By HM staff

Despite being unable to host in-person events since early 2020, Pillars Community Health has maintained our fundraising efforts virtually including a Dine with Distance event, trivia night, cocktail making class and a celebration of our 100th Anniversary which included wine and charcuterie pairings from local restaurant, The Elm. We look forward to our Century Celebration on April 8, 2022. We have had successful mail campaigns throughout the year. We appreciate the generous community members who have helped increase donations during this very challenging year.

As we begin our second century, our staff has truly risen to the challenge of fulfilling our vision of “communities where all people have access to the care they need, when they need it”. Throughout 2021, their care and commitment brought individuals and families access to the full range of physical and mental health services needed to get and stay healthy, as well as ensuring that those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault received critically needed support and care. Pillars Community Health continued to provide a continuum of care including both in-person and virtual services for those needing medical and dental services, behavioral health counseling, substance use disorder services, psychiatry, domestic violence shelter and support, advocacy for sexual assault survivors, and bereavement support. Addressing needs brought on by the pandemic included providing over 9700 COVID tests and 6700 vaccinations.

Successes in the face of these continued challenges also includes tireless outreach and education to help community members connect to in-person and online resources to support resiliency and coping skills. The quick pivot to telehealth services, increase in community behavioral health needs, and commitment to diversity, racial equity, lay a strong foundation for Pillars Community Health in 2022 and beyond. We will continue to strengthen their telehealth capabilities, including addition of telehealth suites in all PCH locations, to support those who do not have the needed technology or private location for behavioral health or specialty care visits. “Serenity Spaces” have recently been added to two PCH locations, to provide peaceful respite space to domestic violence clients. In 2021, PCH launched an innovative Trauma Informed/Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion assessment, training and planning process. We will continue on this journey in 2022 to ensure that internal and external efforts are rooted in addressing trauma and systemic racism.

We appreciate and are inspired by our volunteers who steadfastly share their talents and skills. For example, our Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline trained volunteers respond to after hours and weekend hotline calls, making a difference in someone’s life with each interaction. During these challenging times, we have provided additional continuing education opportunities, invitations to our social justice activism events, virtual book clubs, and shared special gifts of appreciation. Our SA volunteer coordinator has one on one listening sessions with individual volunteers to provide added support. Pillars Community Health appreciates the strong support of community partners, organizations, and individuals who share the mission of improving the health of our communities and empowering individuals through compassionate, whole person care.

*Photo provided by the Pillars Community Health