COVID VACCINE SUPER STATION OPEN AT GROSSMONT CENTER IN LA MESA 10
Total Views: 68 East County News Service February 2, 2021 (La Mesa) – A COVID-19 vaccination super station opened today at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. Operated by Sharp Healthcare, the The new walk-up clinic is vaccinating people from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Up to 1,000 doses will be administered daily, but the site’s capacity can be expanded to provide up to 5,000 vaccinations every day. The clinic is located in the shopping mall at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, between Wetzel’s Pretzels and the Ceramic Café. This location will replace and expand the site Sharp HealthCare had been operating on Wakarusa St. Appointments made for that site transfer to the super station at the mall. This is the fourth vaccination super station to open in the region. Three others are located Petco Park downtown San Diego, at the old Sears in Chula Vista and California State University San Marcos. Many other smaller County clinics are also currently vaccinating people throughout the region. A smaller, County-run vaccination clinic at the Southwestern College Higher Education Center at San Ysidro, 460 W. San Ysidro Blvd. The site will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and will be able to provide up to 500 doses daily. Appointments are also required at this site. “We’re prepared to get shots in the arms of as many San Diegans as possible when more doses come to the region,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D,. M.P.H., County public health officer. “Getting vaccinated is the best defense we have against COVID-19.” County Only Vaccinating People 65 and Older While the state has expanded COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to all people in Phase 1B, County clinics for now are vaccinating only people in Phase 1A and people 65 years and older in Phase 1B given the limited number of doses available in the region. Doctors, pharmacies, community clinics and other healthcare providers are working to provide vaccinations to San Diegans in the priority groups. “We understand some people want to get vaccinated right away, but, unfortunately, we don’t have enough vaccine to give a dose to all San Diegans who want one,” Wooten said. All County vaccination super stations and other clinics require appointments and can be made at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com Printer-friendly version
10 viewsJANTZ FAMILY LAUNCHES GO FUND ME SITE FOR GROSSMONT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION FOOD PANTRY AND SUPPLIES 2K
Total Views: 49 Donations of money, non-perishable foods and personal protective equipment are needed for healthcare workers By Miriam Raftery April 17, 2020 (La Mesa) – Barry Jantz, CEO of Grossmont Healthcare District, and his family have launched a GoFundMe site on behalf of the Grossmont Hospital Foundation to help healthcare workers with an on-site food pantry and medical supplies. “As most of you know, the care team at our local hospital is working tirelessly during this global battle against COVID-19. Many of the healthcare workers are unable to go to the store and get items they need for their families, either because the items are gone from the shelves or they’re just exhausted by the end of their shift. On a daily basis, these amazing individuals are here doing their very best to help those in need,” a message from Barry, Colleen and Kayleigh Jantz states. A contribution via this GoFundMe page will go to the non-profit Grossmont Hospital Foundation to provide Food Pantry items and/or much-needed hospital supplies to protect front-line caregivers during this crisis. Donations are 100% tax deductible. People can also donate non-perishable food items and personal protective equipment directly. Click here for details or to make a donation. For those who wish to drop off a donation of gloves, masks or other PPE, please read the criteria here. “This is our way as a family of giving a little bit back to the healthcare workers that take care of us every day; but now when they need us the most,” the Jantz family statement concudes. “Thanks for all you do for our community!” Printer-friendly version
2K viewsGROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SUPPORTING NEW CAMPO HEALTH CLINIC 3.9K
Total Views: 52 East County News Service February 14, 2017 (Campo) – A new backcountry healthcare clinic currently under construction in Campo will have $1 million for new medical equipment thanks to the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), an East County regional public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region. GHD’s board of directors recently approved a $1 million grant to Mountain Health & Community Services, Inc. for its new health center in Campo to be called Mountain Health Family Medicine. The award, the largest single community grant in GHD’s history, is planned to cover the purchase of equipment for primary care exams, surgical procedures, dental examinations, X-rays and on-site lab testing, along with other patient care support functions. “When we hope to start seeing patients in June 2017, our new clinic in Campo will provide comprehensive primary care services to the most medically vulnerable population in rural East County,” said Judith Shaplin, president and CEO of Mountain Health. “This grant from the Grossmont Healthcare District will greatly help us serve low-income and medically underserved residents in the 950-square-mile Mountain Empire region.” Founded in 1975, Mountain Health operates six federally qualified health centers in Campo, Alpine, Escondido, Santee and San Diego. It also provides health services at several public schools in rural East County communities. In 2016, Mountain Health said it served more than 8,000 patients, many who live at, or below, the federal poverty level, it said. Mountain Health officials said the new 23,500-square-foot clinic at 1388 Buckman Springs Road in Campo will replace Mountain Health’s existing Campo clinic a mile and a half away on Highway 94. The current 2,800-square-foot clinic has long served as the town’s main healthcare facility for decades, but over time has become insufficient in meeting the healthcare needs of the community, according to Shaplin. The new clinic will have 12 primary care exam rooms, two medical procedure rooms and telemedicine technology allowing patients increased access to specialists outside the area. Also available will be dental, pharmacy and X-ray facilities, as well as behavioral health treatment services. Construction began in February 2016. “Our support of Mountain Health aligns with our mission and purpose to address the unmet healthcare needs in the East County,” said Michael Emerson, GHD 2017 board president. “We are proud of Mountain Health and their staff’s dedication and passion to improving and maintaining the health and well-being of the whole person by providing access to high quality healthcare and community services.” Since GHD began its community grants program in 1996, it has awarded nearly $50 million in grants and sponsorships to community-based non-profit organizations, government agencies and Grossmont Hospital. Formed in 1952 to build Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, GHD serves as landlord for the hospital property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Printer-friendly version
3.9K viewsGROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NURSING, HEALTH TECH STUDENTS 9
Total Views: 46 February 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)–The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is seeking applicants for two scholarship programs, including up to two scholarships for nursing students and five scholarships for students pursuing careers as medical health technicians. Deadline to receive applications for both scholarship programs is 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14. Application forms will be e-mailed upon request after sending an e-mail to Vickie Bradeen at GHD, info@grossmonthealthcare.org. Applicants must reside within the GHD boundaries for a minimum of one year, or have graduated from a high school located within the district’s East County boundaries. Previous recipients of these GHD scholarships are not eligible to reapply. Applicants for a one-time nursing scholarship of either $3,000 or $1,500 must provide evidence of current enrollment in a registered nursing program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), along with details about community volunteer work, a letter of recommendation from a nursing instructor and a maximum 500-word essay on the topic “the future of nursing in my community.” Preference will be given to nurses who are new to the profession. The nursing scholarship program is named the Richard Bea RN Memorial Nursing Scholarship in honor of former GHD board member Richard Bea, a registered nurse who worked at Grossmont Hospital for 18 years. Bea served on the GHD board from 1996 until his death in 1999, including as board president. Students studying to become a medical technician can apply to receive one of up to five $2,000 scholarships by writing a maximum 400-word essay on the topic “where I will be in my career five years from now.” Eligible occupations for the medical technician scholarship include anesthesiology technician, cardiovascular technician, disability services management, laboratory technician, licensed vocational nurse, occupational therapy assistant, orthopedic technician, pharmacy technician, respiratory therapy technician, speech therapy or speech pathology technician and telemetry/EKG technician. The Grossmont Healthcare District, a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County, is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Printer-friendly version
9 viewsGROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SEEKS NOMINEES FOR HEALTHCARE HERO AWARDS 2K
Total Views: 29 January 17, 2014 (La Mesa)–The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is soliciting nominees for its 2014 Healthcare Hero Awards. Now in its eighth year, the Healthcare Heroes is GHD’s annual awards program that honors volunteers who help advance the delivery of quality healthcare in the East County region. Nomination forms are available at www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Deadline for submission of entries is 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at the GHD offices, 9001 Wakarusa St., in La Mesa. Nominees for a 2014 Healthcare Hero Award can include a front-line volunteer caregiver, including a volunteer at a community clinic, junior volunteer, auxiliary member, healthcare educator and pastoral care provider, as well as a member of a service club, community group and advocacy or policy organization. Nominees also can include a first-responder or other healthcare professional who volunteers their time beyond their regular scope of job responsibilities, according to Dr. Michael T. Long, 2014 GHD board president. “We solicit the assistance of all East County residents because we want to recognize those unsung heroes of healthcare whose work might not otherwise be recognized,” said Long. “We want to honor those volunteers whose extraordinary care and selfless dedication inspires others to produce measurable outcomes that provide for a healthier East County community.” For more information about the 2014 Healthcare Hero Awards, contact the GHD offices at info@grossmonthealthcare.org. The awards will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 14 at the Steele Canyon Golf Club in Jamul. As a public agency, Grossmont Healthcare District supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region, and serves as landlord of Grossmont Hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The District, formed in 1952 to build and operate the hospital, is governed by a five-member board of directors who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Printer-friendly version
2K viewsGROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT CONTINUES LEASE NEGOTIATIONS WITH SHARP HEALTHCARE 3.8K
Total Views: 47 January 2, 2014 (La Mesa)–The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), the public agency that serves as landlord of Grossmont Hospital, has announced it is continuing negotiations with Sharp HealthCare to add another 30 years to its existing lease agreement for the operation of the La Mesa hospital. The GHD board recently voted to finalize discussions with Sharp officials to extend the current 30-year lease, which was signed in 1991 and is scheduled to expire on May 30, 2021. The parties are discussing extending the lease to May 29, 2051. At a recent GHD meeting, the board voted 4-1, with board member Betty Stieringer in opposition, to direct staff to prepare a letter of intent that would include basic terms for a 30-year lease extension with the Grossmont Hospital Corp., the legal entity associated with Sharp HealthCare that manages and operates the 536-bed hospital. The letter of intent, representing one of several steps required for a lease extension, is expected to be considered by the GHD board in early 2014. If the GHD board approves the letter of intent, planning would be finalized for a future ballot measure on the lease extension. Ultimately, East Region voters will have the final approval of any lease extension. In 2005, California lawmakers passed AB 1155 authored by former Assemblyman Jay La Suer of La Mesa, allowing a lease extension of the publicly-owned hospital to Sharp HealthCare, following voter approval. Previously, state law was silent on how healthcare districts could extend their leases with hospital operators. “The letter of intent was an important step for the board to ensure the provisions for a possible lease extension are progressing in the right direction,” said Barry Jantz, GHD CEO. “We look forward to the public process and community input as the board considers placing a lease extension measure on the ballot to continue our public-private partnership with Sharp HealthCare.” Public testimony at the special GHD board meeting included comments by La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid. Madrid who encouraged GHD board members to maintain current services offered at the hospital. Sharp Healthcare, a San Diego-based health care delivery system with more than 15,000 employees, operates four full-service, acute care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, two affiliated medical groups and a health plan. Grossmont Hospital is the largest not-for-profit, full-service acute care hospital in San Diego’s East Region, serving the community for more than 50 years. The Grossmont Healthcare District, formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, serves as landlord of Sharp Grossmont Hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The District, a public agency, supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region, is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. Printer-friendly version
3.8K viewsWORKERS PICKET AT GROSSMONT HOSPITAL 3.8K
Total Views: 48 By Nadin Abbott November 20, 2012 (La Mesa)—Some workers arrived after their shifts ended; others came from home to join a march yesterday afternoon outside Grossmont Hospital. All were determined to draw public attention to their efforts to gain better working conditions and compensation. United Healthcare Employees, affiliated with the AFL-CIO,continues contract negotiations for workers contracted by Sharp Healthcare through Sodexo to manage food services and custodial work. Gloria Schwatka, a worker, told me that Sodexo first offered a wage freeze and then a scant 0.05% wage increase in the third year. “Sodexo doesn’t want full time employees, but only part time,” she said, noting that this way the company can avoid paying benefits. The United Health Care Employees union is asking is for a 3% increase in their base pay. According to Bill Rouse, one of the lead negotiators for the union, the starting pay at the hospital is $9.09 an hour and the average pay for 250 employees is $9.55 and hour. Employees also have to pay for their own health insurance, which ranges from $22.00 to $80.00 a week. Patty Araballo, another of the negotiators, said that this was an information picket and that lockouts were not even contemplated at this point. She emphasized that workers “have been waiting for a wage increase for three years.” They have not left the negotiations and all they are trying to get are “better wages and healthcare.” Senior steward Alex Burstein told ECM that workers want “to support fair treatment and a wage that we can make a marginal living on.” They want to continue to give good food to patients and good cleaning of the hospital. The hard work they do deserves more than the 1.75% that the company last offered. They will take 3%. Burstein also did point out that the nurses’ union got a 3% wage increase. He believes that it is not fair for management to “expect employees to scratch and scramble.” He has 33 years of service at the hospital. Larry Winters, a registered nurse who works in the Emergency Department told ECM that he “supports our housekeepers.” Without them, he said, “Our hospital would not be clean and our infection control would not work.” The fight with management is not new. There have been many battles to keep to a minimum standard of rights for workers, employees said. According to Kerry Loud, who has been at Sodexo for 20 years, the last fight involved weekend off. The company decided to cut that to one weekend off a month, but later restored two weekends a month of time off. Jose Ramirez, another one of the union stewards, said “We are at the negotiations table. We are simply workers, but they do not want to grant us a wage increase.” He added that part-timers are not allowed to become full-time, and that management gets rid of those who make it two-thirds of the way to full time status. Lucia Diaz told ECM that evaluations have been held back, and that grievances against management are not moved forward. These grievances are usually violations of the contract that could lead to some extra pay as compensation. She added that there is no opportunity for advancement. After talking to the workers, I did contact the hospital by physically walking to the public information desk. I was told that John Frieedman of Sodexo would call to comment on this, and to fill in what is going on from their point of view. Frieedman did not call back. Printer-friendly version
3.8K viewsKIDS CARE FEST TO OFFER FAMILY-FUN ACTIVITIES AND FREE HEALTHCARE SCREENINGS SATURDAY IN LA MESA 3.7K
Total Views: 52 Over 1,000 children anticipated to attend with their families Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will present Kids Care Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Kids Care Fest is a free, family-oriented event featuring free health care screenings open to the public. Over 1,000 children under age 12 are expected to receive free, potentially life-saving health care screenings including hearing, vision and dental from healthcare professionals at 50 exhibit booths. Free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists will also be available, as well as flu shots. More free hands-on activities will include arts and crafts, water safety, astro jumps and pony rides, demonstrations and displays from police and fire officials–plus giveaways and more. Free new reading books will be available for children to take home and keep. A free lunch will be served to children by volunteers with the La Mesa United Methodist Church. Also, arts and crafts activities will be provided by church members. Food, books, and crafts will be available while supply lasts. Additional sponsors include Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, KUSI-NEWS, Radio Latina XLTN 104.5-FM, U-T San Diego, San Diego Family Magazine, Ralphs Grocery Co., Sparkletts Water Co. and La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation. It will be the 11th annual Kids Care Fest event. Kids Care Fest will be a smoke‑free event. Free parking will be available at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Brier Patch campus at 9000 Wakarusa Street. For more information, phone (619) 825‑5050 or visit www.KidsCareFest.org. Printer-friendly version
3.7K viewsHOW HEALTHCARE REFORMS WILL IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS: CHAMBER PRESENTS FREE PROGRAM TONIGHT IN LA MESA 4
Total Views: 22 October 6, 2011 (La Mesa) – How will federal health care reforms impact the health of your business and employees? The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce presents a free program tonight, featuring a panel that includes physicians, representatives from the hospital and insurance industries, the County health department, and a human resources/employment law specialist. The program will be held tonight, October 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District, 9001 Wakarusa Street in La Mesa. Panelists include: • Dr. Suman Sinha, Intensive Care Specialist • Dr. Dan Gross, Executive VP for Sharp HealthCare • Debbie Reinhard, Human Resource & Employment Law • Rene Santiago, San Diego County Health & Human Services • Bill Hammett, President of Hammett Health Insurance Svs For more information contact the San Diego East County Chamber at (619) 440-6161 Printer-friendly version
4 viewsKIDS CARE FEST SEPT. 24 IN LA MESA OFFERS FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR 1,000 CHILDREN 11
Total Views: 37 September 16, 2011 (La Mesa) — Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will host the 10th annual Kids Care Fest on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event features free health care screenings at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Additional free, hand-on activities will include arts and crafts, water safety, bungee and astro jumps and pony rides, along with demonstrations and displays from law enforcement, including police and fire officials. Free new reading books, along with coloring books and crayons, will also be available for children to take home. Organizers expect more than 1,000 children under age 12, including many from low-income and under-insured families, will receive free, potentially life-saving, health care screenings, including hearing, vision and dental vision screenings, from healthcare professionals at the event. In addition, the event will include free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists at approximately 50 exhibit booths. A free lunch will be served to children by volunteers with the La Mesa United Methodist Church while supplies last. Also, arts and crafts activities will be provided by church members. Kids Care Fest will be a smoke‑free event. Free parking will be available at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Brier Patch campus at 9000 Wakarusa St. and Grossmont Medical Arts Building at 8851 Center Dr. For more information, phone (619) 825‑5050 or visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Printer-friendly version
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