A letter to our community

March, 2020

Dear Friends of the Sequoia Hospital Foundation,

In these unprecedented times, I want to assure you that Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is closely monitoring all developments with COVID-19 and your community hospital is prepared to identify, isolate, and treat any potential patients who seek care at our facility. 

Our team, led by hospital President Bill Graham, Chief Medical Officer Dieter Bruno MD, and Vice President of Patient Care Services Eleanor Vigilante, RN is in ongoing contact with local and state health officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our staff is following the latest guidance from these public health agencies.

This is a time for humankindness. 

The safety of our patients, employees, and physicians remains our highest priority and Sequoia’s caregivers are responding in the most courageous ways imagineable. 

In the face of uncertainty for their own families, Sequoia’s physicians, nurses, engineers, housekeepers, and colleagues in all other departments are working diligently around the clock to ensure the safest environment to care for patients, their families and each other. They continue to welcome new families in our Birth Center, address the needs of those in our emergency department, and care for patients throughout the hospital. 

They are the heroes of today.

So, how can you show your support for the people and programs of Sequoia Hospital?

First, and foremost, follow the advice of professionals and practice self-care as directed – social distancing, hand-washing, etc.

Second, continue to include the Sequoia Hospital Foundation as a key part of your philanthropy.  The personal and financial turmoil of today will slowly give way to a brighter and more familiar tomorrow. Sequoia’s people and programs will need your support every step of the way.

Remember, the past support of our donors has assisted Sequoia Hospital in obtaining facilities, equipment, and, perhaps most importantly, the skilled professionals necessary to address the current environment.

Finally, please join me in keeping our community’s caregivers, both at Sequoia and beyond, in your thoughts. 

In Gratitude,

Jennifer A. Svihus, CFRE
President and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Sequoia Hospital Foundation