FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PETALUMA, CALIF., October 28, 2026 – Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation (Healthy Petaluma) is celebrating 80 years of advocating for the community, ensuring access to health services through local grantmaking, essential community health programs, and vital partnerships across southern Sonoma County. Since 1946, the organization has served as a trusted convener and champion, working beyond traditional healthcare to address key drivers of well-being. As the district marks eight decades of service, it remains committed to bringing resources together and elevating local voices to build a healthier, more equitable future for all residents.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of local partnership and community trust,” said Ramona Faith, CEO of Healthy Petaluma. “As we look back on 80 years of shared progress, we are deeply grateful to our medical community, care providers, residents, and community partners who drive this work forward. Together, we will continue ensuring that accessible care and opportunity remain at the heart of southern Sonoma County.”
Since October 1946, Healthy Petaluma has evolved from its origins as Petaluma Hospital District and administrator of local healthcare facilities, to a mission that expanded into broader community health as Petaluma Health Care District, to Healthy Petaluma, which remains southern Sonoma County’s health and wellness advocate, partner, educator, and investor.
Healthy Petaluma invests millions in community grants that address key drivers of well-being, from housing and food security to education and health equity. Throughout its history, the organization has led transformative initiatives, including establishing southern Sonoma County’s first Federally Qualified Health Center (Petaluma Health Center), bringing the Blue Zones Project to Petaluma, and building a robust HeartSafe Community CPR training and AED maintenance program. Crucially, Healthy Petaluma continues to fulfill a vital accountability role for Petaluma Valley Hospital – which was sold to current owner and operator, Providence, in 2021 – ensuring southern Sonoma County retains its local acute care facility and 24-hour, full-service Emergency Department while navigating broader shifts in healthcare delivery.
“Serving this district has shown me firsthand the profound difference local stewardship makes,” said Elece Hempel, Healthy Petaluma board president. “I am immensely proud of how our board and leadership have listened to the community and stood up for local health needs. It is an honor to celebrate 80 years of staying true to that public trust.”
Over the years, Healthy Petaluma’s leadership and community impact have earned widespread regional and statewide recognition. The organization was named “Healthcare District of the Year” by the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD) in 2015, with Board President Elece Hempel honored as ACHD “Trustee of the Year” in 2019, and CEO Ramona Faith named ACHD “CEO of the Year” in 2025. Additional honors include the North Bay Business Journal’s Community Philanthropy Award over multiple years, and the District Certificate of Excellence in Board Governance and Transparency from the Association of California Healthcare Districts and the California Special District Association.
Healthy Petaluma’s commitment to southern Sonoma County remains unchanged: listening to local needs, empowering community partners, and advocating for equitable access to health and wellness for all. Its website, healthypetaluma.org, provides helpful information for its community in a variety of ways, such as booking a CPR class, its schedule of public board meetings, the status of its latest grant cycle, and educational videos about its mission, purpose, and programs.
Healthy Petaluma and Eight Decades of Impact: Key Milestones
● 1946: Formed by local voters as the Petaluma Hospital District to address the growing healthcare needs of southern Sonoma County.
● 1957–1980: Built and opened Hillcrest Hospital in 1957, followed by the opening of Petaluma Valley Hospital in 1980, securing dedicated, local acute care, and 24/7 emergency services for generations.
● 1978: Established the Hospice of Petaluma Program, and later constructed the Hospice House in Petaluma in partnership with the community.
● 1996: Supported the early vision and founding of the Petaluma Health Center, helping nurture it into an independent Federally Qualified Health Center.
● 2012: Created the Community Health Initiative of the Petaluma Area (CHIPA), uniting local organizations across all sectors around shared health goals through a collaborative model later recognized statewide.
● 2013: Launched the HeartSafe Community Program, creating a life-saving regional initiative combining public CPR/AED training, AED registry maintenance, and emergency readiness. Petaluma was recognized as the first designated HeartSafe Community in Sonoma County in 2015.
● 2015: Co-launched a multi-agency community program, Sober Circle, to address chronic addiction and homelessness, achieving an 80% drop in alcohol-related police transports and emergency room visits before integrating the initiative into Petaluma’s S.A.F.E. Team in 2023.
● 2021: Successfully negotiated the voter-approved sale of Petaluma Valley Hospital to Providence, guaranteeing a 20-year commitment to maintain full-service acute care and emergency services locally.
● 2023: Rebranded as the Healthy Petaluma District & Foundation, launched a companion 501(c)(3) foundation, and entered a multi-year partnership to bring the Blue Zones Project – a community-wide health and well-being initiative focusing on people, places, and policy – to Petaluma.
● 2024: Healthy Petaluma receives $10 million and an additional $2.4 million from Providence to invest in community needs instead of reopening Petaluma Valley Hospital Family Birthing Center.
● 2025: Expanded Healthy Petaluma’s General Operating Support (GOS) grant program, providing $700,000 in funding to local nonprofits, and launched a $100,000 Sponsorship Program. Introduced Healthy Petaluma Presents, a free community event series designed to address key local health and well-being topics.
● 2026: Established the $2 million Together for Women and Families Fund
About Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation
Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation (formerly Petaluma Health Care District) is a community-owned and -operated agency comprising a special district and a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all members of southern Sonoma County. Its vision is a healthier community with equitable access to comprehensive health and wellness services. The district has ensured access to local acute care and emergency services and has served southern Sonoma County’s health and wellness needs since 1946. For more information, visit healthypetaluma.org and follow @Healthy Petaluma on Facebook and Instagram.