Peninsula Health Care District, which focuses on initiatives that support the health needs of district residents within San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, and Foster City communities, has assisted Caminar in launching programs and partnered with us on grants for a decade ($400,000+).

Due to the pandemic and massive disruptions, Peninsula Health Care District allowed Caminar and other grantees to reallocate 2020 grant funding. A grant originally designated for Caminar’s health and wellness program could be used for anything related to COVID. Our leadership reassessed immediate priorities and reallocated this $30,000 grant to ensure safe operations during the pandemic.

Helen Galligan, R.N., Board Vice-Chair and Community Health Investment Committee Chair with Peninsula Health Care District explains:

“We quickly determined that we could help ensure organizational stability and help with the fight against the spread of COVID-19 for our community partners by allowing flexibility with the funding we had granted. The Board lifted restrictions from existing grant commitments for all of our community partners, including Caminar. This was one of the ways the District immediately took action to help our community partners respond to the pandemic."

Caminar’s leaders were grateful to have the District’s help in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant reallocation supported investments that helped Caminar remain an essential health care provider in this community and to meet clients’ needs. We addressed multiple, unexpected demands associated with the pandemic such as purchasing personal protective equipment for clients and staff, implementing infection control measures throughout Caminar, and augmenting telehealth capacities. Having these flexible funds was immensely valuable and enabled Caminar to rebound quickly.