A Note from Karli Epstein, Executive Director

Dear Truckee Tahoe Community,

As we witness the unfolding of a health pandemic, with overwhelming rippling effects, it continues to be nothing but a privilege to steward the well-being of our local health system. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for your support of the Tahoe Forest Health System and our entire team. Contributions of N95 masks, DIY face shields, words of encouragement, beautiful signs, over 2,500 delicious donated meals so far, treats by the thousands, and of course those 8 pm howls – all of these thoughtful gestures lifted the spirits of all of our team members during a time of great stress and uncertainty. It was a beautiful reminder of what living in a small community is all about.

Over the past few months, generous supporters have donated more than $250,000 to the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Our Foundation received two very generous gifts of $50,000 each from Martis Camp Community Foundation and Lahontan Community Foundation! This outpouring of support from community members has ensured that the hospital has been equipped to confront the virus and provide safe care for our valued patients. 100 percent of every dollar raised for this fund has gone directly to the support of hospital operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds have provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff, supplemented our COVID-19 Drive-by Clinic, and helped with emergency staffing needs.

We hope that you share our feeling of pride for Tahoe Forest Health System. COVID-19 served as an important reminder that there are few things more important than access to exceptional local healthcare. Now more than ever we’re looking forward to continuing to work towards our mission of being the best mountain health system in the nation. Our saying, “excellence and compassion in all we do” has never rung more true. Thank you for showing so much compassion for our hospital and caregivers, we are forever grateful.

Karli Epstein, Executive Director Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation