Major Donation Marks a New Chapter for the Dignity Health Mobile Wellness Clinic, Enhancing Vital Care to Communities in Need

Santa Cruz Calif. (August 28, 2023) – In collaboration with the Dominican Hospital Foundation, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital announced that it received a transformative donation of $1 million towards a $2.145 million philanthropy-funded campaign. The new Wellness on Wheels campaign will significantly expand the availability of vital medical care in underserved communities in Santa Cruz County. 

The Foundation’s Wellness on Wheels campaign aims to be completely donor-funded through community support. It will enable the expansion of current services and enhance its capacity to deliver essential health care services directly to those who need them most. With the generous $1 million gift from an anonymous member of the local Santa Cruz community, Dominican Hospital will embark on a new chapter for its Mobile Wellness Clinic. This campaign will bring a new level of quality medical care, screenings, vaccinations, and health education to underserved populations, addressing several barriers to healthcare that individuals continue to face.

"Our Mobile Wellness Clinic is a lifeline for those who may otherwise struggle to receive the care they require," said Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, President and CEO of Dominican Hospital. "It symbolizes hope and serves as a beacon of health care equity, striving to bridge the gap and improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities. With this momentous donation, we can expand the Mobile Wellness Clinic's reach and enhance its capabilities. Once the campaign goal is reached, our dedicated mobile team can provide comprehensive care more efficiently and effectively.”

Dominican Hospital's existing Mobile Wellness Clinic is a 38-foot mobile medical van that helps address community needs by providing patients with episodic health and preventive services throughout Santa Cruz County at no cost. A multidisciplinary team of nurse practitioners, allied health professionals, and clinic coordinators provide the on-site services and begin the referral process through community resources for urgent needs. Operating Monday through Friday, the program visits various locations throughout the county and serves as a safety-net for those who face barriers to access health care such as un- and/or under- insured individuals. 

The expansion plans includes:

• The acquisition of a new mobile medical vehicle to enhance efficiencies and patient offerings.

• Increased availability to the working population by expanding service hours to varying times and locations across Santa Cruz County.

• Enhanced episodic and preventative care, Medi-Cal insurance registration, patient referrals, vaccination clinics, general health and cancer screenings

• Services to a broader patient demographic: uninsured, underinsured, and anyone encountering barriers to healthcare. 

• Health screening events and community education for diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and cancer through collaboration with the hospital's Katz Cancer Resource Center.

"Dominican Hospital extends its deepest gratitude to the anonymous donor for their unwavering commitment to improving health care access and recognizing the importance of community well-being,” said Anthony Pagliaro, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Dominican Hospital Foundation. “Their investment in our Mobile Wellness Clinic will undoubtedly save lives, empower individuals, and create lasting positive change. Charitable support from our donor community provides the funds, dedication, and passion that drive our progress in keeping Dominican Hospital at the forefront of excellence."

To support the Wellness on Wheels Campaign or to learn more about the Mobile Wellness Clinic, please contact the Dominican Hospital Foundation at (831) 462-7712 or visit https://www.supportdominican.org/mobile-wellness-clinic. 

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About Dominican Hospital

Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for generations. Dominican offers emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center. Dominican’s services include the only comprehensive Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, a Total Joint Replacement program, advanced neurological and endoscopic services, and an expert heart and vascular team treating some of the most complex cardiac cases in the Monterey Bay area.

Dominican Hospital offers a comprehensive, Baby Friendly-designated Birth Center, and provides an on-site Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) through a partnership with Stanford Children’s Health. Dominican has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Dominican also has received several awards for environmental excellence. Dominican Hospital is planning a $360 million seismic update and modernization project to ensure that the growing Santa Cruz County community can access world class health care well into the future. The project will allow for advanced technology, new state-of-the-art facilities, and even more innovative healing spaces. To learn more about Dominican Hospital, please visit dignityhealth.org/dominican.

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