From left are Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas; Yolo County Clerk-Recorder/Assessor/Registrar of Voters (ACE) and Dignity Health Woodland Healthcare Board Member Jesse Salinas; Supervisor Elect Sheila Allen; Yolo County Board of Supervisors Jim Provenza; President and CEO of Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital Gena Bravo; Program Director of Yolo Adult Day Health Center Dawn Myers; and Yolo County Board Chair Lucas Frerichs. Photo courtesy of Yolo County

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - On Dec. 5, Yolo County, in collaboration with Dignity Health and Friends of Adult Day Health Care, hosted a preview and celebration of the Sagewood Center, the new home of the Yolo Adult Day Health Center (YADHC) in Woodland.

This event also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Yolo Adult Day Health Center, highlighting its enduring dedication to improving community care. This milestone has been 16 years in the making, focused on enhancing the health and well-being of Yolo County residents.

“This project has been one of my top priorities for my entire time on the Board of Supervisors and I am glad to join in this important milestone and to preview the Sagewood Center for Adult Day Health Care,” said Yolo County Supervisor Jim Provenza. “I am grateful for our partnership with Dignity Health and the leadership of the Board of Supervisors and county staff. By bringing this project to its conclusion, we will be doubling the number of seniors and disabled adults that can be served.”

Yolo County Board of Supervisor Jim Provenza speaks at the event. Photo courtesy of Yolo County

During this special occasion, guests had the opportunity to explore the new Sagewood Center and learn about the innovative programs and services it will offer. The expanded and upgraded space is designed to significantly impact the lives of individuals, providing comprehensive support who are facing dementia, chronic medical conditions and mental health challenges. This new facility will play a crucial role in advancing Dignity Health’s mission of exceptional care and aligning with Yolo County’s commitment to improving residents' quality of life.

The Yolo Adult Day Health Center, established in February 1984, was the first purpose-built adult day health center in California. Its mission is to promote independence, self-esteem and choice for frail adults in Yolo County. The center was founded by four community advocates inspired by European chronic care programs in the 1970s. They formed Friends of Adult Day Health Care while Yolo County donated land and secured a license, making the dream a reality.

The center now offers a variety of services, including adult day health care, senior transportation, caregiver support and the CalAIM Enhanced Care Management program. Since 1998, Dignity Health has operated the center under a contract with Yolo County, aligning with its mission to improve health, especially for vulnerable populations.

In 2023, Yolo County and Dignity Health identified Norton Hall as a potential expansion site to meet the growing demand for community-based chronic disease management. This renovation will enable the program to serve all referrals in a timely manner, break even with Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, and support frail adults while keeping them out of nursing homes. The new site is expected to enroll at least 125 adults, with 85% on Medi-Cal, providing critical services to individuals with a variety of complex needs, including dementia, brain injuries and behavioral health issues.

From left, Yolo County Board Chair Dawn Myers, Supervisor Jim Provenza and Program Director of Yolo Adult Day Health Center Gena Bravo pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of Yolo County

“After 40 years of impactful service and partnership with the Yolo Adult Day Health Center, it’s a privilege to witness a preview of the Sagewood Center, which marks a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Yolo County residents," said Gena Bravo, president and CEO of Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital. "Congratulations to the incredible team at the Yolo Adult Day Health Center for their continued dedication to providing vital services to our community.”

The celebration of the Sagewood Center marks a significant milestone in Yolo County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of its residents. With the support of Dignity Health, Friends of Adult Day Health Care, and the community, this new facility will continue to provide essential services to those who need them most.

For more information about the Yolo Adult Day Health Center, visit https://locations.dignityhealth.org/yolo-adult-day-health-center. For Friends of Adult Day Health Care, visit www.FriendsofADHC.org.