CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County chapter of the NAACP honored St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake and its Chief Executive Officer David Santos for improving access for those with disabilities.

On May 12, Santos was presented with a Silver Life Membership to the NAACP in recognition of his leadership, collaboration and commitment to civil and human rights.

Chapter President Rick Mayo and Roger Scuitto, life membership chairman, presented the award to Santos.

Mayo and Santos worked with the chapter’s ADA committee closely over the past two years to remedy access issues at the hospital and its affiliated clinics.

These improvements included changes at the outpatient lab, admissions area, rehabilitative services clinic and at the St. Helena Family Health Center-Clearlake.

With the installation of power doors, wider entrances and accessible equipment, these services are now more accessible and comfortable for those using wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices.

“Our goal is always to ensure that patients have access to our services, especially as we add new programs and welcome new providers,” explained Santos. “When we hear about barriers, we immediately work to find meaningful solutions so that the door is literally open to everyone in our community.”

Mayo appreciates the collaboration and action over the past two years. “Sometimes things don’t have easy fixes,” said Mayo. “However, we’ve appreciated the progress and collaboration with St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake.”

The improvements have already created a better experience for elderly and disabled patients, which reduces stress while providing better access to care. “Where you had no access or were struggling with a barrier, that door is now open,” Mayo said of his experience. “Those with disabilities can get the care they need.”

Though the recognition was presented to Santos, Mayo emphasized that it is given with the greater good in mind. “It isn’t about David, the project manager, me or the local NAACP executive team,” he said. “It’s about the people we’re serving.”

St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake is part of Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 75 communities in California. Visit www.sthelenahospitalclearlake.org for more information.