Emphasizes behavioral and nutritional health
Kaiser Permanente’s medical centers in South San Francisco and Redwood City have granted more than $600,000 to 40 non-profits in San Mateo County. The grants are being awarded to local organizations that support behavioral wellness along with healthy eating and active living initiatives.
“A recent community health survey by Kaiser Permanente revealed people want more robust mental health programs in San Mateo County,” said Dr. John Skerry, Physician-in-Chief of the Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center. “This round of grant awards will help address that.”
More than 80 nonprofits from throughout San Mateo County applied to Kaiser Permanente for Community Benefit grants. Nationally, Kaiser Permanente awards nearly $2-billion in grants to support community wellness.
Among the grantees are Adolescent Counseling Services and CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse). Domestic violence costs more than $8-billion in health costs and lost productivity nationwide.
“Kaiser Permanente’s mission is supporting the well-being of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jim O’Donnell, Physician-in-Chief of the Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center. “We are providing support for 17 groups that provide youth counseling programs and adolescent help.”
The grants also support nutrition programs at 21 non-profits in San Mateo County, a reflection of continuing concerns about childhood and adolescent obesity in the community, and the growth of diabetes in our youngest citizens. Kaiser Permanente’s “Healthy Eating Active Living” initiatives have provided exercise and nutrition programs throughout Northern California.
Among the local grantees is The Second Harvest Food Bank, which also provides nutrition education to its clients, a children’s cooking program by The American Heart Association, and The Boys and Girls Club which operates 6 program sites.
Kaiser Doctors take an active part in the community
Dr Susan Mah and Dr Archana Petkar
Kaiser Physicians volunteer at Second Harvest
Dr. Jie Nie, Dr. James Gibboney, Dr. Alla Rudin
Kaiser needs a full overhaul of their behavioral health protocols and programs. So many people cannot get well because they contract out to behavioral health organizations where there is little to no accountability for the way those agencies operate, how patients are treated, or whether they are looking to promote longitudinal wellness. It seems to me these contractors are out to make money at the expense of patient wellness.
With all that is going on; why don’t you have your referral specialist, work from home. Since they do work in a tight space and are fairly of age.