Program goals
The mission of Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people and communities we serve. Through our community health impact work, we respond to evolving health care and community health needs by supporting initiatives,
which advance our mission.
Guiding principles
- We give high priority to investments that create positive, functional change and attempt to resolve problems at their source.
- We recognize and respect Marion and Polk counties' diverse regions and populations, and seek to advance equity, diversity and inclusion through our programs.
- We believe that creative and sustainable solutions come from engaged community partnerships united toward a common goal.
- Projects must have measurable goals, tangible outcomes and a plan for sustainability following the completion of the grant.
Nondiscrimination policy
Salem Health does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability/disability, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or any other protected class. Applicants for Community
Health Impact Investments must hold similar standards in the delivery of services.
Funding priorities
Salem Health’s funding priorities align with the Marion-Polk Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and Community Health Assessment (CHA) as well as Salem Health’s internal five-year strategy for community health improvement. The following
areas are the priorities that Salem Health will seek to invest resources to enhance our community’s overall health.
Substance abuse prevention
The 2021 update of the Marion and Polk counties’ Community Health Assessment notes that substance use and abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, remain the primary source(s) of preventable death in the community, state, and country.
The increased stress and uncertainty from COVID-19 has led to a documented increase in substance use and abuse. Grants available to reduce the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Diabetes/obesity
Over the last five years, Marion and Polk Counties have experienced an increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. These chronic health conditions put a person at greater risk of a poor outcome from COVID-19 illness. Diabetes and
obesity are both included on the list of top ten indicators most impacting our local health. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of hospitalization and a leading cause of death in our community. Social determinants of health such as food insecurity
can contribute to diabetes and obesity. Grants available to positively affect the health outcomes of obese individuals with individuals with diabetes.
Access to health care and behavior health services
Our community suffers from a shortage of health care providers. There were fewer primary care and mental health providers relative to the population size than the state. Providers practicing in more rural regions have more people to serve than those
practicing in urban areas. Only about 60% of adults in our community report seeing a provider for an annual checkup and 1 in 5 reported that they were unable to see a provider in the last year due to cost. Grants available for health care navigation
and other efforts to increase access health care and mental health services.
To better understand these areas of focus, please consult the Marion and Polk Counties’ Community Health Assessment.
Criteria
- Events and programs must take place within Marion and Polk counties.
- Salem Health does not fund events and programs with a marketing or branding focus, including sporting events such as golf tournaments, runs, walks and fundraisers. Additionally, individuals, capital expenses, endowments and political activities are not funded.
Process
- Requests should be submitted 90 to 120 days before the event.
- Requests are reviewed monthly. Requests received after the fifth day of the month will be reviewed the following month.
- Contract for funds and invoices are required if request is awarded.
Get started
For investments up to $2,500 please submit your request by clicking here. You will receive notification that your request was received. If you have questions, please email community.relations@salemhealth.org.
For larger investment requests for projects around the priorities of access to health care and behavioral health services, diabetes/obesity, or substance abuse prevention, please share those thoughts at community.relations@salemhealth.org to begin a dialogue. Larger investments are by invitation only.