Giving
Dear Friend,
As this year draws to a close, we are reminded of the extraordinary generosity of our community of donors and the impact their support has on the lives of patients who look to us for care.
Today, we are writing to update you about how our Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) - a program established in 2019 by women, for women - is advancing health and wellness for women on the Central Coast. This special fund invests in state-of-the-art medical equipment, provides advanced training for our medical providers, promotes public educational forums and offers unique services designed to meet the specific health needs of women at every stage of life.
Investing in Expertise: Menopause Certification
Recently, the WHI made it possible for 10 of our clinicians to pursue Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) credentials. This rigorous certification ensures our clinicians are expertly trained to address the complex and often under-recognized health concerns faced by women during midlife. Certified practitioners undergo a comprehensive examination that demonstrates their knowledge of the latest treatments and standards of care in menopause medicine.
For our patients, this means peace of mind - knowing that the providers they trust have the specialized training to guide them through one of life’s most important transitions with the highest quality of care.
Expanding Access: A New Mammogram Machine
The WHI is currently setting out to raise $510,000 for another vital advancement: the purchase of a new Hologic 3Dimensions Mammography System for our women’s imaging and high-risk breast clinic.
Each year, more than 22,000 women in our community qualify for a screening mammogram, yet our current three machines can accommodate only about 75% of that demand.
Adding a new machine will be transformative:
- 6,000–10,000 more women will be able to receive their screening mammogram promptly, often within two weeks of their physician’s order.
- In many cases, results will be available in as little as 24 hours, reducing the anxiety that so often accompanies this kind of testing.
- The new unit will also provide increased capacity for diagnostic mammograms and urgent STAT orders, ensuring that women with high-risk concerns get the timely care they need.
By supporting this program, you are directly improving access to life-saving screenings and helping us meet the growing needs of our community with compassion and excellence.
Funding Education
In 2025, the Women’s Health Initiative funded two important breast surgery initiatives led by our team.
At the 2025 American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Meeting, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center’s fellowship-trained breast surgeon Dr. Katrina Mitchell educated surgeons about how to safely treat breast cancer during pregnancy and after childbirth - a topic that is becoming more important as more young women face this diagnosis. Dr. Mitchell created easy-to-understand materials that doctors across the country can now use to better guide and care for women during this difficult time.
The WHI also made it possible for Sirena Sechslingloff, PA-C, our advanced practice clinician on the breast surgery team, to complete specialized training and earn a national ASBrS Advanced Practice Provider Breast certification. This advanced education gives her the tools to better serve women at higher risk for breast cancer and strengthen the services of our High-Risk Breast Clinic.
These investments ensure patients in Santa Barbara can continue to benefit from the most up-to-date care and treatment options available.
Your Role in This Mission
Even with these advancements as a nonprofit healthcare organization, we rely on the generosity of people like you.
Please consider making a year-end gift in support of the Women’s Health Initiative. All gifts of support will remain in this community, directly benefiting the patients we serve.
Thank you for considering this important opportunity to invest in the health of women on the Central Coast. We are deeply grateful for your support. With your help, we are building a healthier future for mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends across our community.
Warmest wishes for a healthy and joyful holiday season.