NORTHEAST VALLEY HEALTH CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR VISION
Northeast Valley Health Corporation will be an integral part of a system of health care that provides access to all
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide quality, safe and comprehensive healthcare to the medically underserved residents of Los Angeles County, particularly in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, in a manner that is sensitive to the economic, social, cultural and linguistic needs of the community
JEDI (JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION) STATEMENT
Northeast Valley Health Corporation values justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to advancing an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Through our principles, policies and practices, we are creating a safe and inclusive environment that empowers a diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We will break down barriers and uplift each other to improve healthcare services, health outcomes and strengthen a culture of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion that continues to grow and evolve.
NEVHC’S SERVICES & PROGRAMS
- Pediatrics
- Adult Medicine
- Women’s Health (Family Planning, OB/GYN)
- STD testing & treatment
- HIV testing & treatment and Hepatitis C virus screening and treatment
- Cancer detection program
- Chronic disease management
- Behavioral health/social services
- Substance use disorder services/medication assisted treatment for opioid abuse
- Dentistry
- Health education and medical nutrition therapy
- Pharmacy, lab and X-ray
- Health insurance enrollment assistance
NEVHC OVERSEES
- The Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys
- The Cooperative Health Care for the Homeless Network, a coalition of nine healthcare agencies that provide healthcare for homeless patients throughout Los Angeles County
Theresa (Missy) Nitescu Chief Operations Officer
Dr. Christine Park Chief Medical Officer
Patricia Moraga Chief Financial Officer
Kimberly Wyard Chief Executive Officer
Cynthia Guerrero Secretary
Stella Mendoza Treasurer
Mark Stokes Vice Chairperson
Dr. Juan Vargas Chairperson Kurt Cabrera-Miller
Richard Galvan Sonia Mariscal-Navarro
Diane J. Morey Maria Angie Pacheco
Bethany Jones
Emily Mijangos Mashica Winslow
Ted Bradpiece
CEO AND BOARD CHAIR MESSAGE
Dear friends of Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC),
For 50 years, NEVHC has been a catalyst for change within our communities’ health, and 2023 followed suit; it was a year of milestones and achievements!
The year was off to a busy start when NEVHC had its Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Operational Site Visit in March, where we passed all 18 requirements needed to keep our community health center status. This achievement underscores our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care and operational efficiency. Shortly after, we passed a surprise four-day Joint Commission Survey in April. Thanks to staff readiness, we secured Joint Commission Accreditation for the tenth time since 1999 and Patient Centered Medical Home Certification for the fourth time since 2014!
A busy Spring transitioned into a fast-paced Summer. We are proud to share that NEVHC opened two new health centers in July, bringing our total to 18; the SCV Dental and Wellness Center located in Canyon Country and the Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center located in Van Nuys. As you will read in this impact report, the wide breadth of services these sites provide represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility. These new sites provided nearly 5,000 combined visits in less than six months.
The Autumn of 2023 marked another significant milestone for NEVHC as we celebrated an incredible five decades of service at our 50th Anniversary Gala! On October 27, NEVHC staff, community partners and elected officials gathered at the Skirball Cultural Center to reminisce and set course for the next 50 years.
Following our Gala festivities, our Autumn culminated with yet another recognition – NEVHC was nationally recognized with Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges by HRSA. This includes being a Quality Leader, Advancing Health Information, Addressing Social Risk Factors, and maintaining our commitment as a Patient-Centered Medical Home.
Our achievements this year would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff and the support of our board and community partners. We would like to extend our gratitude to Stella Mendoza, who served as NEVHC’s Board Chairperson for four years and will now serve as Treasurer. Her leadership and dedication advanced our organization’s mission, and her contributions were invaluable during her tenure. We are excited to welcome our new Board Chairperson, Dr. Juan Vargas, Chief of Family Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Panorama. Dr. Vargas, who has served on the board since 2016, brings a wealth of experience and shared passion for community health. We are confident that his commitment and expertise will guide NEVHC in continuing to advance health care access.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve. We will continue to innovate, adapt and expand our services to meet the evolving needs of our patients.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we will continue to be a catalyst of change and create healthier communities. Like everything else, “It takes a Village.”
Kimberly Wyard, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Juan Vargas, Board Chair
Health Center
Newhall Health Center
Santa Clarita WIC
CSUN WIC
San Fernando Health Center
San Fernando HS Teen Health Center
Van Nuys Adult Health Center Panorama City WIC
Van Nuys Pediatric Health Center
Canoga Park Health Center Santa Clarita Health Center
Canoga Park WIC LA Mission College Student Health Center
BY THE NUMBERS
TOTAL MEDICAL VISITS
400,354
TOTAL DENTAL VISITS
56,700
TOTAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH VISITS 11,747
HEALTH CENTERS 17
MOBILE HEALTH CENTER 1
NEVHC EMPLOYEES
1,134
TOTAL PATIENTS
82,739
ADULT PATIENTS
48,607
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
34,132
95% PATIENTS BELOW 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LINE
TOTAL DENTAL PATIENTS
24,848
TOTAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PATIENTS
3,386
PATIENTS WITH:
HYPERTENSION
9,465
HYPERTENSION VISITS 23,451
9,769 DIABETES DIABETES VISITS 29,374
CERVICAL CANCER
15,406
COLORECTAL CANCER 9,134 BREAST CANCER 5,998 SCREENINGS
36,566 HIV DEPRESSION 26,128
PATIENTS WITH:
ASTHMA
3,307
HEART DISEASE
ASTHMA VISITS 5,801 1,248
HEART DISEASE VISITS 2,477
PHARMACY PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED 110,872
LBS. OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED 58,238
HEALTH EDUCATION CLASSES
702
PATIENTS IN THE COOPERATIVE HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS NETWORK
19,971
VISITS COMPLETED BY THE COOPERATIVE HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS NETWORK
104,678
MONTHLY PARTICIPANTS
55,652
Congressman Tony Cárdenas and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins visit Van Nuys Pediatric Health Center during their bus tour for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project.
NEVHC team member carries the Pride flag during San Fernando Valley Pride parade.
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo visits SCV Dental and Wellness Center during National Health Center Week and presents $405,000 check for capital improvement projects at Santa Clarita Valley sites.
An NEVHC staff gives a COVID-19 shot to a community member at Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo’s Community Health Fair in Granada Hills.
NEVHC’s Community Wellness team distribute free produce to patients at the Health and Resource Fair during National Health Center Week.
San Fernando Mayor Celeste Rodriguez, Councilwoman Mary Solorio and NEVHC volunteers at the Toy Drive event at SanFernando Health Center.
MOVING COMMUNITY HEALTH FORWARD
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and Canoga Park Grocery Outlet owners Monique and Dale Mascari at the Toy Drive event held at the Canoga Park Grocery Outlet’s parking lot.
NEVHC’s Community Wellness team provides nutrition education and produce to community members at a produce distribution event.
Vaughn Next Century Learning Center presents NEVHC with a “Thank You” award, recognizing the various resources NEVHC’s Community Wellness team provides to the community.
NEVHC Community Wellness Program Manager Denise Torres and patient present at the State Capitol. NEVHC patient provides testimony about how NEVHC’s Fresh & Healthy program improved her health.
Community members learn about WIC services at the Health and Resource Fair at NEVHC’s Sun Valley Health Center during National Health Center Week.
CEO Kimberly Wyard and Board Members Dr. Juan Vargas and Mark Stokes attend NACHC’s Policies and Issues Conference in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to support funding for Community Health Centers.
NEVHC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
Northeast Valley Health Corporation’s 50th Anniversary Gala was a night to remember, celebrating five decades of dedicated service to the community. Held on October 27, 2024, the event featured the presentation of four prestigious awards honoring our healthcare and business partners who have significantly contributed to NEVHC’s mission. Esteemed speakers graced the stage, including the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Sean McCluskie, President of UCLA Health and CEO of UCLA Hospital System, Johnese Spisso, Assemblymember Luz Rivas, and Congressman Tony Cardenas, each sharing inspiring words and commendations. While the evening was a true reflection of NEVHC’s past and present commitment to quality healthcare, it also set the stage for continued excellence in the years to come. As we look to the future, we are inspired by the strength of our community and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Kicking off the celebration with a cocktail hour!
Pictured: Department of HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie, NEVHC CEO Kim Wyard, CCALAC President and CEO Louise McCarthy, UCLA Health
President Johnese Spisso, HHS Regional Director Jeffrey Reynoso
NEVHC staff toast to the company’s 50 years Gala attendees mingle
President and CEO of Valley Presbyterian Hospital Gustavo Valdespino (far right) and Gala guests enjoy networking at the cocktail hour
NEVHC COO Missy Nitescu introduces the Business Champion Award
Valley Presbyterian Hospital, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente are given Hospital Champion Awards.
NEVHC honors Intertex General Contractors with the Business Champion Award
UCLA Health President Johnese Spisso accepts the Legacy Champion Award
NEVHC recognizes CEO Kim Wyard’s dedication and numerous accomplishments through the years with the Leadership Legacy Award
Department of HHS Chief of Staff Sean McCluskie joins CEO Kim Wyard on stage for opening remarks
Assemblywoman Luz Rivas displays her Legislative Champion Award, alongside Congressman Tony Cárdenas, CEO Kim Wyard and NEVHC staff.
CMO Dr. Christine Park introduces the Hospital Champion Awards
NEVHC CEO Kim Wyard and Board Chair Stella Mendoza present UCLA Health with the Legacy Champion Award.
OPENING DOORS: EXPANDING HEALTH IN THE VALLEYS
By: Rachel Schranck
Fifty years after the first NEVHC health center opened in San Fernando, NEVHC opened two new sites, bringing the total of health centers to 18 and continuing NEVHC’s legacy of expanding access to healthcare! The SCV Dental and Wellness Center opened its doors on July 27 in Canyon Country. The health center provides full-scope dental services for adults and children, as well as adult medical and behavioral health services. The Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center opened three floors below the Van Nuys Adult Health Center (VNAHC) on July 24 in Van Nuys, and provides obstetrics, gynecology and family planning services.
“The SCV Dental & Wellness Center will be a vital resource in our area. The center will not only serve our Rainbow Dental patients who have been waiting for us to reopen, but also will serve as a beacon of hope for individuals and families who have long struggled to access the dental services they need.”
-
Dr. Grace Hardy
NEVHC Chief Dental Officer
Much anticipation surrounded the opening of SCV Dental and Wellness Center. NEVHC’s previous dental center in Canyon Country, Rainbow Dental Center, burned down in June 2022, and although dental patients were able to continue receiving care at other NEVHC dental facilities, they were left without a dental home after the fire. NEVHC had already been planning for a new dental and wellness center; this unfortunate event accelerated those plans. A little over a year later, the new health center opened, bigger and better than ever.
Knowing the great need for accessible and quality dental care in the local communities, NEVHC made SCV Dental and Wellness Center much larger than the former Rainbow Dental Center. The health center measures 13,369 sq. ft. and has 12 dental operatories, doubling the capacity of Rainbow Dental Center. SCV Dental and Wellness Center is also the only safety-net clinic in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides full-scope dentistry. Additionally, a needs assessments conducted in Santa Clarita showed community members needed more access to care and mental health services. NEVHC responded by adding four exam rooms for adult medicine and offices for behavioral health services.
New dental chairs and equipment.
NEVHC opened Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center to increase access to comprehensive healthcare services for women in Van Nuys and the surrounding communities. Previously, the VNAHC only had the space for two Women’s Health exam rooms. Recognizing the need for Women’s Health services in the community, NEVHC acquired and renovated two suites in the same building as VNAHC. The state-ofthe-art facility measures 4,483 sq. ft. and has seven exam rooms. With this larger space, NEVHC can increase the number of patients served and provide new healthcare services to the Van Nuys community.
The bigger space has allowed for the crucial addition of obstetric services. NEVHC strives to improve pregnancy outcomes by providing extensive and individualized services to pregnant and postpartum patients at Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center. In addition to routine obstetric care, patients receive nutrition, health education and psychosocial services. This is because NEVHC is a Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) provider, an enhanced obstetrical program for Medi-Cal eligible pregnant women. NEVHC staff conduct thorough assessments in all previously listed areas to determine each patient’s specific needs and risks. NEVHC then provides patients
with services and resources to improve their health and to ensure their babies have a healthy start.
NEVHC is also increasing access to much needed cervical cancer prevention services in Van Nuys with the addition of loop electrosurgical excision procedures and colposcopy procedures. According to the California Health Maps Project, 19.2% of women who live in Van Nuys do not receive cervical cancer screenings compared to 17.9% of all women in California. The opening of Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center demonstrates NEVHC’s continued commitment to addressing the health care needs of the communities we serve.
NEVHC is proud and honored to now have 18 total health centers providing essential health services to the most at-risk populations of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. NEVHC looks forward to continuing its mission of delivering equitable healthcare while uplifting these diverse communities.
NEW LOCATIONS
H Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center 14624 Sherman Way, Suites 306/307 Van Nuys, CA 91405
H SCV Dental and Wellness Center 17909 Soledad Canyon Rd, 2nd floor Santa Clarita, CA 91387
Van Nuys Women’s and Reproductive Health Center team.
Women’s Health medical exam room with exam table equipped with pelvis stirrups.
GIVING BACK, CHANGING LIVES:
THE “I SUPPORT YOU” LEGACY
By: Selena Sierra
In 1997, NEVHC launched an initiative that established an organizational culture of generosity, compassion and resilience that has lasted through the decades: The “I Support You” Employee Giving Campaign (ISU).
When the Northridge earthquake – the costliest natural disaster to have occurred in the United States at the time – struck the San Fernando Valley, NEVHC buildings and infrastructure experienced significant damage. In 1997, NEVHC received federal funding to construct a second building at its San Fernando Health Center; however, NEVHC fell short of funds during the construction project due to increased material costs. Consequently, NEVHC was confronted with two choices – return the federal funding and stop the construction project or find an alternative funding source to close the gap and complete the project. With limited experience in capital campaigns and foundation grants, NEVHC formed a fundraising committee to develop and execute a plan to close the gap.
In 1998, the committee began planning creative fundraising activities. Firstly, it planned and executed a fashion show fundraiser by selling tickets to staff and their family members. A staff member provided their backyard as the venue, and another supplied the clothes shown on the makeshift runway. Secondly, the committee held NEVHC’s first brick engraving campaign for what is now called The Pathway to Wellness at the San Fernando Health Center. Through its grassroots fundraising, NEVHC successfully finished the San Fernando Health Center construction project.
Upon realizing its fundraising success, the committee continued appealing to NEVHC staff. Thus, the ISU campaign was born. Now, the campaign raises funds for essential patient programs that address social determinants of health. These programs, spearheaded by dedicated staff, provide patients with free resources to improve their health and overall well-being. In 2023 alone, the ISU campaign funded 14 patient programs, ensuring patients received critical resources.
What began as a successful last hope in the late 1990s transformed into a tradition of annual employee giving, demonstrated by the nearly $700,000 raised since 2000. Chief Executive Officer Ms. Kimberly Wyard mentions, “These grassroots efforts have gone on to become quite successful. Employees were our first group of private donors and, to this day, continue to make up the majority of our individual donors.”
Ms. Wyard states that when NEVHC’s first fundraising efforts began, she never suspected it would turn into such a passionate demonstration of staff commitment. She hopes that the ISU campaign will one day become a community-wide effort and receive external funding to support new programs.
The I Support You Campaign serves as a reminder that the collective spirit of giving can lead to developing patient-centered programs that improve community health outcomes.
NEVHC provider reading a new book to a patient as part of the Reach Out Read Program
“I SUPPORT YOU” EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGN
Transition to Wellness staff distributing hygiene kits and food to patient.
2023 ISU PROGRAMS
H Breast Cancer Awareness – Raises awareness about the impacts of breast cancer and encourages patients to schedule their annual mammogram appointments
H Homeless Hygiene Kits – Provides hygiene products, sleeping bags, tents and more to improve the wellbeing of patients experiencing homelessness
H Breathe Easy Asthma – Helps prevent asthma triggers and reduce emergency room visits by providing safe household cleaning kits for asthmatic patients
H WIC Breastfeeding – Supports and promotes breastfeeding by providing nursing bras and nursing aprons to NEVHC WIC participants
H Home Blood Pressure Monitors – Helps patients engage in their health from the comfort of their homes by providing home blood pressure monitors to patients with hypertension
H Reach Out and Read – Gives the gift of reading to our pediatric patients ages 0-5 with English, Spanish and bilingual age-appropriate books to develop literacy skills and increase language scores.
H FIT Kit – Detects colon cancer sooner by mailing colorectal cancer screening kits to patients
H Keeping Tiger Teens Safe – Encourages San Fernando High students to stay up to date on health assessment by providing incentives when they schedule a visit at the Teen Health Center
H ECM – Helps NEVHC’s most vulnerable patients create healthier habits with tools such as monthly planners and weekly pill containers
H Harvesting Health - Empowers and motivates NEVHC patients to make healthy choices, helps them achieve their wellness goals and promotes food and nutrition security with items such as portion plates and gardening kits
H Healthier Living – Encourages patients to attend Health Education classes by providing items, such as cutting boards and measuring cups/spoons, that promote healthy habits
H Lactation Awareness - Educates and assists mothers in breastfeeding beyond six months for healthy outcomes
H Little by Little – Promotes early literacy by distributing books to young children from families engaged in the WIC program
H Meal in a Card – Provides a meal gift card to patients facing hardships in accessing food, specifically to patients experiencing homelessness and/or living with HIV/AIDS
NEVHC Asthma Coordinator showing asthma-safe cleaning products patients will receive as part of the Breathe Easy Asthma program.
Leading the Next 50: Commitment to Excellence in Healthcare 17
GRANTS AND GIFTS RECEIVED
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS RECEIVED
H Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo
H California Department of Public Health
H California Health and Human Services Agency
H California Health Care Foundation
H Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
H Center for Care Innovations
H Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
H City of Santa Clarita
H Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County
H Delta Dental Community Care Foundation
H Essential Access Health
H Health Resources and Services Administration
H Johnson & Johnson
H Kaiser Permanente
H The L.A. Trust for Children’s Health
H L.A. Care Health Plan
H L.A. County Department of Public Health
Fahim Abid GIFTS RECEIVED
H Access Control Security
H Admond Fong
H Alejandro Carrillo
H Amazon, Inc.
H Anthem Blue Cross
H Artashes Khachatryan
H Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
H Arthur Stickgold
H B&M Printing
H Belen Arangure
H Brenda Nava
H California State University, Northridge
H Californians Allied for Patient Protection
H Carmen Epke
H Cindy Tarassoly
H Citi Commercial Bank
H Corebridge Financial
H Cynthia Sola Cabatan-Awang
H D&R Office Works Inc.
H Dale Donohoe
H Dr. Christine Park
H Dr. Elisha Featherstone
H Dr. Esperanza Santiago Buenaventura
H Dr. Gina Johnson
H Dr. Juan Vargas
H Dr. Nancy Steiner
H E-Central Credit Union
H Eddie Sanders
H Fahim Abid
H L.A. County Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs
H L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, District 5
H Lon V. Smith Foundation
H National Association for Community Health Centers
H National Institutes of Health
H Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
H Public Health Institute
H Physicians for a Healthy California
H Reach Out and Read
H The Ahmanson Foundation
H The Mother Company
H The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
H U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenas (CA-29)
H U.S. Department of Agriculture
H Feleilani Oquindo
H First5LA
H Gilead Sciences, Inc.
H Grocery Outlet – Canoga Park
H GRoW@ Annenberg
H Health Net
H Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
H Henry Schein
H Imad Boudargham
H Intertex General Contractors
H Irma Gonzalez
H Jasmmin Luis
H Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL)
H Joy Ahrens
H Kaiser Permanente
H Kathryn Proctor
H Kimberly Wyard
H KNEX Technology
H LA County Supervisor
Kathryn Barger, District 5
H Landegger, Verano & Davis ALC
H Liliana Delacruz
H Lisa Maas
H Margarita Velasquez
H Mario Lemus
H MedPOINT Management
H Michael Topp and Rena Shpegel
H Molina Health Care
H Morgan Todd
H MyConnectSolutions
H National Association of Community Health Centers
H Pacoima Plaza
H Patricia Moraga
H Paul Smith
H QueensCare
H RJ Imaging
H Rosalinda Pedraza
H San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
H Service Employees International Union – Local 721
H Sherri Lewitz
H Stephen Gutierrez
H Theresa “Missy” Nitescu
H Tina Marie Fierro
H UCLA Health
H Union of American Physicians and Dentists
H Valley Breast Care
H Vasquez & Company, LLP
H Vilma Champion
H WAXIE Sanitary Supply
H Women, Infant and Children (WIC)
H Yanira Valencia
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
Total Revenue 149,974,864
Total Expenditures 143,353,097