It has been one year since Mission Hospital became your new neighbor in Laguna Beach. Time has flown by since we moved in last July, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share our progress and our vision for the future. I also want thank those of you who have shared your experiences with me, introduced yourselves and taken the time to speak with us about your healthcare needs and opinions. Without your open feedback, navigating through this first year successfully would not have been possible.
Following our $3 million commitment in renovations prior to occupying the 50-year-old facility, we tackled an additional $8 million to $10 million for refurbishments. As these improvements help ensure the best and safest environment for our patients, their families and our employees, we also focused our attention beyond the hospital's walls and into the community.
With the invaluable help of 400 Laguna Beach residents last fall, we identified the health and quality-of-life needs of the community. This past spring, we shared those results with you through a variety of forums and worked with community members to prioritize and select the highest area of needs. Our primary focus in the community will be on the prevention of alcohol and substance use among youth. Furthermore, we are working with community partners to determine resources in the areas of mental health and depression, as well as job skills for the homeless. Though it isn't possible to successfully tackle every identified need, we feel we can make the greatest impact by narrowing our efforts where they can be most effectual.
