Sharp HealthCare announced it has received two grants totaling $7 million from Price Philanthropies Foundation in support of behavioral health initiatives at both Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital and Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. The funding represents the largest combined behavioral health-related grant in the organization’s history and makes possible a new era of enhanced mental health services for San Diego.
“Sharp is grateful for Price Philanthropies’ longstanding partnership and ongoing commitment to strengthening San Diego’s behavioral health care system. These projects demonstrate the great trust our funding partners —and the State of California — have in Sharp and our leadership in providing extraordinary care and support for our most vulnerable patients,” says Bill Littlejohn, senior vice president and chief executive officer of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare in a press release.
The $3.5 million Price Philanthropies grant for Sharp Mesa Vista has enabled the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare to achieve its $10 million ENVISION goal for the Shiley Intensive Care Unit. An additional $3.5 million Price Philanthropies grant will fund half of the total cost of $7 million for the transformation of the Sharp Chula Vista Emergency Department, scheduled to be completed in 2025. The transformed ED will be better aligned to manage the increase in patients as well as provide special spaces for individuals with a behavioral health diagnosis. The renovated ED will provide a more clinically effective, streamlined, and appealing environment for all patients.
This will be achieved through both physical enhancements and the development of a new innovative behavioral health treatment unit.
Sharp Chula Vista will also receive $2.97 million over the next three years from California’s Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to fund building and operational needs for an exclusive treatment unit inside the emergency department for those experiencing a mental health crisis. In the newly opened EmPATH unit, individuals will receive specialized care in a calm and therapeutic setting separate from other emergency department patients. It will feature six recliners in lieu of traditional patient beds, open space for patients to move around, and 24/7 staffing by caregivers specially trained to treat psychiatric emergencies.
“The concept of this unit is to have a dedicated space where patients with behavioral health problems can go that is designed to support their unique needs,” stated Dr. Nancy Greengold, MBA, chief operating officer of Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. “We’re delighted to have received this grant. This is a wonderful development for Sharp Chula Vista and the community we serve.”
Across the United States, hospitals are using the established model of care to meet the rapidly growing need for tailored behavioral health services.
“Price Philanthropies is proud to support Sharp’s continued commitment to ensuring all San Diegans have access to behavioral health care. Innovative care models, dedicated staff and welcoming facilities reflect the respect and quality of care every patient deserves” stated Jennette Lawrence Shay, chief operating officer of Price Philanthropies Foundation.
Littleton said philanthropy plays a critical role in providing exceptional health care for the community and the growing emergency care and behavioral health needs of its San Diegan population.
“Because of the generosity of organizations like Price Philanthropies and many other donors, Sharp can continue to serve San Diego as the largest private and most comprehensive health care provider for behavioral health services,” he said.
