For Danielle Sanders, a longtime community member, joining the Oak Valley Hospital District Board has been a goal for quite a while. With roots here in the community and her mother Louise Sanders, being a former OVHD employee and board member, Danielle Sanders knows the importance of supporting the local hospital as it plays an important role in the community and surrounding area.

Sanders, an established Realtor at PMZ, has built strong connections through her work and also through her many projects working as a volunteer in various capacities. Whether she is assisting the Oakdale Enrichment Society in planning upcoming events, serving on the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission or working with the team to coordinate the Love Oakdale day of service, Sanders is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those who call this area home.

While noting that she is aware of some of the negative comments that have been circulated regarding the hospital, Sanders, along with her fellow OVHD board members and the OVHD leadership team are working diligently to restore the reputation of OVHD and rebuild the trust between patients, the community and OVHD.

“Not only is the hospital a huge employer but we care about the community too,” said Sanders. She also believes that bringing the Intensive Care Unit back will go a long way toward restoring some faith in the medical staff and the hospital. As Sanders put it, “People need a better experience when they don’t feel well and we want to ensure that they have it at Oak Valley Hospital.”

Sanders also acknowledges that through her place as a director on the OVHD board, she can work closely with the team that will be implementing the changes needed to move forward.

“Matt Heyn has instilled goals in us and himself that are centered around rebuilding the trust in the community and working directly in the community whether it be through volunteering or other things to help us rebuild that trust,” said Sanders. She also believes that through the new partnership with Sound Physicians, OVHD will be able to attract and retain additional highly qualified medical professionals.

“I am just grateful to be serving on the board, working with this community, towards improvement,” said Sanders as she reflected on some of the challenges and goals for the near future. She is optimistic and looking forward to forging new relationships in her position as a board member while working to solidify the OVHD commitment to quality health care.