Adventist Health Howard Memorial

09/16/2025

For the second year in a row, our facility has earned Superior Performance status on the California Opioid Care Honor Roll!

With California facing over 7,000 opioid overdose deaths in a single year — including a staggering rise in fentanyl-related deaths — this recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to combating the opioid crisis head-on.

We’re proud to be among just 55 hospitals in the state to achieve this level of performance, and one of only 30 hospitals with sustained improvement over two years.

By embedding opioid safety practices, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to life-saving care, we’re creating lasting change — right here in our community.

09/15/2025

As we begin Environmental Services (EVS) Week, we want to start by recognizing the true heroes who keep our surroundings clean, safe, and cared for every single day — our incredible EVS team.

Your hard work often happens quietly and behind the scenes, but it is the foundation of a healthy and dignified environment for all of us. This week, we shine a special spotlight on you — not just for what you do, but for how consistently and selflessly you do it.

Thank you for your dedication, your effort, and the pride you take in your work.
This EVS Week is for you!

Let’s celebrate the people who make our spaces better—today and every day.

09/14/2025

Hispanic Heritage Month is a fantastic time to experience the creativity and sense of connection that makes Hispanic cultures so important in our communities.

We encourage you to attend a Hispanic Heritage event near you or to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic people in America and around the world in one of these other fun and healthy ways:

- Take a dance class — salsa, mambo, merengue, rumba, or any other style!
- Spend an evening with your family enjoying traditional Hispanic foods
- Be inspired by the creative work of a Hispanic author, filmmaker, or musician

09/13/2025

New Nurse Spotlight – Noelia Davila, RN

Please join us in welcoming Noelia Davila to our nursing team!

When asked which of our “Be Statements” she connects with most, Noelia shared, “‘Be Love’ resonates most with me as a nurse. It’s showing our patients that our care extends further than just clinical care. It’s being that comfort when someone is scared. It’s taking the time to listen to our patients at a very vulnerable time in their lives. It’s embodying compassion, empathy, understanding, and unconditional care with every patient interaction.”

Noelia brings warmth and heart to her role, grounded in the belief that human connection is just as important as medical treatment.

Outside of work, she enjoys all things craft-related, loves Thai food, and has a fun party trick—she can mimic “Stitch” from Lilo & Stitch!

We’re so happy to have Noelia’s creativity, empathy, and joyful spirit on our team. Welcome, Noelia!

09/12/2025

Join us for our next Food for Life Online Cooking Class on Tuesday, September 16.

Presented by our Nutrition Education team, we will discuss reversing metabolic disorders and reducing inflammation in the body.

The class features three plant-based cooking demonstrations along with handouts of easy and affordable recipes participants can prepare at home to help reduce inflammation and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance.

When: Tuesday, September 16, 4-6 pm
Where: online via Zoom. Join here: https://ahlink.org/46sG4yd

This is a hybrid class in which there will be in-person attendees as well as virtual attendees. Those attending on Zoom are welcome to participate via questions/comments in the chat.

Questions? Call the Outpatient Nutrition Education Office at 707-456-3132 or email earsleaf@ah.org.

09/11/2025

We remember those lives lost on September 11, as well as the survivors, families and many acts of heroism witnessed that day. We thank the first responders, emergency personnel and the men and women who protect us and keep us safe today and every day.

09/10/2025

The International Association for Su***de Prevention’s theme for Su***de Prevention Day is Changing the Narrative on Su***de. This is about reframing how we perceive this complex issue from a culture of silence to one of openness, empathy, and support. At Adventist Health, this is just the environment we are working to create. If you know someone struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out and offer support and hope. If you are struggling with these thoughts yourself, ask for help. We know it can be hard to share these thoughts with others, but your life is worth living. If you do not know who to reach out to, call or text 988 to connect with a counselor at the National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. Conversations are free and confidential.

09/09/2025

Getting a flu shot every year is important for your health and the health of the people you love. When you’ve received the shot, you’re less likely to get the flu and spread it to people at high risk of complications, such as adults older than 65, women who are pregnant and infants. Follow these simple tips to make this important vaccination easier.

If you are in need of a flu shot, please call our Redwood Medical Clinic at 707-459-6115 or visit our nearest local pharmacy.

Find out what to do before and after your flu shot to make the process easier. Learn how to manage arm soreness, activities to avoid and post-flu shot care.

09/08/2025

Going the Extra Mile— Every Step of the Way

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to more than care—we’re here to truly connect, support, and serve. Here’s what a few of our incredible team members had to say about what “going above and beyond” looks like in action:

Language Support with Heart
“I take pride in being certified to translate for our Spanish-speaking patients in Physical and Occupational Therapy. They know they’re heard, understood, and supported every step of the way.”

Making Patients Feel Seen and Heard
“I always greet patients with a smile and ask how I can help. I listen carefully, make sure they feel heard, and follow through. I’m persistent about finding answers to their questions.”

Extending Care Beyond the OR
“In surgery, our time with patients is short. So, I visit our post-op patients on the Med/Surg floor the next day. It shows them our team cares and gives me a chance to go over education and answer questions—especially for those returning for multiple joint procedures.”

These are just a few of the countless ways our team puts heart into every interaction. Whether it’s a small gesture or a big effort, we show up with compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to making our patients feel truly cared for. Because for us, going above and beyond isn’t the exception—it’s the standard.

09/07/2025

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics to help your body regulate its temperature. For extra protection, grab your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat!

To learn more about further summer safety tips, visit our website at ahlink.org/4mNgF7T

09/06/2025

Made for More Spotlight: Keleigh Hansen

Each member of the Adventist Health team plays a vital role in helping those we serve reach all the "mores" they were made for. Today, we are proud to highlight Keleigh Hansen, a dedicated and compassionate nurse in our Med-Surg Department.
Keleigh's journey in healthcare began when she moved from San Francisco to Mendocino County in 2011. She enrolled in the Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy program at MCOE, earning certifications in both. But her path didn’t stop there. While doing hospital rounds, she felt a calling to become a nurse—a dream that came with challenges but one she never gave up on. In May 2022, she graduated as an RN, and by June, she had joined Adventist Health to begin the next chapter of her career.
In just one sentence, Keleigh describes her work and that of her coworkers best saying,
"We support one another in delivering compassionate, quality care to help our patients heal and thrive."

Her passion for healthcare started in childhood. An empath at heart, she always found joy in helping others. Whether as a patient or visitor, she felt a sense of comfort in hospitals, looking up to the nurses and wishing she could do what they did. Today, she’s grateful to have turned that passion into a career.

At the end of each day, Keleigh finds fulfillment in knowing she has made a difference in the lives of others. Watching a patient heal and regain their strength reminds her why she chose this path. And when times get tough? She leans on her coworkers and manager, debriefing and processing challenges as a team. She also finds peace in nature and spending time with family, which helps her recharge.

Among Adventist Health’s values, Keleigh is most motivated by “Be A Force For Good” and “Be Love”. Advocating for patients—especially when they cannot do so themselves—is something she takes great pride in, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

After a busy week, she recharges through hiking, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

When asked to complete the sentence "I'm made for more...", Keleigh’s response perfectly reflects her heart for others: "I'm made for more compassion, spreading wellness, and love within my community."

Thank you, Keleigh, for your dedication and the impact you make every day!

09/05/2025

Made for More Humanity: COMPASS – Restoring Trust, Renewing Strength

At Adventist Health, healing doesn’t stop at the hospital doors — and healing isn’t just physical. For many of our community’s most vulnerable members, the path to better health also means restoring trust, rebuilding confidence, and reconnecting to a sense of purpose. That’s exactly what our COMPASS care management team does every day.

This week, we highlight the story of “Shane”, a patient whose journey reminds us how compassionate, relationship-based care can change everything.

Shane had recently suffered a stroke and was struggling — not only with the physical toll but also emotionally. He was medically complex, deeply frustrated, and had a hard time trusting medical staff. His Redwood Medical Clinic primary care provider described him as seeming “angry at the world.” Shane missed appointments often and rarely engaged with physical therapy.

Recognizing that Shane needed more than clinical care, his provider referred him to the Adventist Health Community Health Worker (CHW) program. That’s where Shane met Roxanne, a CHW with COMPASS who specializes in meeting people where they are — with empathy, patience, and real support.

Instead of pushing him with checklists or medical advice, Roxanne focused on building a connection. She listened. She learned about his personal goals. And she helped Shane navigate real-life obstacles that were getting in the way of progress. She arranged transportation to appointments, advocated for his need for durable medical equipment, connected him with food resources, and helped him articulate his personal needs — not just his medical ones.

Over time, something changed.

Shane began showing up — to appointments, to physical therapy, to his own progress. His mood improved, his determination grew, and his care team started to see results. The man who once depended on a walker now gets around with just a cane or walking sticks. And he’s quick to give credit where it’s due.

“Without Roxanne, I wouldn’t have been able to follow through,” Shane said. “I would usually just give up and not come back.”

That’s the power of COMPASS.

By offering personalized, boots-on-the-ground care, COMPASS helps patients move beyond barriers and toward transformation — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For Shane, it meant regaining control and dignity. For others, it might mean food security, housing support, or behavioral health resources. But for everyone, it means someone in their corner who truly cares.

At Adventist Health, we believe our patients are made for more — and our care reflects our shared humanity.

09/05/2025

Naoky Tsai, MD, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Adventist Health Castle, joins host Japhet De Oliveira for a meaningful conversation about his father's influence on his decision to pursue medicine, his decision to come to the United States for further training, and his establishment of the first liver transplant program in the state. Listen here: ahlink.org/4mExa6q

09/03/2025

Meet Reilly Waddington, a new grad joining the team at Adventist Health Howard Memorial.

We asked Reilly which "Be Statement" from our core values resonates with her most. She chose "Be a Force for Good."

“I resonate with the statement ‘Be a Force for Good’ because I feel this is the basis of working in healthcare — to have a positive impact on our patients, our team, hospital, and community. To work each day to improve not just ourselves, but the lives around us.”

When she’s not delivering compassionate care, Reilly loves getting outside to hike and backpack.

And a fun fact: Reilly owns a snake — because "dogs aren’t allowed in rentals."

We’re so excited to have Reilly bringing her adventurous spirit and passion for making a difference to our team!

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! Thank you to our team members for your continued hard work and dedication in caring for our communities. Wishing everyone a weekend full of rest, renewal, and meaningful moments with loved ones.

08/30/2025

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

08/29/2025

Shane Voshell, Human Resources Director of the Oregon Network, joins host Japhet De Oliveira for an engaging conversation about how the pandemic gave him a new perspective, his passion for human resources, and how his faith ties into everyday life. Listen: ahlink.org/4fyxUY5

08/26/2025

Today we recognize Women’s Equality Day, a time to honor the achievements of women throughout history and reflect on the importance of equity and inclusion in every part of society — including healthcare.

At Adventist Health, women lead and serve in every corner of our organization, helping shape the care we deliver and the love we commit to bringing to every interaction.

To the women who heal, lead, support, and inspire: thank you!

08/25/2025

Better outcomes. Shorter recoveries. More precision than ever before.

Adventist Health and Rideout is bringing the da Vinci 5 surgical robotic system — the most advanced in its class — to patients in the Yuba-Sutter area.

This tremendous step forward in care is made possible by the single largest commitment in Adventist Health Rideout Foundation history, showing the power of a community united around exceptional healthcare.

Intuitive

08/25/2025

Your children are made for more adventures, milestones, and healthy growth. Our pediatric experts are dedicated to helping your family thrive. From your baby's first kicks to their well-child visits to their high school sports physicals, we are here for them and we are here for you.

Visit ahlink.org/41SZGsy for tips or to find a pediatrician or family medicine provider near you.

08/22/2025

Nick Johnson, Chief Finance Officer at Adventist Health Castle, joins host Japhet De Oliveira for an insightful conversation about the personal side of finance, lessons he's learned over the years, and growing in his faith.

Listen here: ahlink.org/4lZMIBm

08/20/2025

We're celebrating a $1 million gift and a powerful partnership with Valley Strong Credit Union. This generous donation will help expand our cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab) at Adventist Health Hanford. Cath labs are facilities where diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to the heart and blood vessels are performed using catheters or tubes. By expanding from one cath lab to five, our team will be able to serve 2,000+ patients each year and provide life-saving care close to home.

This gift will elevate our cath lab waiting area and overall experience for patients and their families.

Thank you, Valley Strong Credit Union, for sharing our commitment to building a healthier and stronger future for the communities we serve.

08/20/2025

You were made for more friendly faces, helping hands, and warm hearts. Our volunteers, like these from Adventist Health Castle, generously share their kindness and compassion by greeting visitors, helping patients, and offering support wherever it's needed.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? We'd love to welcome you. Learn more at ahlink.org/3Hkm5YM.

08/19/2025

Protecting your health never goes out of style. Even if you were fully vaccinated as a kid, vaccines are still important as an adult. From flu to shingles and pneumococcal, staying up to date matters. Find out which adult vaccines are recommended and when you should get them.

There’s a common misconception that only the elderly or people chronically ill need to worry about getting vaccinated. But even if you’re a healthy adult, it’s important to stay up to date.