Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
As summer continues, we encourage everyone to enjoy the season safely. July is an important reminder to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and taking simple steps to reduce the risk of skin cancer. July is also National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which brings attention to the disparities in mental healthcare experienced by many underrepresented communities. Education remains one of our strongest tools, and it is important to remember that healing looks different for everyone. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
Chief Executive Officer Report
Chief Executive Officer Kelley Kaiser reported that Sonoma Valley Hospital continues to build on its positive operational and financial momentum. Rising patient volumes, revenues exceeding budget, controlled expenses, and improving cash reserves have all contributed to greater organizational stability and position the hospital well as it enters the new fiscal year.
Kelley also updated the Board on two pieces of state legislation that continue to be closely monitored. AB 2975 would require hospitals to implement weapon detection policies, including weapon screening at hospital entrances, while AB 2311 would authorize healthcare districts to directly employ physicians. If approved, AB 2311 would strengthen Sonoma Valley Hospital’s ability to recruit and retain physicians and expand access to care for our community.
The Board also received an update regarding Occupational Health Services. As previously discussed, demand for employer health services has declined significantly, resulting in insufficient patient volume to sustain the program. Occupational Health Services will officially conclude on July 17, 2026, and the hospital is working to ensure a smooth transition for employers and patients.
Kelley also shared two significant national recognitions for Sonoma Valley Hospital. The 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 reflect the dedication of our physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers, and community partners who work together every day to provide exceptional care close to home.
Chief Medical Officer Report
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Okolo reported that the hospital continues to demonstrate strong performance across its core quality measures. Stroke care and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention continue to perform at or near target levels, while sepsis bundle compliance reached 100 percent in May following focused quality improvement efforts initiated earlier this year.
Dr. Okolo also shared that two quality initiatives continue to receive additional attention: improving hand hygiene compliance and strengthening opioid safety practices throughout the organization.
The hospital has also successfully completed the corrective action process following its recent CIHQ reaccreditation survey. All corrective action plans were accepted, and no condition-level deficiencies were identified.
Operationally, Sonoma Valley Hospital continues to experience sustained growth across both inpatient and outpatient services. Emergency Department and Operating Room volumes have each increased by approximately 10 to 15 percent. Emergency Department visits continue to trend upward, with a 7.4 percent increase in overall visits and a 10.2 percent increase in overnight patient volume.
Dr. Okolo also highlighted the continued success of the Outpatient Gastroenterology Clinic. Patients who previously traveled to UCSF for select procedures can now receive that care here in Sonoma, improving access and allowing more residents to stay close to home for specialized treatment.
The Emergency Department also recently earned two important recognitions: designation as a Stroke Ready Hospital and Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality emergency care for older adults.
Insurance Renewal
Chief Financial Officer Ben Armfield reported that the District recently completed its annual insurance renewal for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The renewal includes the District’s major insurance coverage, including professional liability, property, cyber liability, directors and officers liability, employment practices liability, workers’ compensation, and other key coverages. Overall, the District’s total insurance premium decreased by 6.8 percent compared to the previous year.
May Financial Performance
Chief Financial Officer Ben Armfield also presented the May financial report, which marks the hospital’s third consecutive month of positive operating performance. The hospital exceeded budget expectations during May and remains positive year-to-date, reflecting continued progress toward long-term financial sustainability. While leadership remains appropriately cautious about future healthcare funding uncertainties, these results demonstrate meaningful improvements in the hospital’s financial strength and stability.
Board Elections
The Board also approved Resolution 401 calling for the November 3, 2026, Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board Election. Two Board seats will appear on the ballot. Candidates must reside within the District and be registered voters. The nomination period runs from July 13 through August 7, 2026. Anyone interested in serving the community through Board leadership is encouraged to contact the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters for nomination information.
The Board also recognized Director Denise Kalos , who will be resigning from the Board after nearly four years of dedicated service as she relocates outside the District. We sincerely thank Denise for her thoughtful leadership, commitment, and many contributions to Sonoma Valley Hospital and our community.
As we continue celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary and Sonoma’s 191st birthday, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer. These celebrations remind us of the strength of our community and the people who make it special.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers, and caregivers whose work brings comfort, healing, and hope to individuals and families every day. We are grateful for their service and proud of the vital role Sonoma Valley Hospital plays in building a healthier, stronger community.
Warm regards,
Wendy Lee-Myatt
Chair, Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board