Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital

09/01/2025

This summer, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated the 40th anniversary of Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, a week of adapted sports, new friendships and unforgettable experiences.

For four decades, this one-of-a-kind program has empowered youth with physical disabilities to discover their abilities, build confidence, and connect through sport. We are proud to carry forward this legacy of possibility and inclusion on the Central Coast.

The camp is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of the Foundation for Cottage Rehabilitation & Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals and our community donors.

08/30/2025

Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Therapeutic Recreation Services presents a monthly virtual meeting featuring adapted sports, recreation, wellness and inspiring life stories.

Monday, September 8
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | via Zoom

Join Mark Alfano, PhD, ABPP, lead neuropsychologist at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, to explore the mindbody relationship in illness and health.

Discussion will include:
- The role of the nervous system
- The relationship between psychological functioning and immune system functioning
- Practical evidence-based psychological tools to improve health and wellness

There will be a Q&A following the presentation.
Register today: cottagehealth.org/outlook

08/16/2025

Our volunteers and pet therapy dogs brought smiles to travelers at Santa Barbara Airport earlier this week during Passenger Appreciation Week. 🐾✈ It was a wonderful day connecting with our community and sharing Cottage Health pawsitivity.

08/16/2025

Join Cottage bariatric surgeons for a FREE virtual seminar where they will discuss:
• If weight-loss surgery is right for you
• The consequences of obesity
• What to expect during and after surgery
• Keys to keeping weight off

Thursday, August 21, 2025
4 – 5 p.m.
Register at cottagehealth.org/MTD

Featuring:
- Marc Zerey, MD, Medical Director
- Farida Bounoua, MD
- David Thoman, MD

Ask your questions in a confidential setting.

08/15/2025

Congratulations to the winners of our 2025 Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation Scholarships!

A scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s an investment in a student’s dreams. These Santa Ynez Valley residents will receive support to pursue higher education in a health or medical field. We are deeply grateful to our generous program sponsors, whose contributions help open new doors for future healthcare heroes.

Learn how you can make a difference at cottagehealth.org/syvchf

08/02/2025

Donate blood at one of our upcoming drives. Your donation goes into the local supply pool, directly supporting Cottage Health hospitals and ensuring patients have the blood products they need for care.

Wednesday, August 6 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital (2050 Viborg Rd. in Solvang)
The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be parked in the Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital parking lot.
Schedule an appointment: cottagehealth.org/syblooddrive

Wednesday, August 13 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (400 W Pueblo St. in Santa Barbara)
The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be parked at the hospital main entrance at Castillo and Pueblo.
Schedule an appointment: cottagehealth.org/sbblooddrive

07/31/2025

Today is National Intern Day, and we are proud to recognize our 2025 summer intern cohort at Cottage Health.

Over the past several weeks, these college students have supported departments throughout our organization while exploring a range of healthcare careers. They have brought curiosity, professionalism and a strong commitment to learning.

Thank you to each of our interns for choosing to spend your summer with us and to the leaders who have taken them under their wing. We appreciate your contributions and can’t wait to see where your journey leads next.

07/24/2025

Cottage Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Ganesh Persad, MSBI, CHCIO, as Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO). His first day will be September 8, 2025.

Ganesh brings over 20 years of healthcare IT leadership, with deep expertise in digital transformation, clinical systems integration and technology strategies that enhance both patient and workforce experience. Most recently, Ganesh served as Corporate Director of Digital Patient Experience and Transformation at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

At Cottage Health, Ganesh will lead enterprise-wide IT strategy, overseeing the development of innovative, scalable technology solutions that support our mission and elevate the standard of care across the Central Coast.

Please join us in welcoming Ganesh to Cottage Health!

07/16/2025

Now Open: Cottage Surgical Clinics

Cottage Health is pleased to announce the opening of Cottage Surgical Clinics, a new specialty care clinic providing expert care in general, colorectal and bariatric surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques.

The surgical team includes Dr. Farida Bounoua, Dr. David Thoman and Dr. Lexine Yurcho, all board-certified with advanced training in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures.

Cottage Surgical Clinics is located at 2320 Bath Street, Suite 101 in Santa Barbara.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 805-324-9105 or visit cottagehealth.org/surgical-clinics

07/15/2025

Cottage Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Morgan, MBA, FHFMA, FACHE, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 19, 2025.

With more than 20 years of healthcare financial leadership, Matt brings deep expertise in strategic alignment, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence. He most recently served as CFO at Montage Health in Monterey.

In his new role, Matt will oversee all aspects of Cottage Health’s financial operations and serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Please join us in welcoming Matt to Cottage Health!

07/04/2025

The 4th of July weekend is here, and it's also one of the busiest times of year for emergency rooms.

Our Emergency Medicine and Trauma Services experts shared important safety tips with KSBY to help you and your loved ones stay safe this holiday weekend.

Watch the full story:
https://www.ksby.com/santa-barbara-south-coast/fourth-of-july-safety-tips-why-er-visits-spike-and-how-to-avoid-common-holiday-injuries

According to the Pew Research Center, more than 45,000 people visit the emergency room between July 4 and 5, more than at any other time of the year, and it's not just because of fireworks injuries.