LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross on Friday, July 31, two days after the Rocky Fire broke out near Lower Lake.

The funds will assist the Red Cross in disaster relief efforts for and delivering necessary resources for Lake County families in need.

“We are so appreciative of Sutter Lakeside Hospital for their support of our work to help the Lake County community respond and recover from disasters like the Rocky Fire,” said Executive Director Jeff Baumgartner. “Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s continual and increased investment in our mission allows Red Cross to prepare for and respond to emergencies, ultimately helping communities be more resilient following a disaster and more prepared for the next.”

Sutter Lakeside Hospital has a long history of partnering with the American Red Cross to support its work in the community, including donating money and supplies.

Teresa Campbell, MN, RN, chief nursing executive of Sutter Lakeside Hospital, has been a board member of the American Red Cross California Northwest chapter since 2012.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital also initiated emergency preparedness as a precaution in the event that St. Helena evacuates, and is ready to assist patients affected by the fire. Hospital administration is also keeping a close eye on air quality, and has vented the hospital accordingly.

“Being ready to assist our community in times of disaster is a key role of our hospital,” said Sutter Lakeside Chief Administrative Officer Siri Nelson. “That’s why we collaborate with key support in the community, such as the Fire Department, the Red Cross and the Behavioral Health Initiative.”

Sutter Lakeside Hospital always has three days of supplies ready to support patients should the hospital need it.

“Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s top priority is always patient safety, along with an emergency management program that consists of actions that build organizational and community capabilities for response to and recovery from disasters,” said Bill Ringer, safety office and emergency preparedness coordinator at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “It is with great honor to be able to help those in need.”

For more information about Sutter Lakeside Hospital, visit www.sutterlakeside.org or call 707-262-5085 to schedule a tour.