Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation awards several grants

The Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation Board recently approved over $300,000 in grants for 25 different projects focused on COVID-19 testing and response, maternal and fetal health, volunteer EMS and first responders, and mental healthcare services throughout our Mendocino coastal region.

“Continuing to provide funding for our healthcare partners to deliver the most effective, efficient and people- centered care possible during the continuing pandemic is aligned with the mission and vision of the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation,” said Mary Kate McKenna, Executive Director of MCHF. “This list of funded projects, in collaboration with 12 healthcare organizations and entities, is just the beginning of the deep impact the Foundation is committed to making with our fundraising efforts.”

Seven of the projects are in direct response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and provide much-needed personal protective equipment, a rapid-testing machine and additional ventilators for our hospital, as well as telemedicine and online support services to continue patient care remotely. In addition, the purchase of fetal monitors and an ultrasound machine brings to the coast the ability to monitor locally our families preparing for birth.

The Foundation also connects with our local fire departments and ambulance service to fund safety equipment, PPE and another new ambulance. When our community needs a rapid emergency response, the Foundation has provided funding to help our EMS providers be there when you need them.

“We are trusted partners with the broader Mendocino coast healthcare community,” said McKenna. “Our region is experiencing real impacts from COVID-19 and the ever-changing landscape for providing health care, and MCHF will continue to prioritize funding support to enhance the health and wellness of people in our community.”