Tracy Hospital Foundation Awards Nearly $200,000 in Grants

May 2002

TRACY, CA - The Tracy Community Memorial Hospital Foundation will honor the recipients of the Foundation's 2002 community grants at its annual meeting on May 22. Grants totaling $193,000 were awarded to community programs and organizations that promote and protect the health and well being of Tracy area residents.

"Last year, the programs we funded served more people than ever before. As Tracy grows and the economy goes through tough times, the demand put on these services will be even greater," says Dan Bilbrey, executive director of the Foundation. "The Foundation's sole purpose is to improve the quality of health in the Tracy community, which is exactly what these programs do."

Among the top grantees for 2002 are several programs serving children that were initially started with grants from the Foundation. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Tracy received a $10,000 grant to expand its Challenged Kids Program. The unique program provides a safe environment for children with special needs to participate in sports, fine arts, computer classes, and other activities. They also interact with other children who come to the Boys and Girls Club for sports and other after school activities. The Tracy program serves as a model for three thousand Boys and Girls Clubs across the country serving over three million children.

"We were able to buy new computer equipment and furniture for our classroom with last year's grant and added new programs to help kids with their education and life skills," says Tim Sinatra, chief professional officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tracy. "We've seen remarkable improvements academically and socially. Three of the children are even playing in our basketball league, something they never would have dreamed of before they entered the program. The support we receive from the Foundation year after year is crucial to our success."

A $15,500 grant will enable the Sutter Tracy Community Hospital Lactation Program to continue educating women about the importance of breastfeeding. Lactation specialist Donna Ennis, RN, IBCLC, Renee Buey, R.N., and Gail Dacayanan, R.D., provide support to moms before and after they leave the hospital. One of them is also available 24 hours a day by phone to answer questions and help women with any problems. Such support is especially critical during the first month when women are most likely to become frustrated and switch to bottle-feeding.

"Last year, 530 babies were born at Sutter Tracy. Eighty five percent of these mothers were breastfeeding their babies by the time they left the hospital. Six months later, 61 percent of our mothers were still breastfeeding their babies compared to the statewide average of 25 percent and the 50 percent World Health Organization (WHO) target goal," says Ennis. The Foundation makes it possible for us to provide this valuable service, which is the reason we are so successful at getting women to breastfeed during the first year of their baby's life."

The Tracy Interfaith Ministries will use its $10,000 grant to purchase baby clothes, formula, diapers, baby powder, and other baby supplies to distribute to low-income families. Last year, the group helped over 390 families with infants and toddlers.

"The grant from the Foundation is more important than ever before. We've been able to expand our program to serve more families and provide more and different types of baby supplies," says Darlene Quinn, director of the Tracy Interfaith Ministries. "These supplies help families protect their babies' health and get them off to a good start by making sure they are clothed and well fed. A lot of babies in Tracy owe their dry bottoms to the Foundation."

The Tracy Community Memorial Hospital Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the health and well-being of Tracy area residents. Since its establishment in 1993, the Foundation's philanthropic efforts and fundraising events have provided over $1.5 million for the advancement of charitable, scientific, and educational activities within the Tracy community. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.suttertracy.org or call (209) 832-6052.