Community Programs
Caring for the community beyond the hospital walls led to the founding, in 1991, of the Department of Special Needs & Community Outreach. Today, the department operates more than 70 programs in Arvin, Shafter, McFarland, Bakersfield, Delano, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, Taft, and other outlying communities in Kern County where there is limited access to health care and related services. The department’s programs target low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals, as well as Kern County citizens with unmet health needs, including migrant farm workers and other disenfranchised populations. The department frequently collaborates with more than 30 public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
Learn about the specific programs associated with Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield:
Support Groups
Support is an important part of treating the emotional aspects of illness and recovery. Mercy offers the opportunity to find encouragement and information with the following support groups:
Mercy Advances Publication
A bi-monthly publication of current health information, Mercy Advances is full of health tips, touching patient stories and information on how Mercy Hospitals is working to better serve our community.
Volunteer Information
As a Volunteer, you are an important part of the healthcare team. Your contribution is appreciated as you help to provide a high standard of service to our patients.
Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes Program - Kohl's Cares®
Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital are hospital partners in the Kohl's Cares® program. Proceeds from Kohl's Cares $5 books and plush toys sold at two local Kohl's store locations benefit community childhood obesity prevention and intervention education through Mercy & Memorial Hospitals' Department of Special Needs and Community Outreach "Kohl's and Mercy/Memorial Hospitals' Healthy Kids in Healthy Homes" program. For program information please call 661-632-5562.
