A Message from the CEO
Dear Friends,
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy everything Sonoma Valley has to offer, from the Fourth of July Parade to time spent outdoors with family and friends. I hope you’re finding time to enjoy the season while staying safe and healthy. July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a timely reminder that simple habits like wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing can help protect your skin and eyes while enjoying the summer sun.
This month, we’re also proud to recognize the Sonoma Valley Fire District for the important role they play in keeping our community safe. Their partnership with Sonoma Valley Hospital helps ensure that our patients receive timely emergency care when it matters most.
We’re also pleased to share that Sonoma Valley Hospital has been named a 2026 Lown Institute Honor Roll Hospital and has once again earned multiple American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® awards for excellence in stroke care. These honors belong to our physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers, and community partners whose commitment makes exceptional care possible every day.
Thank you for the trust you place in Sonoma Valley Hospital. It is a privilege to care for you and your family, and we remain committed to providing compassionate, exceptional care close to home.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer.
Warm regards,
Kelley Kaiser
Chief Executive Officer
Sonoma Valley Hospital
UV Safety Awareness Month: Protecting Your Skin and Eyes
Summer means more time outside—whether you’re hiking local trails, gardening, cheering on the kids at a ballgame, or simply enjoying Sonoma Valley’s beautiful weather. It also means increased exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
July’s UV Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder that a few simple habits can help protect your skin and eyes while reducing your risk of long-term health problems.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary preventable risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. It can also contribute to premature skin aging and increase the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts.
Fortunately, protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simple Ways to Stay Protected
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours when outdoors, or after swimming or sweating. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to help protect your eyes. Choose lightweight clothing that covers your skin and wear a wide-brimmed hat when possible. Take breaks in the shade, especially between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Keep an eye on your skin and talk with your healthcare provider about any new or changing spots. A little preparation can go a long way. By making sun protection part of your daily routine, you can enjoy everything summer in Sonoma Valley has to offer while helping protect your health for years to come.
Understanding the UV Index
The UV Index is a daily forecast that measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The higher the number, the greater the risk of skin and eye damage from unprotected sun exposure. UV Index 0–2 (Low): Minimal risk. Sunglasses are recommended, and sun protection may still be needed during prolonged outdoor exposure. UV Index 3–5 (Moderate): Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and seek shade during midday hours. UV Index 6–7 (High): Protection is essential. Limit prolonged outdoor exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UV Index 8–10 (Very High): Extra precautions are needed. Unprotected skin can burn quickly. UV Index 11+ (Extreme): Take all possible protective measures and minimize direct sun exposure.
In Sonoma Valley, UV levels frequently reach the high to very high range during the summer months, making sun protection especially important for outdoor activities, sporting events, gardening, hiking, and community celebrations.
Healthy Summer Checklist ☀️
✓ Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen ✓ Check today’s UV Index before spending time outdoors ✓ Stay hydrated during hot weather ✓ Know where your closest emergency care is located ✓ Schedule preventive screenings and annual checkups ✓ Keep your physical therapy or rehabilitation goals on track
Sonoma Valley Hospital Earns National Recognition for Stroke Care
Sonoma Valley Hospital has once again been recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in stroke care, earning multiple 2026 Get With The Guidelines® awards. The 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 for consistently following the latest guidelines for treating stroke patients.
When someone is having a stroke, every minute matters. These awards recognize hospitals that provide fast, coordinated care to help give patients the best possible chance of recovery.
“This recognition belongs to our physicians, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, emergency department team, and clinical staff whose dedication makes exceptional care possible every day,” said Kelley Kaiser, President & CEO.
The awards are based on patient care provided in 2024 and 2025 and reflect Sonoma Valley Hospital’s continued focus on delivering outstanding care for our community.
Community Partner Spotlight: Sonoma Valley Fire District
As Sonoma Valley prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Sonoma Valley Hospital is proud to recognize the Sonoma Valley Fire District and the vital role it plays in keeping our community safe.
The Fire District will once again host Sonoma’s annual Fourth of July Parade and celebrations, one of the Valley’s most cherished traditions. Sonoma Valley Hospital CEO Kelley Kaiser is honored to serve as a guest judge during this year’s festivities.
Beyond organizing community events, the Fire District provides critical emergency response services throughout Sonoma Valley. Under the leadership of Fire Chief Steve Akre, the District serves communities from Kenwood through Sonoma, including Temelec and Sonoma Raceway.
The Sonoma Valley Fire District currently staffs three ambulances serving the Sonoma Valley Hospital District. In 2025, emergency medical teams completed 3,085 patient transports, with 83 percent of patients brought to Sonoma Valley Hospital. This close partnership helps ensure patients receive emergency care as quickly as possible.
We are grateful for the firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and emergency personnel who serve Sonoma Valley every day.
Sonoma Valley Hospital Named a 2026 Lown Institute Honor Roll Hospital
Sonoma Valley Hospital has been named a 2026 Lown Institute Honor Roll Hospital, placing it among just 160 hospitals nationwide recognized for excellence in social responsibility. The Lown Institute evaluates more than 3,600 U.S. hospitals on measures that go beyond traditional quality rankings, including health equity, value of care, patient outcomes, and community investment.
Sonoma Valley Hospital earned “A” grades in Social Responsibility, Value of Care, and Clinical Outcomes.
“As a proud part of the Sonoma community, we are deeply dedicated to caring for our neighbors and supporting their well-being,” said Kelley Kaiser, President & CEO. “This recognition reflects the compassion and excellence our team brings to every patient, every day.”
The recognition reinforces Sonoma Valley Hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, equitable healthcare close to home.
My Hospital Story: When Minutes Matter
When nine-year-old Rogers Parker told his mom, Laura, “My arm isn’t obeying me,” it didn’t sound like an emergency. He had complained of a sore shoulder after a sleepover the night before, and like many parents, Laura assumed he had simply slept wrong or pinched a nerve.
But when Rogers asked to go to the emergency room, they made the five-minute drive to Sonoma Valley Hospital—a decision that would prove critical.
Emergency physician Dr. Tim Smith quickly recognized that something far more serious was happening. Rogers wasn’t simply dealing with a sore shoulder; he was showing signs of a rare neurological condition that required immediate attention.
It’s a powerful reminder that when something doesn’t seem right, having expert emergency care close to home can make all the difference.
Read Laura and Rogers’ full story, and discover how quick thinking, clinical expertise, and timely care changed the course of one family’s life. Click HERE to read
A Snapshot of Some of Our Most Popular Services
Whether you need routine testing, rehabilitation after an injury, or advanced imaging, Sonoma Valley Hospital offers a full range of services close to home.
Rehabilitation Services Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or healing from a sports injury, our rehabilitation team provides personalized care for conditions including sprains and strains, tendonitis, headaches, spinal and pelvic conditions, and more.
Laboratory Services Our laboratory offers a full range of diagnostic testing, including routine blood work and STAT testing ordered by your physician.
Medical Imaging Advanced imaging services—including MRI, CT, X-Ray, ultrasound, and mammography—help support early detection, accurate diagnosis, and ongoing care, all close to home.
Explore our complete list of services here.