem.

• Halo Bassinest - Hospital Swivel Series Bassinets, Maternal Child Health  - an additional $14,500 in anonymous support

The Halo Bassinest promotes safe sleep in the hospital, ensuring convenience for families and healthcare providers. Its adjustable height and stable design reduce accident risks, while the 360° rotation provides easy access for new parents.

"As I conclude my two-year term as Chair of the Women of Wellness (WoW) Council, I am filled with pride for the philanthropic impact we have created at Dominican Hospital alongside more than 90 dedicated members," said Anissa Novak, Chair of WoW. "The WoW Council presents a valuable opportunity to learn, witness our local impact, and collectively decide which departments and services focused on women's health we will support annually."

To learn more about the Women of Wellness Council, call the Dominican Hospital Foundation at (831) 462-7712 or visit supportdominican.org/women-of-wellness-council.

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About Dignity Health

Dignity Health is a multi-state nonprofit network of 10,000 physicians, more than 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals, and 400-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Dignity Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and dedicated to serving the common good. For more information, please visit our website at www.DignityHealth.org.