Summer 2025 TFHS Foundation News

As summer arrives in Truckee, we’re embracing the longer days, warmer weather, and the vibrant energy that comes with the season. At Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation, this time of year serves as a reminder of the incredible strength of our community—neighbors coming together on trails, at local events, and through generous acts of giving. Your support continues to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare throughout our region, from enhanced technology and training to expanded services for patients and families. We’re excited to share the latest updates and stories that reflect the impact of your contributions and the power of community in action.

In this issue, you’ll find exciting updates on new OB equipment purchases, information on the Community Health Lab program and highlights from this year’s Thomas Hobday Medical Lectureship. We’re also sharing details about the Health System’s new safety program, our 2024 Stewardship Report, and a save the date for the 2nd Annual Fall Fun Run.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission. Your generosity continues to strengthen healthcare in our community, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

Karli Bunnell
Executive Director

Thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Martis Camp Foundation, matched by Team Member Giving contributions, our Obstetrics department has welcomed two incredible new additions: Victoria and Tory, a maternal and infant simulation duo. These advanced manikins, housed at the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care, are enhancing our team’s training as part of our Perinatal Emergency Readiness Program.

Victoria, a lifelike childbirth simulator, allows staff to practice managing a wide range of obstetric emergencies in a realistic, hands-on environment. Tory, her newborn counterpart, helps complete critical drills focused on infant care after delivery. With training already underway, our OB team is building even greater confidence and skill in responding to rare but high-risk emergencies — all with the goal of delivering the safest, highest-quality care possible.

We are incredibly grateful to the Martis Camp Foundation and our employee donors for making this vital investment possible. Your support is helping us prepare for the unexpected and protect the health of mothers and babies in our community for years to come.

We are excited to share that the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation’s Board of Directors has approved the purchase of new fetal monitors for our Obstetrics department, thanks to $100,000 from the Area of Greatest Need funds raised during last year’s 75th Anniversary Celebration. Of the $200,000 raised that evening, this investment is a major step in helping us continue top-quality care for our growing community.

While today’s monitors are still the best available, the technology is based on 20-year-old designs — and despite our best efforts to keep them running, maintenance just isn’t enough anymore. Replacing them has become an urgent priority.

With this purchase, we will not only replace our existing monitors but also add an additional unit to better handle busy seasons and provide critical backup when needed. Thanks to the amazing support of our donors and community partners, we’re keeping our moms and babies in the very best hands!

Tahoe Forest Health System’s Community Health Labs (previously called Affordable Labs) aims to improve health outcomes, reduce wait times, and provide cost-effective options for individuals seeking lab tests. The Community Health Lab program provides cash pay lab testing, available with or without a medical provider’s order. See below for more information:

• Appointments are REQUIRED for Community Health Labs and are available Monday – Friday mornings, 8 – 9:30 am, in both Truckee and Incline Village.
  • Appointments can be made online or call (530) 582-6510 to schedule.
• Payment of cash, check or credit card required at time of draw
• This is a low-cost laboratory screening service and cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement
• Patients cannot receive Community Health Labs and insurance-billed labs on the same visit
• No provider order is needed to participate
• Must be 18 years or older
• Photo ID required
• Lab results are available in MyChart

Learn more information about lab services, locations, cost or to schedule an appointment, visit Community Health Labs.

The 2025 Thomas Hobday Medical Lectureship was a tremendous success, bringing together community members and healthcare professionals for an inspiring evening of learning and collaboration. This year’s featured speaker was Dr. Howard J. Donner — a physician, expedition medicine expert, and co-developer of “The Outdoor Emergency Care” curriculum for the National Ski Patrol. Dr. Donner shared captivating stories from his work in wilderness and high-altitude medicine, offering valuable insights into decision-making under pressure, medical improvisation, and the intersection of adventure and healthcare.

We are deeply grateful to Pam Hobday for her continued support of this lectureship, which honors Tom Hobday’s vision of uniting the community and medical professionals through shared knowledge and meaningful dialogue.

Tahoe Forest Health System is proud to announce a new partnership with MED-Project to offer two vital, free disposal programs designed to protect public health, promote environmental safety, and make responsible medication and sharps disposal easier than ever. Now available at the Tahoe Forest Pharmacy, these free services include a Medication Take-Back Kiosk and a Sharps Mail-Back Program.

Medication Take-Back Kiosk

Community members can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, including Schedule II–V controlled substances, by simply dropping them into a secure in-store kiosk. No paperwork or questions asked. Proper medication disposal helps prevent accidental misuse, keeps drugs out of the wrong hands, and protects our waterways from contamination.

Please note: herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, sharps, and illegal drugs are not accepted in the kiosk.

Sharps Mail-Back Program

For those who use injectable medications, our free sharps mail-back program provides a safe, convenient way to dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, and injectable device products. Participants can come to the pharmacy counter and receive a secure collection container plus a pre-paid shipping label to return the container once it is full.

This service helps prevent needle-stick injuries, protects sanitation workers, and ensures sharps don’t end up in household trash. Biljana Milicevic, Community Pharmacy Director at Tahoe Forest said,

“We’re committed to supporting the health and safety of our community. These new programs make it simple for everyone to do their part in keeping our environment clean and our neighbors safe.”

Community members are encouraged to visit the pharmacy to learn more or pick up their disposal materials. Tahoe Forest Pharmacy is located in the Medical Office Building at 10956 Donner Pass Road, Suite 101, across from Tahoe Forest Hospital. Please visit tfhd.com/pharmacy for more information about pharmacy services.

We take great pride in celebrating the Foundation’s annual accomplishments while also educating our communities about our important work. We are grateful for any opportunity to illustrate how the support of our donors helps the Health System provide essential care. With that, we are eager to share our 2024 Stewardship Report in this eNewsletter!

In this latest annual report, we will communicate some impressive patient census data, tell you more about the innovative technology we are helping support, show you how your gifts are helping elevate local healthcare, and provide a brief overview of all the ways in which you can give.

Each year, we look forward to circulating this brochure within our communities – we hope you will be as excited as we are about our successes!

View the electronic version of our 2024 TFHS Foundation Stewardship Report.

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join us for the 2nd Annual Fun Run at Truckee Regional Park on Saturday, October 11, 2025! The event will feature something for everyone — including a 1-mile walk for families and casual participants, a 5K for recreational runners, and a 10K for those looking for more of a challenge. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a great way to celebrate community health and Walktober.

Register for the race. If you’re interested in sponsoring this year’s event, please reach out to the TFHS Foundation at [email protected] for more information. We can’t wait to see you there!

We are always proud to share some of the positive recognition we receive from patients, honoring the compassionate care provided at Tahoe Forest Health System!

“Always a good experience. After almost 7 years of being seen and cared for by Dr. Dodd, Chris, Joe, and the rest of the staff they have become like family. Greatly appreciated!”

“I could never express the full gratitude in my heart and soul to Dr. Semrad & his entire team. When we patients walk thru those doors, hope seems so distant but your staff is ALWAYS, kind, caring, understanding, genuine & loving…they rise far beyond the term ‘BLESSINGS.’ I am here as a 2 time conqueror, my risk will be high for the remainder of my days but, I have hope, gratitude & joy in each new day. My heart full of Love & Thanks.”

“Dr. Eldridge and her MA were amazing – very patient, kind and great with my children. Balanced having two appointments for toddlers ‘at once’ wonderfully, which is not easy with 2.5 and 4 year olds. I was super impressed!”

“We were in and out of the Truckee Urgent Care and well taken care of! Lucy at the front desk was great and helpful! The whole experience was so easy and comforting when my child was sick!”

“Very personalized and made me feel like an individual not just a number passing through. Staff was very courteous at the Tahoe City PT office.”

Learn more about the Foundation by following the Health System on social media! We post updates weekly.

Instagram Username: tahoeforesthealthsystem
Facebook Page: Tahoe Forest Health System
Twitter Account: TahoeForestHospital

Thank you for your interest in the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. To learn more about the different ways you can support TFH through philanthropy, visit www.tfhd.com/giving/giving or contact Karli Epstein, Executive Director, at 530-582-4204 or [email protected].

If you are not on our electronic mailing list, sign up to receive our quarterly TFHS Foundation eNewsletter.