Hood River neighbors honored Susan Gabay and Robert Gobbo, M.D., for their visionary leadership at the recent Hearts of Gold dinner. Thanks to their work, people in the Gorge now have more mental health services and better access to health care.
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Foundation sponsors the annual event. The event honors those who have improved health care in the Gorge, and raises funds to bring new health care services to town.
Since retiring from a 40-year career with the state of Oregon, Susan Gabay has worked tirelessly on suicide prevention efforts. Her work has had a major impact on the accessibility of mental health services in the Gorge. People in these communities now have more local resources to help prevent suicide and support suicide survivors.
Dr. Gobbo’s commitment to social justice led him to develop a program to prepare physicians to care for patients in rural areas. The Providence Hood River Family Medicine Residency Rural Training Program equips doctors to work in remote areas outside of hospitals and clinics. As a result, rural communities have improved access to health care, and physicians are better prepared to serve diverse patient populations.
A rousing benefit auction followed the award presentations. The packed house of dinner-goers raised $65,000 to help bring Basecamp Cardiac Prevention + Wellness to the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital campus. Basecamp’s free and low-cost programs will benefit patients, caregivers and local residents alike.
“What an incredible night we had at the 2019 Hearts of Gold!” said Susan Frost, executive director of Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital Foundation. “The remarkable generosity of our friends means so much. Thanks to their support, people in the Gorge will have healthier hearts.”
To view more photos from the event, please visit here.
