“Family Wellness Program” Awarded $30,682 Community Grant by Mark Twain Medical Center

SAN ANDREAS, CA – January 21, 2019- Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) is proud to award Catholic Charities (of the Diocese of Stockton) for their Calaveras focused “Family Wellness Program” the Dignity Heath Mark Twain Medical Center Community Grant for 2018.

“This expansion will increase mental health service providers in Calaveras County, increase access points, and available appointments within the service area,” remarked Elvira Ramirez, Executive Director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton. Brief Intervention Counseling will improve the quality of life for seniors who receive mental health services or participate in older adult support groups.

The Family Wellness Program of Catholic Charities Mother Lode Office aims to provide brief intervention counseling services to residents of Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Services are provided to individuals over 55 years of age who are referred by other agencies, local parishes and churches, and who self-refer due to outreach in the area. Eligible clients receive 8-16 counseling sessions provided in an accessible location. Referrals are made to community partners for other services as needed.

“Our belief is that those who participate in this meaningful program will experience reduced stress and gain improved coping skills, commented C’Anne Johnson, M.S. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Catholic Charities. “Older adult support group will reduce stigma associated with aging and with mental health symptoms. The group format will nurture an environment of acceptance and mutual support in the community. Workshops / presentations will promote stigma reduction and suicide prevention education making it more accessible in rural communities.”

Additional partners include, St. Patrick’s Parish in Angels Camp, and the Murphys Senior Center. 

The hospital honored grant recipients at an awards luncheon. To date, more than $410,000 has been awarded to Calaveras organizations by the MTMC Community Grants Program. The Dignity Health Mark Twain Community Grants Program varies according to the size of each hospital. The project or program must be a response to the health priorities identified in the local Dignity Health hospital’s community health assessment or community benefit plan, and the project to be funded must involve collaboration with a minimum of two other organizations and/or with a Dignity Health hospital in our community.

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About Mark Twain Medical Center

Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient acute care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff represents a broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also one of the area’s largest employers. More than 300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health, the fifth largest not- for-profit healthcare system in the nation. Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.