AVH is a proud CHC!
Alexander Valley Healthcare is proud to be part of a network of statewide health centers caring for our communities. There are six health centers in Sonoma County. Working collectively, we are able to support one another with shared resources and information, which is especially important right now.
Alexander Valley Healthcare, like other community health centers, is currently experiencing uncertainty due to state and federal policy changes. We expect these changes to affect patient access and the viability of care for our most vulnerable populations. At AVH, this only strengthens our commitment to the expansion of services in the new Health and Wellness Center, as the need for local healthcare becomes more pressing.
Your donations to our Capital Campaign, or to ongoing operations, help us to continue to serve our community regardless of funding cuts.
Health & Wellness Center: Project Update
Progress continues on the new Health & Wellness Center!
In August, the Cloverdale Planning Commission gave unanimous approval to our revised facility plans, which now advance to the City Council for final review next month. The City is a strong partner in this project, working with AVH to complete the Washington Street extension to Healdsburg Avenue and providing ongoing support.
Behind the scenes, AVH administration, providers, and staff are thoughtfully designing interior spaces to ensure every patient feels welcome and cared for. Wright Contracting is busy coordinating subcontractors and finalizing budgets to keep us on track.
Fundraising efforts continue, with some exciting announcements coming later this month as we move closer to making this vision a reality!
AVH in the Community
Due to the rise in opioid overdoses across the country, and several recent incidents locally, Mayor Todd Lands and Blake Manning, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counselor at Alexander Valley Healthcare, have partnered with a shared mission: to educate community members and provide Naloxone to local businesses that voluntarily choose to participate. Their goal is to ensure this life-saving medication is accessible to anyone who wishes to obtain it.
Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by restoring normal breathing in someone whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to opioids. It has no effect on individuals who do not have opioids in their system, making it safe for anyone to administer in an emergency. Naloxone is most commonly available as a nasal spray and can be given by anyone — no medical training is required.
Quick access to Naloxone can mean the difference between life and death during an overdose. It can also help in cases of accidental overdose, including situations where fentanyl is unknowingly present in other recreational drugs or when someone is exposed through physical contact with fentanyl. This medication can be safely used on individuals of all ages, and it is recommended that families consider keeping it on hand for emergencies.
In addition to his role at Alexander Valley Healthcare, Blake Manning is an active member of the Northern Sonoma County Harm Reduction Coalition and one of its original committee members. The coalition is dedicated to collaboration, education, and outreach efforts that address substance use and support the overall health and safety of the community.
Alexander Valley Healthcare has Naloxone available at no cost to any community member. If desired, you can contact Blake Manning at 707-894-4229 ext. 1795. Naloxone is also available at La Familia Sana. No questions asked, no judgment, and no personal information is required.
Connection is Prevention
September was Suicide Prevention Month, and this event was part of the Sonoma County Suicide Prevention Alliance’s countywide effort to raise awareness about the importance of human connection in preventing mental health challenges and suicide. By coming together, we can foster stronger, healthier, and more supportive communities. This was a wonderful opportunity to connect with families and community members, share resources, and strengthen relationships in support of mental health and wellness.
New Manager
Renee Marshall brings years of experience and a deep love for her hometown to her role as Dental Office Manager at AVH. A graduate of Santa Rosa Junior College, she earned her A.S. degree and became a certified Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). “I’ve worked as an RDA and office manager in Santa Rosa longer than I’d like to admit,” she says.
Raised in Cloverdale, Renee is proud to serve the community she calls home. “Like so many of us who live here, I feel incredibly lucky to both live and work in such a special place,” she shares. Her goal at AVH Dental is simple: “to provide our residents with excellent dental care in a welcoming environment.”
When she’s not at the clinic, you can find Renee enjoying the outdoors—whether hiking, paddle boarding at Yorty Creek, or biking around town with her dog Roxy happily riding along in the basket. She also cherishes time spent with her family and friends.
Welcome to AVH Renee!
More Staff Announcements
AVH is pleased to announce that two of the UC Davis Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) residents have decided to stay with AVH full time to care for our community. Starting later this month, please welcome Emilee Person FNP and Harshpreet Khroud, Psychiatric FNP to the AVH family!
New Board Members
Alexander Valley Healthcare is pleased to welcome community members, Dr. Jude Elliott, and James Alexander to our Board of Directors, and Aaron Enz and Luna Federici to our Board of Governors. AVH is grateful for their service.
You can read more about them here.
If you are interested in serving on the board of AVH and guiding it’s mission, you can find more information here.