Stanford Health Care helps community with vaccinations, education and food

For influenza and other vaccines, East Palo Alto has always lagged behind the rest of San Mateo County. But nearly 90% of East Palo Also residents over age 5 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — a rate on par with the rest of the county.  

Lizelle Lirio de Luna, director of family health services for San Mateo County Health, credits Stanford Health Care, which funded and has operated a COVID-19 vaccination site in East Palo Alto since spring 2021.  

“Stanford is a trusted provider that people know,” she said. “They think, ‘It’s OK, it’s safe,’ and they go when they’re ready. Having additional resources for COVID made a huge difference.”

Many vulnerable patients and members of underserved communities were able to receive COVID-19 shots because of Stanford Health Care, which funded about 500,000 vaccine doses given at 12 community vaccination sites.

The vaccines are critical to keeping the local community safe, but they are only part of the support Stanford Health Care has provided to improve the health of residents in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

From Sept. 1, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2021, Stanford Health Care donated more than $464 million in funds and services to the community. The greatest portion, as in previous years, went toward caring for patients who lacked insurance and training the next generation of physicians, nurses and other clinicians. Stanford Health Care also gave to local organizations, such as social service agencies and community health centers.

While pandemic relief funding was provided by the federal government, in the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years, Stanford Health Care donated $95 million beyond what was reimbursed since the pandemic’s inception.

The pandemic-related funds and services provided local clinics with personal protection equipment and medical supplies; supported government agencies with expertise and personnel; and educated the public about COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination.

In addition to supporting services aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic, Stanford Health Care also contributed to programs and agencies that address homelessness, distribute food, educate the public, offer rental and legal assistance, and provide other goods and services to the community. These include:

·      Stanford Life Flight, a helicopter ambulance for patients in need of emergency care

·      Three new ultrasound machines for Ravenswood Family Health Center

·      Social and financial-service support to 500 households through Destination: Home to prevent homelessness

·      Instruction in online financial literacy for older adults

·      Seven months’ supply of healthy proteins for Second Harvest Food Bank

·      Support groups for patients, caregivers and family members

·      A new menu featuring Asian-fusion meals for Meals on Wheels clients

·      Courses on preventing injury and quitting smoking

Besides the donations from Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care–ValleyCare contributed $41 million to the community, and Stanford Children’s Health contributed $216 million.