Salem Health is pleased to announce two Community Investment Grants — each totaling $30,000. These grants have been awarded to Mano a Mano Family Center and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency’s (MWVCAA) HOME Youth Services. Both organizations help connect vulnerable populations with a range of services needed to maintain good health.

At Mano a Mano, a new community health worker will help low-income families that identify as Latinx or Hispanic find primary care providers. Health education workshops empower the families to make everyday decisions that support health. Peer-led community meetings improve resilience by building positive social connections in a culturally appropriate way. Critically, COVID-19 related resources and information are prioritized in these meetings, helping access testing and supporting contact tracers when a client is infected.

At HOME Youth Services, a new youth navigator will help underage youth experiencing homelessness connect to services needed (school, medical, dental, counseling, substance abuse, etc.) to achieve some stability as they enter Taylor’s House, an emergency shelter for unaccompanied minor youth. Staff training improves the behavioral health services provided to these youth.

“Achieving good health requires, among other things, access to resources,” said Leilani Slama, Salem Health chief communications and community relations officer. “Salem Health is proud to invest in community partners committed to creating environments conducive to health for vulnerable populations in our area.”

Salem Health is among the team of organizations that provide health care for mid-valley residents. Mano a Mano and HOME Youth Services work is critical because it addresses underlying issues related to health, which positively impacts outcomes for the people Salem Health serves. Their COVID-19 prevention activities are particularly important during this time to keep our families safe. 

Salem Health Community Investment Grants are given out once a year with a term of 12 months. Congratulations to both organizations for receiving this year’s grants.

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. 

Media contact: Salem Health 24-hour media relations line — 971-718-3157