The new year’s first edition of Wellspring comes from the heart.

Inside you will find some inspiring—and heartwarming—stories of Solano residents who, with a little help from our healthcare professionals, have overcome obstacles and learned to live well, regardless of their age.

February is Heart Month, and it gives us an opportunity to showcase our Emergency Department and our advanced cardiac care services. NorthBay Medical Center has been designated Solano County’s first and only STEMI Receiving Center—or “heart attack hospital.” First responders answering a call from someone who may be having a heart attack will bring the patient to our Fairfield ER. Life-saving procedures begin, in consultation with our emergency physicians, before the patient reaches the hospital. You can find details about our STEMI Receiving Center on Page 19.

This month, our Center for Women’s Health will host a variety of fun and educational events centered on heart care. In addition to our popular Heart to Heart Luncheon, we welcome two authors to speak locally, one who specializes in heart-pounding mysteries, and another on the heart-healthy benefits of wine. And, we are partnering with the local Slow Food movement to host a cooking demonstration .

While we are locally focused as we deliver our mission of compassionate care, advanced medicine, close to home, we also must keep a watchful eye on the political machine in Washington. If you read my blogs on NorthBay.org, you know that I’m worried about the future of local health care in the face of still more Medicare and Medi-Cal cuts. While our government promises health care for all, I fear we will see healthcare rationing based on insurance coverage.

Looking ahead, 2012 promises to be a challenging year. The economics of health care reflect the economics of America in general. These are extraordinary times. Fortunately, I am surrounded by extraordinary professionals who rise above the fray to keep our patients first.