Page 73 - AM Giving Guide_2023

Samar itan F oundations

samhealt h.or g/Giving

Priority Highlights:

Build community and inspire hope through
Reach Out and Read. Clinicians start each well-

child visit with patients ages birth to five years old by
giving them a new book to take home, discussing with
caregivers the benefits of reading, and modeling positive
reading interactions with children. This program is active
in Samaritan clinics in Linn, Benton and Lincoln Coun-
ties. On average, 60% of our area third-graders cannot
read proficiently. Third-grade reading proficiency is a
top indicator as to whether or not children will graduate
high school. Evidence shows that Reach Out and Read improves language ability
in young children; increases likelihood that families will attend well-child checkups,
resulting in more children receiving vaccinations on schedule; reduces

maternal depression, particularly among young, single mothers; and lessens stress
and reduces burnout among pediatric clinicians.

Fund Site: All Samaritan Foundations

Inspire hope for survivors of sexual assault
through Sarah’s Place. Each year, thousands of
women, men and children face some type of sexual

assault and, on average, only 25 to 34 percent report
their experience and seek care. Survivors of sexual
assault frequently have limited access to immediate care
in their communities and examinations by qualified staff.
Sarah’s Place aims to change that statistic by providing
compassionate, expert care. Sarah’s Place cares for any-
one (all genders) needing immediate medical treatment for sexual trauma.
The first in Oregon, Sarah’s Place is a regional sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)
center, adjacent to, but discrete and separate from, the Samaritan Albany General Hos-
pital Emergency Department. Sarah’s Place provides a safe place for survivors of sexual
assault to receive resources and care. Since opening in 2016, the center has served

nearly 1,000 sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse survivors. All services are
free.

Fund site: Albany General Hospital Foundation

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