Press

October 5, 2005
Sharp Grossmont Hospital Receives $1 Million Gift from Barona Band of Mission Indians Gift Will Fund Cardiovascular Technology

Dan Conaway, Elaine Marteeny, Mike Murphy, Michele Tarbet, Leon Banegas, Councilwoman Bonnie LaChappa (left to right)

(SAN DIEGO) October 5, 2005 - Recognizing the services that Grossmont Hospital provides to residents in East County, The Barona Band of Mission Indians presented the community hospital with a $1 million contribution in memory of the Tribe’s beloved Vice Chairman Donald “Tiny” LaChappa to support its expanding Cardiac and Endovascular Services. Tribal officials made the announcement at the hospital’s 50th Anniversary Gala event on Saturday, October 1.

“The Barona Band of Mission Indians is proud to help Sharp Grossmont Hospital in its mission to provide quality medical care in our community," said Rhonda Welch Scalco, chairwoman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. "Our Tribe shares Sharp's spirit of community. This donation, which was brought forward by the members of the Barona Band and then unanimously voted for, will support programs and services that enhance the health and well being of all San Diegans.”

“This gift from the Barona people will enable us to replace and upgrade monitors so critically needed for our Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) so our patients can receive the benefits of the latest diagnostic equipment,” said Michele Tarbet, Sharp Grossmont Hospital CEO. “Funding for this technology will advance our battle against all cardiovascular disease.”

Demand on Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Cardiovascular Services for care has never been greater. The hospital’s Cath Lab performs well over 2,000 cardiac procedures each year. Sharp Grossmont Hospital continues to be the busiest Emergency Department (ED) in San Diego County and cardiac patients make up 70 percent of the volume. Each year, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) top the list of the most serious health problems in the US. Coronary heart disease is the number one killer and stroke is the number three killer.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital is the largest, non-for-profit, full-service acute care hospital in San Diego’s East County and part of Sharp HealthCare, San Diego’s most comprehensive health-care delivery system. The hospital is known for its outstanding programs in emergency and critical care, cardiac care, surgery, stroke care, orthopedics, rehabilitation, behavioral health, women’s and children’s health and hospice care. Extensive outpatient services and prevention programs such as home infusion, sleep disorder care, wound care and hyperbaric medicine are also offered in support of Sharp HealthCare’s emphasis on health and wellness.