“This gift is a tremendous investment in the health of our entire region,” said Rebecca Kendall, chief philanthropy officer of Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Because of the Mehtas’ extraordinary generosity, together with the Hansel family, Norma Person and other lead investors in our Caring Together Initiative, patients across the North Bay will have access to the most advanced care close to home. These visionaries are creating something that will have ripple effects for generations.”

The Mehta Family Imaging Center will be located on the first floor of the Hansel Family Care Center. The Mehtas’ gift is in support of the Caring Together Initiative, which brings together Providence donors who share a vision of expanding and enhancing care for the North Bay community, particularly around imaging and diagnostics, cardiac care and comprehensive women’s health. 

“Our vision is simple,” said Scott Ciesielski, chief administrative officer for Providence Sonoma County. “We want to be the best place to give and receive care, built on a promise to every patient to know you, care for you, and ease your way. With their extraordinary gift, the Mehta family has made that promise easier to keep.”

Nina and Ketan are co-founders of NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, the Santa Rosa-based company that has become the world’s leading brand in saline nasal irrigation. What began in 2000 with Nina hand-delivering sample units to Tuttle’s Pharmacy and Longs Drugs has grown into a global enterprise with products sold in nearly every country. 

Dr. Mehta started his medical career at Memorial on his first day of practice in July 1987 and served as a pulmonary and critical care specialist until 2020. He watched the hospital grow and has seen firsthand what philanthropy can make possible – and what gaps remain when insurance reimbursements and public funding fall short. “Irrespective of the insurance or financial ability of the patient, you need to give equal care,” he said. “That’s why philanthropy is important.”

The Mehtas’ gift was inspired in part by their gratitude to colleagues and physicians like Dr. John Reed, Dr. Sanjay Dhar and to important mentors along the way. “My friend Dr. Marshall Marchbanks always gave to the hospital, helping our cardiac program become the best in the region,” said Dr. Mehta. “I was inspired and thought someday I would contribute too. This community has made us fortunate. It’s a good time to give something back.”

“We are very anchored in this community,” Nina said. “Our colleagues are our family. People have been with our company for 20, 25 years. This is our home. And Memorial is our hospital.”