Your Support Makes a Difference

Established in 2014, Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) is a public benefit non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing Ventura County Health Care Agency’s ability to provide quality, cost-effective, and compassionate health care for all. HCFVC addresses the needs of Ventura County by generating revenue to create or enhance vital programs and purchase medical equipment for Ventura County Medical Center, Santa Paula Hospital, and all Ambulatory Clinics.

Grateful Patient Stories

Heather's Story

While often portrayed as a joyous occasion, childbirth can be filled

with unexpected challenges for many mothers. For Heather Sweatman,

this became a reality when she faced a challenging childbirth at

Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) due to her baby’s intrauterine

growth restriction. This resulted in a prolonged induction process

before successfully delivering her baby with the support of

Dr. Watabe and VCMC nurses. Heather’s experience highlights

VCMC’s tailored approach, offering personalized care that

skillfully navigated the challenges of her childbirth journey

with both compassion and quality care.

Jacquelyn’s Story

An unexpected injury can arise at any moment, often catching
someone off guard and requiring immediate attention and care.
For Jacquelyn Gargano, this reality struck when she sustained a
back injury and was rushed to the emergency room at Ventura
County Medical Center. During her time in the emergency room,

Jacquelyn received some of the highest-quality patient care she
had ever experienced. Her experience underscores how
compassionate care enhances the patient’s experience and
cultivates a sense of community within VCMC and the broader
Ventura County health and hospital system.

We invite you to share your grateful
patient story! Tell us about the
moment that changed your life
or the life of a loved one by
completing the form below.

Our Initiatives

Health Care Foundation for Ventura County exists to enhance and augment Ventura County Health Care Agency in its essential mission to provide world-class healthcare to all in Ventura County.

WeGive: Employee, Retiree & Community Giving

WeGive offers Ventura County employees, retirees, and community members an opportunity to invest back into their local health and hospital system. Become a WeGiver today!

Engraved Bricks for the Healing Garden

Create a lasting legacy in Ventura County by securing a personalized brick for placement along the Healing Garden path at Ventura County Medical Center.

Pediatric Programs

VCMC pediatric programs help provide specialized, family-centered care, ensuring children and their families receive the highest quality care through the health continuum.

Urgent Needs

Unrestricted funds enable HCFVC’s Board of Directors to collaborate with Ventura County Health Care Agency Leadership, directing resources to meet the most urgent and vital health care needs in Ventura County. This flexibility is particularly crucial during uncertain times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planned Giving

Planned Giving enables individuals to make impactful charitable contributions through their estate plans, ensuring lasting support for meaningful causes while also offering significant tax advantages.

Memorials & Legacy Gifts

Leave a legacy or create a meaningful tribute for future generations by including HCFVC in your estate plan. These gifts allow donors to ensure their contributions are used for their intended purposes.

Key Populations We Serve

Agricultural Workers

Farm workers are essential to Ventura County’s economy, with around 42,000 individuals employed in its farms and ranches. Their dedication sustains the county’s thriving $2 billion-a-year agricultural industry and ensures that the food they cultivate reaches tables across the nation. Access to healthcare remains vital for agricultural workers, supporting their well-being and the crucial role they play in Ventura County.

Children

Children aged 17 years and younger make up 21.6% of Ventura County’s population. Childhood is a pivotal stage in life, and ensuring children receive proper healthcare is essential for their overall well-being and development. Ventura County Medical Center stands as the sole licensed pediatric care facility in West Ventura County, home to the nation’s top-ranked Family Medicine Residency Program and the exclusive clinic in Ventura County specializing in treating children with cancer and blood diseases.

Families

Family households constitute 71.8% of Ventura County’s households. Addressing healthcare and social services for families is essential for ensuring a healthier community. Emphasizing preventive care and early intervention can significantly improve health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and enhance the overall well-being of families in Ventura County!

Senior Citizens

Individuals over the age of 65 make up 17.3% of Ventura County’s population. This geriatric population requires specialized healthcare services tailored to age-related conditions, such as chronic diseases and cognitive health.

Underrepresented Communities

HCFVC recognizes and values the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community we serve. As Ventura County continues to grow in diversity, we are proud to support a constituency that includes BIPOC, LGBTQ+, differently abled individuals, and other diverse populations. We are committed to ensuring that all members of Ventura County receive quality wrap-around care within our public health and hospital system.

Education, Training & Enhancement

Discover how you can support local health care education programs!

Summer Student Scholars Program

Summer Student Scholars Program at Ventura County Medical Center offers undergraduates a unique summer internship, exposing them to diverse healthcare careers in a professional setting. Students work with faculty preceptors, gaining hands-on experience in various patient care settings. HCFVC provides a $3,000 stipend to support students, allowing them to pursue this career-enhancing opportunity without a financial burden.

Health Occupations Pipeline Education (HOPE)

HOPE aims to provide equal training opportunities in health care for local high school, community college, and university students, establishing a sustainable local workforce pipeline. It is a collaboration between Ventura Health Care Agency, Ventura County High School Districts, Ventura County Office of Education, and SCCRC South Central Regional Consortium. HOPE’s mission is to ensure equity for all students, regardless of their background or societal barriers.

Medical Equipment Acquisition

Ventura County Health Care Agency leaders identify essential point-of-care medical equipment to improve patient outcomes, ensure compliance, and streamline care. This equipment reduces patient transfers and enhances response times, leading to higher quality care for all. HCFVC prioritizes optimal patient outcomes, serving thousands annually, regardless of their ability to pay.

Access Your Free Estate Planning Tools Here!

Gain peace of mind by protecting your family. Health Care Foundation has sponsored Giving Docs so that everyone can have access to a free Will and Trust.