Salem Health always looks to support community partners that provide medical care to those in need.

Hospital representatives recently presented a check for $75,000 to Salem Free Clinics (SFC) at a special ceremony — and extended its five-year partnership with SFC through donations that total more than $300,000.

“Salem Health’s investment with Salem Free Clinics over the years has created an exponential return — bringing real results and significant benefit to people in the mid-Willamette Valley,” said Leilani Slama, vice president of community engagement with Salem Health. “We are delighted to be a part of this community collaborative fueled by passionate volunteers and driven employees.”

“Salem Health is our largest sponsor and greatest health care partner,” said John McConville, chief executive officer with Salem Free Clinics. “Their donation represents 14 percent of our budget and solidifies our on-going sustainability.”

Salem Free Clinics operates two clinics in Salem and one in Dallas. It provides medical, mental health, and dental services to the uninsured in the area and handles 5,500 patient visits each year. Patient demand remains high for SFC services and appointments are frequently backed up 2 to 3 weeks.

“Salem Health’s support will allow us to expand SFC’s preventative services —including dental hygiene, health screenings and vaccinations — plus provide for approximately 800 patient visits,” said McConville.

Salem Health — an OHSU Partner — offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It is comprised of hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. For the second consecutive year, the hospital in Salem received the prestigious 2016 Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, placing it among the nation’s highest performing hospitals. “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.