Sequoia Healthcare District (SHD) was formed in 1946 and was the first healthcare district in California. Its existence was voted in by taxpayers in order to provide a local source of funding to support a community hospital—Sequoia Hospital—to address the growing community’s health needs.

The District has a profit sharing (EBIDA) arrangement with Sequoia Hospital set to expire in 2046. In years that the hospital achieves a certain performance threshold, dollars are generated for the District. Also, the District operated Sequoia Hospital from 1950-1996 and is responsible for pension payments for employees from that period; however, that annual pension amount is reimbursed by the hospital.

According to ACHD (Association of California Healthcare Districts), Healthcare Districts are public entities that provide community-based health care services to residents throughout the state. They respond to the needs in their District by providing a range of services, which may include a hospital, clinic, skilled nursing facility or emergency medical services; as well as education and wellness programs.

The District covers central and southern San Mateo County. Specifically this includes the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Redwood City, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside and portions of Menlo Park, Foster City and San Mateo.

The district receives a portion (1.3%) of annual property tax from San Mateo County, specifically from the residential and commercial properties located within District boundaries. There are approximately 230,000 residents in this area.

Each of California’s Healthcare Districts is governed by a locally elected Board of Directors who are directly accountable to the communities they serve. The District annual budget is approved each June by the Board of Directors and an annual audit is provided by a professional auditing firm. The District maintains reserves that can either be used for special allocations or to pay for administrative and overhead expenses. The District invests a portion of reserve funds in income generating instruments; however, government rules restricts such investments to a very conservative and “risk-free” investment strategy. As the District has adopted a policy of spending 100% of all current tax funds on community health projects over 3 years.

SHD employs professional management staff responsible for the day to day administration of the organization.

SHD sponsors health and wellness activities and events that are designed to enhance the well-being of its residents. We support educational classes, workshops, seminars and other activities that encourage participation and promote wellness. Preference is given to activities and events that take place within the District’s geographical boundaries. As a general rule we do not sponsor fundraising events. Read our Board Policy No. 23 regarding the sponsorship guidelines.