Ombudsman Services receives a $60,000 grant from Peninsula Health Care District

Media Contact:

Mitch Reitman, Director of Development

mitchreitman@ossmc.org

650-780-7249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OMBUDSMAN SERVICES OF SAN MATEO COUNTY RECEIVES $60,000 GRANT FROM THE PENINSULA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT

REDWOOD CITY, CA- FEBRUARY 6, 2017: Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County (OSSMC) is pleased to announce that it has received a $60,000 grant from the Peninsula Health Care District’s (PHCD) Community Grants Program. This grant will support Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County’s mission to “challenge long-term care facilities to deliver the highest standards of individualized care for their residents. We advocate for the health, safety, and dignity of these residents and broader changes in the system.”

“PHCD is proud to provide financial support for the 2017 community grant recipients as they work tirelessly to provide services that improve the health and wellness of District residents and empower our community with their impactful, innovative programs,” said PHCD Board Chair Lawrence Cappel, Ph.D.

OSSMC advocates for the frail and vulnerable residents in the long term care facilities in San Mateo County and investigate complaints made on behalf of the residents. The organization works to bring resolution to those complaints and with facility staff to change the way that care is delivered to the residents. In addition to actively investigating complaints, OSSMC proactively provides resources and ongoing support to residents and their families. OSSMC also provides quality resources and training for staff in long term care facilities. OSSMC partners with the long term care facilities, enabling them to thrive through providing excellent person-centered care for their residents.

At the ninth annual Community Partners Awards Ceremony on February 1, 2017, PHCD awarded 2017 grants to 30 local organizations. Also, PHCD recognized Tippy Irwin, Executive Director of OSSMC, who is retiring after nearly 16 years as a community health champion. In addition, each organization had an opportunity to recognize a key volunteer who helps support their mission and makes a significant contribution to the community. OSSMC recognized Martha Mirabella for her efforts in investigating and closing 37 cases at 13 facilities during her two year tenure at OSSMC. In nominating Martha for this award, Ms. Irwin said that Martha is “never one to shy away from difficult situations. She deals with whatever comes to her, working with residents, family members and facility staff to bring resolution to the cases at hand. Her ability to suspend judgment on issues enables her to put aside whatever biases she may have, to bring about lasting, effective solutions.”

Every year, PHCD awards grants to local organizations that address local health priorities and help carry out the vision of the District. Community Grant recipients are chosen based on a review of local health care needs and the evolving priorities of District communities. In 2017, Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County is one of 30 local organizations to receive a grant from PHCD, a community investment of $1 million. Since 1996, PHCD has invested more than $50 million to local organizations through the Community Grants Program.

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About Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County:

Ombudsmen Services advocates for residents in the long term care facilities in our county. We monitor the long-term care facilities, holding administrators responsible for providing quality of care and quality of life for their residents. Our ombudsmen make over 4,500 unscheduled visits a year. They receive complaints made by or on behalf of the residents, investigate and bring resolution to those complaints. In addition to these federal mandates, the state has mandated that ombudsman must investigate allegations of abuse that emanate from the facilities. We do this in collaboration with local law enforcement and the licensing bodies.

About the Peninsula Health Care District:

Founded in 1947, the Peninsula Health Care District serves the communities of San Bruno,

Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo and Foster City by supporting the unique health

and wellness priorities of our vibrant Peninsula communities, and safeguarding access to health

care services, today and in the future. PHCD fulfills its commitment to the community through

oversight of District assets and infrastructure, planning for future health care needs, and

investing taxpayer dollars in local health-focused organizations and programs. To learn more

about PHCD, visit www.peninsulahealthcaredistrict.org.