Local Doctor to Run Canyons 100k to Raise Funds for Sac Life Center

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Dr. Phelan wears a blue shirt and running gear in the early morning before sunrise

Local physician Dr. Timothy Phelan will run the Canyons 100k on April 23 to raise funds to expand health and nutrition programs for new moms at the Sacramento Life Center. Phelan practices at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom and has completed more than 50 competitive running events in the last 10 years, including road marathons and ultra-marathons. This is his fourth fundraiser for the Sacramento Life Center, raising more than $30,000 total in his previous 100k, 50k and 40k runs. Phelan hopes to raise $10,000 for the Sacramento Life Center during the Canyons 100k. To make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

“For 50 years, the Sacramento Life Center has offered a safe place for women to find the compassion and support they need to become a parent,” Phelan said. “I am proud to support this wonderful organization and its mission. I hope our community members will donate however much they can.”

Considered the birthplace of mountain ultra-trail running, the Canyons 100k is run over the most scenic and difficult sections of the Western States trail. The 100-kilometer (62.2 mile) route travels from downtown Auburn to the China Wall staging area campground, with more than 16,000 feet of ascent. Runners will experience panorama vistas of the Sierras and cross streams and wooden bridges through historic settlements like Michigan Bluff and Deadwood Cemetery, traveling the same trails prospectors and mules did more than 150 years ago.

“Dr. Phelan is a tireless advocate for pregnant women and new moms, and we are so grateful that he chooses to support the Sacramento Life Center through his competitive races,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “The pandemic and housing crisis have been especially rough on the moms we serve. Every donation will make an important difference for a local family.”

Now in its 50th anniversary year, the Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, pap smears, well woman exams, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit SVPClinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

Sac Life Center Receives 4D Ultrasound from Knights of Columbus Fair Oaks

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Members of the Knights of Columbus Fair Oaks Council gather around the ultrasound machine they donated to the Sacramento Life Center along with the pregnancy center's staff

The Knights of Columbus Fair Oaks Council recently donated a 4D Voluson S8 ultrasound machine worth $47,000 to local nonprofit Sacramento Life Center, which provides free medical services and resources to low-income pregnant women and teens. The local Knights of Columbus group secured the machine, thanks in part to the nonprofit 4US Adopt A Center that provided a quarter of the funding needed.

“We are so very thankful to the Knights of Columbus and 4US Adopt A Center for this amazing piece of technology that we never could have afforded without them,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Thanks to this machine, our patients will not only have more information about their baby’s health, they will be able to see facial features and a detailed portrait so they can feel even more connected.”

Now in its 50th anniversary year, the Sacramento Life Center offers compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, pap smears, well woman exams, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. Staff also assists patients in signing up for Medi-Cal Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women and provides a wide range of baby supplies through its onsite baby needs closet, including diapers, clothes, formula, wipes and more. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss.

In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit SVPClinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

“Weaving through our web of contacts to get this ultrasound donation accomplished really connected individuals who demonstrate America’s best,” said Henry Luckie, Knights of Columbus Fair Oaks Council member. “We are proud to help the Sacramento Life Center in their work.”

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. For more information about the Knights of Columbus Fair Oaks Council #6066, visit KOFC6066.org.

Sac Life Center to Give Free Diapers on Valentine’s Day

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Local moms of babies and toddlers can drive through the Sacramento Life Center parking lot at 2316 Bell Executive Lane in Arden for the Valentine’s Day Diaper Giveaway on Feb. 14 from 10am-1pm. While supplies last, each mom will receive a pack of size 1 or size 2 diapers, a package of wipes and a handmade knitted blanket. For more information, visit SacLife.org.

“Every mom knows that diapers and wipes are worth their weight in gold, so we thought this would be a tangible way to spread some love to local moms this Valentine’s Day,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “No strings attached, just come on by and pick up some diapers, wipes, a beautiful handmade baby blanket and a thank you for being a hardworking mom.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit SVPClinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

Local Doctor to Run Castle Peak 100K to Support Sacramento Life Center

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Local physician Dr. Timothy Phelan will run one of the most difficult trail races in the country, the Castle Peak 100K in Truckee, on Aug. 14 to raise funds for the Sacramento Life Center’s work to help low-income women improve their health during pregnancy. Phelan practices at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom and has completed 50 competitive running events in the last 10 years, including 10 road marathons and 18 ultra-marathons. This is his third fundraiser for the Sacramento Life Center, raising more than $15,000 total in his previous 40K and 50K runs. Phelan hopes to raise $10,000 during the Castle Peak 100K. To make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

“Not all women have access to the support and resources they need for a healthy pregnancy and baby,” Phelan said. “The Sacramento Life Center offers a safe place for women to find the compassion and support they need to become a parent.”

The Castle Peak 100K is a mountain foot race covering more than 62 rugged miles. The race starts on the Pacific Crest in Truckee at the Donner Ski Ranch before ascending and descending more than 15,000 feet at an average elevation of 7,400 feet above sea level. The course travels roughly 95 percent of demanding single-track trails while journeying through some of the most dramatic scenery and vistas Tahoe has to offer.

Funds raised during Phelan’s run in the Castle Peak 100K will provide Sacramento Life Center’s pregnant moms with health education, as well as medical care, prenatal vitamins and more.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Phelan for his commitment to help our moms stay healthy during pregnancy, especially during these difficult times,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “The Sacramento Life Center is a central resource where women who are pregnant and in need can access everything they need to be healthy, successful mothers. We saw a sharp rise in need when the pandemic hit, so any gifts to Dr. Phelan’s fundraiser will make a big difference in the lives of pregnant women right here in Sacramento.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Sac Life Center Receives $15K in Grants

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The Sacramento Life Center has received grants of $10,000 from American River Bank and $5,000 from Kelly Foundation to provide free health care, resources and needed items for Sacramento-area low-income pregnant women and new moms as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into 2021.

“Because of the pandemic and resulting unemployment, we are seeing double the number of patients needing items from our baby needs closet, as well as increased demand for our free maternal health care during and after pregnancy and Medi-Cal sign-up assistance,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “We are grateful to Kelly Foundation and American River Bank for recognizing the needs of pregnant women and new moms in our community during this trying time and giving so generously.”

The Sacramento Life Center provides free health care services, including pregnancy tests, STI tests, ultrasounds, well woman exams and more. Every woman who comes into the center meets with a patient advocate to determine resources and supports needed, from housing to food and clothing. For pregnant women who do not have health insurance, patient advocates help them enroll in Medi-Cal’s Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women so they can have coverage when they go to a clinic for prenatal care. The center provides low-income pregnant women and new moms with supplies needed during pregnancy and for up to two years after birth, including prenatal vitamins, formula, diapers, wipes, baby clothing and more.

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Sac Life Center Baskets4Babies Drive Raises $13K

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The Sacramento Life Center’s seventh annual Baskets4Babies drive for new moms raised $13,000 from the community in December, which will buy 260 baskets for Sacramento Life Center patients throughout 2021. The drive is held each December to kickstart the 500 baby baskets needed so that every Sacramento Life Center patient who gives birth in the coming year can receive a basket of needed items, including diapers, clothing, bottles, formula, homemade blankets, bibs, bathing supplies and more.

Donations will be accepted throughout 2021 and can be made online at www.saclife.org by writing Baskets4Babies in the message box on the donation page. Gifts can be made in any increment, but a donation of $50 buys one basket. A pledge of $50 per month guarantees a mother can return each month to the center’s baby needs closet for additional necessities until her child is 2 years old.

“2020 was such a difficult year for so many families, especially those with few resources who are expecting a new baby,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Thank you to everyone who donated to this drive so we can give pregnant mothers practical and necessary items and show them that they have a family here at the Sacramento Life Center and a community surrounding them in this new year.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Donations Needed for Sac Life Center Baskets4Babies Drive

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Local residents can help low-income new moms in Sacramento this holiday season through the Sacramento Life Center’s annual Baskets4Babies drive running through Dec. 31. The drive stocks the Sacramento Life Center’s baby needs closet so the nonprofit can provide a basket of needed items to every patient who gives birth in 2021. Donations can be made in any increment, but $50 guarantees a new mother has everything she needs to bring her baby home from the hospital, including diapers, clothing, bottles, formula, homemade blankets, bibs, bathing supplies and more. A pledge of $50 per month guarantees a mother can return each month to the center’s baby needs closet for additional necessities until her child is 2 years old. Donations can be made online at www.saclife.org.

“This has been a painful and isolating year for so many families, especially those with few resources who are expecting a new baby,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Our baby baskets not only give pregnant mothers practical and necessary items, they show them that they have a family here at the Sacramento Life Center and a community surrounding them.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Sac Life Center Partnership Receives $75K From Dignity Health

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Sacramento Life Center, WellSpace Health and Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home have created a partnership to provide a continuum of care for women and teens from the Arden area who are low-income and pregnant, resulting in a recent $75,000 grant from Dignity Health. The collaborative will help approximately 450 pregnant women and teens in the Arden area have the care they need to transition to parenthood, including a healthy pregnancy, safe home and parenting support. As needed, women will receive pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, assistance signing up for Medi-Cal presumptive eligibility, prenatal and postnatal medical care, pediatric care, housing, parenting education, diapers, clothing, formula and more. Sacramento Life Center and WellSpace Health will receive $30,000 each, and Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home will receive $15,000.

“This partnership has found an innovative way to quickly help pregnant women and teens in need receive an array of services,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Through this collaborative, we will significantly increase the number of pregnant women in the Arden area who have access to prenatal care and other wraparound services that will ensure each woman has a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery and support system in place once the baby is born.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a school-based teen education program, 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit SVPClinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit SacLife.org.

WellSpace Health is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that has provided care and support to individuals and families since 1953. WellSpace Health offers a full range of high-quality medical care, dental care, behavioral health and supportive services to everyone. WellSpace Health is accredited by The Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care and Behavioral Health and certified by the Joint Commission as a Patient Centered Health Home and a Behavioral Health Home.

Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home in Sacramento is a home for women over the age of 18 who are pregnant and in need of shelter, food, safety, comfort and support during their pregnancy and for a short time afterward. For more information or to make a donation, visit BGMHSacramento.org.

Dignity Health, one of the nation’s largest health care systems, is a multi-state network of 10,000 physicians, more than 60,000 employees, 41 acute care hospitals and 400-plus care-centers including neighborhood hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health and primary care clinics. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. In fiscal year 2019, Dignity Health provided more than $1.1 billion in patient financial assistance, unreimbursed costs of Medicaid, community health improvement services and other community benefits. For more information, visit DignityHealth.org.

Baby Basket Drive for Sac Life Center to Run Through December

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Local residents can help low-income new moms in Sacramento this holiday season through the Sacramento Life Center’s annual Baskets4Babies drive running through Dec. 31. The drive stocks the Sacramento Life Center’s baby needs closet so the nonprofit can provide a basket of needed items to every patient who gives birth in 2020. Donations can be made in any increment, but $50 guarantees a new mother has everything she needs to bring her baby home from the hospital, including diapers, clothing, bottles, formula, homemade blankets, bibs, bathing supplies and more. A pledge of $50 per month guarantees a mother can return each month for additional necessities as her baby grows. Donations can be made online at www.saclife.org or by texting saclife to 56651.

“One of the most overwhelming feelings is learning that you’re pregnant and fearing you won’t have the resources to care for your vulnerable baby,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “Sometimes something as simple as a gift of diapers and newborn clothes can give expecting mothers the confidence that they have a support system to help raise their child. Baskets4Babies gives expecting mothers proof that they will always have a family here at the Sacramento Life Center and supporters out in the community rooting for their family.”

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and mobile clinic that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, patient advocacy for men and women, education and resource referrals. In 2018, the Sacramento Life Center achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which ensures the group has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of high-quality health care. The nonprofit also offers a school-based teen education program, 24-hour hotline and program for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.

Diaper Drive at Leatherby’s to Benefit Sac Life Center

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Local residents who bring an unopened pack of diapers to any Leatherby’s Family Creamery location on July 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. will receive a free scoop of ice cream as part of Daddy Dave’s Diaper Drive, benefiting the Sacramento Life Center. The drive, which takes place during National Ice Cream Month, will provide diapers for low-income moms in the Sacramento area and honor the life of the ice cream shop’s founder Dave Leatherby Sr. who passed away earlier this year and supported the Sacramento Life Center for decades.

“This is a really special drive, as it not only fills an important need, but honors my late father who was so beloved in this community and who had such a heart for helping low-income pregnant women and teens in the Sacramento area,” said Marie Leatherby, executive director, Sacramento Life Center. “We hope everyone comes out on July 20 to help women in need and enjoy a free scoop of Leatherby’s ice cream in honor of my dad.”

According to The Nation, a third of American families struggle to afford enough diapers. The 2018 article quoted a study that found families would leave a child in a diaper too long, risking diaper rash and urinary tract infections, and others would bleach a wet diaper, dry it and reuse it. The Sacramento Life Center’s diaper drive will ensure that every mother who walks into its main clinic can receive free, clean diapers for her children.

The Sacramento Life Center’s mission is to offer compassion, support, resources and free medical care to women and couples facing an unplanned or unsupported pregnancy. The Sacramento Life Center’s licensed Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic includes a primary clinic and two Mobile Medical Clinics that provide all services for free, including pregnancy tests, STD tests, ultrasounds, peer counseling for men and women, education and resource referrals. The nonprofit also offers a school-based teen education program, a 24-hour hotline and a program for women experiencing reproductive grief. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center’s Sac Valley Pregnancy Clinic, visit www.svpclinic.com. For more information about the Sacramento Life Center or to make a donation, visit www.saclife.org.