The Jamestown S’Klallam tribe will give the Olympic Medical Center Foundation $150,000 over a three-year period to support hospital programs.
The gift is largely to address the prevalence of childhood obesity on the North Olympic Peninsula but will also contribute to other Olympic Medical Center programs, such as cancer care, cardiac services, diabetes and nutrition.
“The Jamestown S’Klallam tribe has been one of the most generous organizations on the Peninsula,” said Bruce Skinner, executive director of the Olympic Medical Center Foundation.
“They have given countless donations to every sector of the community. Once again, they are showing that they care about the community they live in.”
Some of the funding will go toward several children’s health promotions through OMC’s Diabetes Education and Nutrition Services Department and a community lecture series on obesity.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting project,” said Liz Mueller, tribal vice chairwoman.
“Obesity is a leading cause of disease and unhealthy lifestyles in this country.”
Added Ron Allen, tribal chairman: “In particular, we want to focus on children.
“If children grow up with proper nutritional and exercise habits, they will lead healthier, more productive lives.”
The tribe operates the Jamestown Family Health Clinic in Sequim.
The clinic has 10 medical providers and provides primary care and obstetrics and gynecological services to the general public, including Medicare and Medicaid patients.
As part of its donation to the OMC Foundation, the tribe will continue to be a major sponsor of the foundation’s community events, including the Red, Set, Go Heart Luncheon; the Harvest of Hope dinner; Festival of Trees; Team OMC; the Duck Derby; and Hollywood Nights.
They will also be the sponsor of a new event — the Jamestown Community Family Wellness Walk — and will become a sponsor of other Olympic Medical Center wellness events.
