Gary Tennyson champions support for Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s vital emergency and trauma services, ensuring equitable care for all in Sonoma County

“It doesn’t matter where you go to on a regular basis for your health care, if you have a traumatic event, you’ll be taken to Memorial Hospital. Your injury chooses for you.”

Gary Tennyson knows better than many how much Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital means to Sonoma County. Given that his mother spent her nursing career there, and both he and his wife were born there, the hospital holds significant familial and community importance.  

“My wife and I have probably 200 family members here in Sonoma County,” Gary says. “We come from a huge family here. And Memorial Hospital is very important to all of us.”  

This deep-rooted connection his family has with the hospital, spanning generations, has underscored for him its vital function in emergency situations, irrespective of one’s usual health care provider.  

“It doesn’t matter where you go to on a regular basis for your health care, if you have a traumatic event, you’ll be taken to Memorial Hospital. Your injury chooses for you.”  

Having spent much of his career as a paramedic as well as running his own ground ambulance company, Gary’s extensive experience in emergency medical services and involvement with the hospital’s board further inform his appreciation for the facility’s significance. 

“I’ve probably become a softy in my older age as I’ve transitioned out of field work,” Gary says.  “I couldn’t do it today, having two kids at home. This is why it’s so important to support emergency and trauma now, because I admire so much the emotional intelligence of those who can continue to do the work and be there for folks.”  

Acknowledging the critical role of donor involvement, Gary highlights the foundation board’s efforts in ensuring financial support for the hospital and trauma center. He stresses the indiscriminate care provided regardless of financial status, emphasizing the community’s responsibility in supporting such crucial services.  

Excited about the new model of specialty-specific leadership councils for fundraising, Gary expresses his commitment to the Emergency and Trauma Leadership Council. Having been a patient himself, he aims to enhance the quality of emergency services, recognizing the broad scope and importance of emergency care.