Dignity Health has been a magnificent force for change on the West Coast for more than four decades, and as part of their specialized resources dedicated to maintaining community health, the Northridge Hospital Medical Center (NHMC) is no stranger to going above and beyond for the city of Los Angeles. Recently, Dignity Health at NHMC reached out to Widows & Orphans and charity leaders couldn’t be happier to welcome the support.
“Since 2010, we’ve held an AeroMed Conference every other year, and we like to do something that helps give back to the community throughout the two day event,” explains Pre-Hospital Care Coordinator Heidi Ruff. “Last year, we decided to sell T-shirts at AeroMed and donate the money to the [Widows & Orphans] charity.”
In her current position, Heidi works closely with the ER and meets quite a few EMTs, paramedics and firefighters from the area. In her mind, it would be impossible to ignore the valuable role LAFD — and their individual families — play in holding the community together. And a donation from the local arm of Dignity Health was a small way of saying thanks for their sacrifice.
Now Dignity Health at Northridge Hospital Medical Center is looking for additional ways to become more involved and has been speaking with Board President Bob Steinbacher. “Bob and I have to meet about the golf tournament to see if we can put a team together. We’ve learned a little about that event and we think it would be a great opportunity to do more for the charity,” she shares.
Located in the northwest region of the San Fernando Valley, Northridge Hospital Medical Center often sees patients in the ER who have been affected by the tragedy of fires in their homes, schools and community buildings. So forging a positive relationship with the LAFD is not only welcome, but it can easily build trust, understanding and a sense of camaraderie for the hospital staff and the firefighters alike.
Taking a closer look at their personalized approach to healthcare, it’s really no surprise that Dignity Health at NHMC is constantly thinking of ways to improve the lives of everyone in the community. Whether it’s through their brand new Center for Assault Treatment Services or by selling T-shirts on behalf of the Widows & Orphans charity for LAFD fire families, NHMC wants to see everyone live healthy and full lives with compassion, support and dignity.
by Candace Nicholson