Christmas in July Supports Local Violence Survivors

French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), a member of Dignity Health Central Coast, is pleased to announce a community partnership with the Women's Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County and RISE, two organizations that assist local victims of domestic violence, to contribute to survivors of intimate partner violence.

Intimate partner violence is a serious, yet preventable public health problem. The term "intimate partner violence" describes physical or sexual violence, stalking, and/or psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner.

To combat this issue, Christmas in July was created.  The spirit of Christmas is powered by generosity and behind every gift is a giver; someone who put the time, thoughtfulness, and resources into providing for someone else.  Through our Christmas in July drive, FHMC is collaborating with these local organizations to awaken a spirit of generosity in our community through collecting gift cards for those in need. Gift cards will in turn be distributed at the SLO Women’s Shelter and RISE.

To make an impact in the life of a local survivor of intimate partner violence, participants can simply purchase a gift card of any amount at any of these local retailers: Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, grocery stores, gas stations, or any other stores that provide clothing, food, or aid for transportation in San Luis Obispo County. Donations can be dropped off at our Christmas in July drive at the FHMC Gift Shoppe between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00p.m.daily from July 11th through July 29.

About French Hospital Medical Center

French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, has been named one of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics, and is rated among the top hospitals in the nation for cardiac, orthopedic and GI services.

French Hospital has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology. The hospital is home to the unique Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. In addition, an expansion and modernization project is underway at French Hospital, including the new Copeland Health Education Pavilion, which provides the community access to comprehensive health care education resources free of charge.   French is a Dignity Health Central Coast hospital which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA and St. John’s Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, CA. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service.  Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.