OCEANSIDE, Calif. (March 29, 2021) – In alignment with its commitment to support creative programs that deliver meaningful improvements to the wellbeing of the community, Tri-City Medical Center is now an official sponsor of the Oceanside Police Department’s (OPD) Oceanside Youth Partnership (OYP) program.
Coordinated and facilitated by the Oceanside Police Department, OYP is a mentoring and character-building program that takes a holistic, hands-on approach to provide hope, education, positive role modeling, and resources to at-risk youths, setting them on a path towards success. Tri-City Medical Center’s support of the program is part of their Community Outreach and Support Through Active Leadership (COASTAL) Commitment initiative, which is a wide-ranging outreach initiative with nearly 60 partner organizations that formalizes the medical center and its staff’s support and leadership in community improvement programs. Tri-City Medical Center and OPD will be celebrating the next OYP graduating class during its graduation ceremony at the Oceanside Boys & Girls Club on April 1st, 2021 at 5:00pm.
OYP was founded by Lieutenant Taurino Valdovinos, an 18-year veteran of the Oceanside Police Department, in March of 2018. Valdovinos called on his own experiences growing up as a youth in North County to mentor and instill a feeling of hope in program participants while also showing that local law enforcement is there to support and educate them for a more promising future. Since its inception, OYP has supported over 60 Oceanside youth.
“My biggest goal has always been to offer these kids a different perspective on what police are like and to build a positive relationship with law enforcement,” said Valdovinos. “Through the support of community partners like Tri-City Medical Center, we are able to continue offering these programs to the youth of Oceanside and provide meaningful education so that they can have hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
Tri-City Medical Center’s support of OYP extends beyond its financial contribution. Chief External Affairs Officer, Aaron Byzak, actively participates in the program as a guest speaker where he shares his personal experience growing up locally and provides guidance on the importance of personal responsibility.
“I have always admired Taurino’s commitment to the community through his work with the Oceanside Police Department, starting with patrol on through to the Gang Suppression Unit,” Byzak said.
“It was a perfect fit for Tri-City Medical Center and our COASTAL Commitment initiative to support the education and security of the youth in the community. Being able to offer my own perspective and guidance to this next graduating class was a special experience and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.”
OYP participants are selected from referrals received through partner organizations and an interview process. Once selected, the teens embark on a 16-week journey with a core curriculum, fitness program, and mentorship bonding time in small groups with police officers. The relationships built through these small groups reinforce the commitment these officers have to their mentees, providing participants with a source of guidance and support long after the program ends.
Tri-City Medical Center’s COASTAL Commitment focuses on data driven initiatives that align with the findings of the Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties’ (HASDIC) Community Health Needs Assessment and includes Access to Care, Community & Social Support, Economic Security & Education, and Homelessness & Housing Instability.
For more information about Tri City’s COASTAL Commitment please visit tricitymed.org/community.
For more information about Oceanside Youth Partnership please visit www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/police/prevention/oyp.asp
About Tri-City Medical Center
Tri-City Medical Center has served our community for nearly 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. As a full-service acute care hospital with three primary care clinics and over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community.
Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class women’s health, robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. The hospital operates the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in North County. Tri-City partners with nearly 60 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.
For more information about Tri-City Medical Center and Tri-City Healthcare District, please visit tricitymed.org.
