SALINAS — An institution that has served the Monterey County community for 70 years is launching a new chapter in its history with a name change and fresh, bold look — Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System is now Salinas Valley Health, officials announced last week.
Salinas Valley Health is a simplification of the former identity and captures the evolution of the healthcare system over the past seven decades and expanded role supporting the overall health of the community. The move forward retains the geographic significance of the Salinas Valley and the single word Health represents both the organization’s clinical expertise and community-based health initiatives.
“We are extraordinarily proud of the legacy and impact our organization has had in our community,” said Pete Delgado, president/CEO of Salinas Valley Health. “As we rise to meet the promise of an even brighter future, Salinas Valley Health is celebrating the connection between community health and individual well-being. We’re rising together in good health.”
In recent years, the intense commitment to quality care at Salinas Valley Health has earned prestigious recognition, including the coveted Magnet Nursing Designation, only achieved by approximately 10% of hospitals nationwide, a continuous “A” ranking by the independent Leapfrog Hospital Safety group, and honors as a top five hospital in the country for social responsibility by the Lown Institute Hospitals Index.
In addition, in the past five years especially, Salinas Valley Health has launched a number of key initiatives that address the shifting landscape of healthcare delivery with a strategic focus on community health, equity and access to care. Some of those investments include launching the Mobile Clinic to meet healthcare needs in underserved neighborhoods, including in Greenfield; co-sponsorship of Blue Zones Project Monterey County; and a hospital partnership resulting in the nationally recognized Monterey County Diabetes Collaborative.
“Today’s announcement is years in the making and was delayed as we focused our attention on the Covid-19 pandemic,” Delgado said. “The exhaustive care and outreach we provided during Covid-19 only underscores our team’s dedication and innovation as we partner with a diverse population to make good health a priority for individuals, families and the communities we serve.”
The vision of Salinas Valley Health is a community where good health grows in every action, in every place, for every person.
“The campaign introducing the organization’s new name is inspired by the people who inspire us,” said Adrienne Laurent, chief strategic communications officer of Salinas Valley Health. “You’ll recognize local people and places as we rollout our vision of health for all.”
The new logo is also a simplification and modernization of the legacy logo.
The center of the logo represents a coming together in the pursuit of optimal health by patients, families, community and Salinas Valley Health. The four arms of the symbol combine to create a plus sign, or cross — an iconic emblem for health. All points of the arms stretch outward, reflective of community outreach, while the upper arms reflect growth and the lower arms symbolize the power of deep roots.
The look and feel of Salinas Valley Health came to fruition after tremendous input and engagement with community and staff. In recognition to the enormous appreciation Salinas Valley Health has for its dedicated staff, the public announcement and unveiling of Salinas Valley Health on Feb. 27 came during the annual celebration and festivities marking National Employee Appreciation Day.
Founded in 1953 as Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, today the institution serves individuals and families throughout the Salinas Valley, Monterey Peninsula and surrounding region. It employs more than 2,036 people and has a medical staff of more than 300 board-certified physicians across a broad spectrum of specialties.
In addition to its 263-bed acute care hospital in Salinas, Salinas Valley Health also operates a number of primary and specialty care clinics in the area, as well as the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center in Gonzales.
