Healthy at Every Age
What does it mean to be healthy?
The answer may look different at 8, 48 or 88. Our needs change throughout our lives, but many of the essentials remain the same: preventive care, early detection, healthy daily choices and access to high-quality medical care when we need it.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. As families prepare for the school year, it is a good time to make sure children are caught up on routine vaccinations. Adults should also ask their healthcare providers which vaccines are recommended for them.
At Sonoma Valley Hospital, serving patients throughout their lives requires us to adapt to the changing needs of our community. This month, we are proud to announce that our Emergency Department has earned Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. The accreditation recognizes the specialized care we provide for older patients.
It is one of several national honors the Hospital has recently received. Earlier this summer, Sonoma Valley Hospital was named to the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index Honor Roll—an achievement earned by only 160 of more than 3,600 hospitals evaluated nationwide. The American Heart Association also recognized the Hospital for meeting rigorous standards in stroke care.
This month marks another milestone: the first anniversary of My Hospital, a series created by the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation. During the past year, local patients and families have generously shared their experiences with us—from frightening emergencies to successful recoveries and moments of extraordinary kindness. Their stories show the difference it makes to have a trusted hospital nearby.
National recognition helps us measure the quality of our work. The experiences of our patients remind us why that work matters. We are here to care for you and the people you love throughout every chapter of life.
Kelley C. Kaiser
Chief Executive Officer
Vaccinations Are Important at Every Age
Childhood vaccinations often receive the most attention, especially as families prepare for a new school year. Staying current on recommended vaccines, however, remains important throughout adulthood.
The protection provided by some vaccines can decrease over time. Health risks also change as we grow older, and certain illnesses can be especially serious for older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
Depending on your age, health history and previous vaccinations, your healthcare provider may recommend vaccines for illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, RSV or whooping cough.
National Immunization Awareness Month is a useful reminder to check the vaccination records for everyone in your household. Recommendations vary from person to person, so talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Taking a few minutes to check now can help protect you, your family and others in the community in the months ahead.
Sonoma Valley Hospital Earns Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA)
Emergency care designed with older adults in mind When an older adult comes to the Emergency Department, the immediate illness or injury may be only part of the story. A fall could point to an underlying health concern. A sudden change in behavior could signal delirium or another medical problem. Medications, chronic conditions and changes in memory or
mobility can also affect a patient’s care and recovery.
Recognizing those differences is especially important here in Sonoma Valley, where many families are helping aging parents, spouses and neighbors remain healthy and independent.
The Level 3 GEDA Accreditation—the bronze standard—is awarded by the American College of Emergency Physicians and recognizes emergency departments that have put specific practices in place to better meet the needs of older patients.
To earn the designation, Sonoma Valley Hospital demonstrated its use of best practices in geriatric emergency care, including staff education, appropriate equipment and screening for concerns such as fall risk, delirium and dementia.
The accreditation was made possible by an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Seric Cusick, Marylou Ehret and colleagues throughout the hospital. By working together, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation professionals and other team members can look beyond a patient’s immediate symptoms, help prevent complications and create a safer transition home.
For older adults and the people who care for them, the designation offers important reassurance: specialized, age-friendly emergency care is available right here in Sonoma Valley.
In other Recognition News: Lown Institute Hospitals Index Honor Roll
Earlier this summer, Sonoma Valley Hospital was one of only 160 hospitals nationwide—out of more than 3,600 evaluated—to earn a place on the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index Honor Roll. The recognition reflects strong performance across several measures of hospital quality and community impact.
National Recognition for Stroke Care: When Every Minute Matters
The American Heart Association recently recognized Sonoma Valley Hospital for meeting rigorous national standards in stroke care. For patients, these awards reflect a team that is trained and ready to respond quickly when a stroke is suspected.
That response begins as soon as the Hospital learns that a patient may be experiencing a stroke. Emergency physicians and nurses, Imaging, Laboratory and other members of the care team each play a role in determiningwhat is happening and whichtreatment gives the patient the best chance of recovery.
Speed is critical because a stroke interrupts blood flow to the brain, and delays in treatment can affect a patient’s recovery. Warning signs can include sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; vision changes; dizziness or loss of balance; or a sudden, severe headache.
If you suspect a stroke, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical personnel can begin assessing the patient, alert the hospital and help ensure that the stroke team is ready when the patient arrives.
Sonoma Valley Hospital received Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll and Get With The Guidelines–Rural Stroke Gold recognition. Each award reflects the strength of the systems, training and teamwork required to provide timely stroke care.
Know the Signs. Act FAST.
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical personnel can begin assessing the patient, alert the hospital and help ensure that the stroke team is ready when the patient arrives. Note the time the symptoms began, and do not wait to see whether they improve.
Celebrating One Year of My Hospital Stories
For the past year, My Hospital has shared real stories from our neighbors, friends and families whose lives have been touched by Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Each story is different, but together they show what it means to have compassionate, expert care close to home. They also remind us why a strong community hospital matters—and why continued community support is essential to ensuring that Sonoma Valley Hospital is here for generations to come.
My Hospital Story: The Right Place, Right Away
Jane has called Sonoma home for more than 54 years. When she woke one morning with her heart racing, she knew something wasn’t right. An advice nurse told her she needed to get to the nearest hospital immediately.
“My nearest hospital is Sonoma Valley Hospital,” Jane said. The response was clear: “Then go there.”
A neighbor drove Jane to the Emergency Department, where she was quickly diagnosed with tachycardia—an extremely rapid heartbeat. The team acted immediately to restore her heart’s rhythm and stayed by her side throughout a frightening procedure.
“The medical care was excellent but the kindness – that’s what stayed with me.”
Jane ultimately received all the care and monitoring she needed right here in Sonoma, close to home and surrounded by a team she trusted.
Read Jane’s full story and discover why she wants others to know that in an emergency, the right care may be closer than they realize. Click HERE to read.
Did You Know? Sonoma Valley Hospital Offers More Services Than You May Realize
Sonoma Valley Hospital provides a broad range of services, from preventive care and advanced imaging to surgery, rehabilitation and long-term support.
Preventive and Wellness Care
Cardiopulmonary services, women’s health, family practice, gastroenterology, internal medicine and general surgery
Surgical Services
Cataract surgery, orthopedics, total joint replacement and surgical weight-loss
Emergency Services
24/7 emergency care and Acute Stroke Ready Care
Diagnostic and Imaging Services
Laboratory services and advanced medical imaging
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care
Rehabilitation services, skilled nursing and our hospice care room
You may be surprised by how much care is available right here in Sonoma Valley.
Visit sonomavalleyhospital.org/our-services to explore our services and learn more.