Fall 2025 From farmer to physician How Dr. Cleveland found his calling. INSIDE: Bringing exceptional care closer to home NorthBay Health invests $250 million to expand access to care across the region. A ‘desperate prayer’ answered How advanced robotics and compassionate care gave one patient her life back. Wellspring
3 4 6 10 11 2 NorthBay Health Wellspring Mark Behl President and Chief Executive Officer Accessible, quality care Fifteen minutes. That’s our promise. At NorthBay Health, we are committed to expanding our services to ensure that every resident in our region has access to urgent and primary care within 15 minutes—and specialty care within 30 minutes— no matter where you live and work. This promise reflects our mission: to improve the well-being of our communities by providing conveniently accessible, high-quality care. You’ll see how we are delivering on that promise in this issue. From new clinics in Winters, Benicia and Rio Vista to expanded services in joint replacement, cardiology and critical care, we are building a stronger, more accessible system of care. The launch of our Intensive Cardiac Rehab program and other recent advancements reflect our focus on delivering personalized care when and where it matters most. This progress would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Their support has fueled lifesaving technology, like NICU cameras and cardiac imaging equipment, allowing us to serve patients with greater precision, comfort and connection. As open enrollment approaches, I encourage you to explore your health plan options and choose one that includes NorthBay Health. Thank you for placing your trust in us. As a proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, NorthBay Health strengthens its commitment to advanced, expert care. Our physicians collaborate with Mayo Clinic specialists to confirm complex diagnoses and explore additional treatment options, while ensuring patients receive the highest-quality care. IN THIS ISSUE WELLSPRING is published as a service for the friends and patrons of NorthBay Health, a locally based nonprofit healthcare organization in Solano, Yolo and Napa counties. Information in WELLSPRING comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. Editorial Staff Christine Searight Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Courtney Clarke Director, Marketing and Brand Dan Fowler Senior Graphic Designer and Photographer Ron Jackson Contributing Writer 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Expanding access to care Learn about our new and upcoming locations. Meet Dr. Cleveland This former farmer is committed to your care. ‘I have my life back!’ How double knee replacement surgeries got Malone back in step. Understanding open enrollment Let us walk you through it! What new patients need to know Explore seven steps to get started with care. FROM THE CEO We are here to help you make informed decisions and to ensure that you have access to the care and coverage you deserve.” — Mark Behl, President and Chief Executive Officer “
northbay.org 3 Guided by our “True North” values and bold leadership, NorthBay Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Behl announced a vision to open 10 new primary and urgent care clinics across Solano, Yolo and Napa counties by 2030. “This expansion isn’t just about new buildings,” Behl says. “It’s about removing barriers and ensuring more people in our community have timely access to trusted, high-quality care.” What to expect NorthBay Health opened a new urgent care clinic in Winters on July 8, followed by primary care services on July 17. This site joins a growing network of outpatient Bringing exceptional care closer to home NorthBay Health invests $250 million to expand access to care across the region locations in American Canyon, Dixon, Fairfield, Green Valley and Vacaville, with additional clinics slated for Benicia, Rio Vista, and Vallejo by 2026. “We aim to provide the highest level of care at the site closest to where patients live,” says Blake Cleveland, MD, Medical Director of Urgent Care Services. As NorthBay Health continues to grow, this expansion ensures that more residents across the region have access to same-day appointments, walk-in care and specialty services, making it easier than ever to stay healthy, close to home.
Blake Cleveland, MD, began his path to medicine in the fields of Peach County, Georgia. Today, he’s helping shape the future of healthcare access across Northern California. As Medical Director of Urgent Care Services at NorthBay Health, Dr. Cleveland oversees the expansion of quality care to communities that have long lacked it. “I’m here because I believe in delivering the kind of care people deserve—timely, expert and close to home,” he says. Finding his focus Dr. Cleveland grew up on a family farm, working alongside three generations of Cleveland men. Though he once imagined he’d follow in their footsteps, the unexpected passing of his father at 43 shifted his focus and fueled an interest in medicine. He grew determined to understand how expert care can change outcomes. That determination led him to medical school. “My experience shaped how I lead,” Dr. Cleveland says. “I’m focused on solutions. On removing barriers. On making How Dr. Cleveland found his calling sure no one has to drive more than 30 minutes just to be seen.” At NorthBay Health, he’s doing just that—guiding the development of urgent care centers in American Canyon, Dixon, Winters and beyond. These clinics reflect NorthBay Health’s regional vision: bringing state-ofthe-art services, experienced providers and modern technology to every corner of our service area. Staying committed Dr. Cleveland is a boardcertified emergency medicine physician and a respected team leader. He combines clinical precision with a practical understanding of what patients need. “We’re not just filling a gap,” he says. “We’re building a system people can rely on.” From farmer to physician While his work today looks very different from life on the farm, Dr. Cleveland’s values of hard work, integrity and commitment to community remain the same. “At 12, I thought I’d help run a family business,” he says. “Today, I help run a health system that’s making a difference in people’s lives. That’s something I’m proud of.” 4 NorthBay Health Wellspring
northbay.org 5 NorthBay Health’s regional vision is to be the trusted healthcare partner for the communities we serve. NorthBay Health includes: 5 U rgent Care Centers 6 P rimary Care Centers 2 Emergency Departments 1 L evel II Trauma Center emergency room
For years, Malone Davidson held on to the hope that she would walk again. That hope began to fade in 2024, more than a decade after a car accident left her with debilitating knee pain and limited mobility. Her condition gradually worsened until she was confined to a wheelchair and unable to sleep through the night. “At that point, I just prayed,” says Davidson, 55, who lives in Vacaville. “It was a desperate prayer.” A dramatic change in mobility At first, Davidson was able to remain active, often walking Vacaville’s scenic Lagoon Valley trails and participating in mission work with her husband. But in 2018, her mobility changed dramatically. After a water aerobics class, she collapsed in the parking lot, unable to walk. Within days, she was using a wheelchair full time, and even basic tasks became a struggle. A ‘desperate prayer’ answered How advanced robotics and compassionate care gave one patient her life back Michael Caravelli, MD “It’s hard to think about anything but the pain,” she says. “People would visit, but when you’re in a wheelchair and hurting, the loneliness sets in.” Her family felt the weight of it too. “I never gave up hope,” her husband says. “But I didn’t know how she was going to get her life back.” Finding help and hope Davidson spent seven years in a wheelchair. Her turning point came when she met Michael Caravelli, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at NorthBay Health who specializes in total joint replacements using advanced robotic technology. Dr. Caravelli introduced Davidson to the Mako SmartRobotics™ system, which uses a CT scan to create a precise 3D model of the joint and guides surgical planning with exact accuracy. “The left kneecap was among the worst Dr. Caravelli had ever seen,” Davidson recalls.
northbay.org 7 “I remember him saying, ‘I don’t know how you’re even functioning.’ But then he said: ‘Let’s talk about your goals.’ And that changed everything.” Davidson left that appointment with something she hadn’t felt in years: hope. A tailor-made treatment Dr. Caravelli replaced Davidson’s right knee in January and her left in April. “Robotic surgery allows us to tailor the procedure to each individual patient,” explains Dr. Caravelli. “Every knee has a unique shape. Being able to reconstruct it with accuracy improves long-term outcomes.” Davidson now walks pain-free and tearfully recalls her first steps: “I have no arthritis. I can stand, walk to my car and even drive— something I didn’t think I would ever be able to do again. And I’m finally able to sleep again. I hadn’t had a full night’s rest in seven years.” Her wheelchair now sits unused in the garage. The Davidsons credit both Dr. Caravelli’s surgical expertise and NorthBay Health’s commitment to high-quality, accessible care. “He has this incredible gift,” Davidson’s husband says. “He understood Malone’s pain and believed in her potential. And he had the tools to make it happen.” Today, Davidson moves through life with a renewed sense of freedom. “I prayed to get my life back,” she says. “Now I’m not just walking again—I’m living again. And I’m so grateful to the team at NorthBay Health for making that possible.” Eat anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, mackerel, berries, leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Get enough calcium and vitamin D to protect bone strength and joint function. Stay hydrated to help maintain joint cushioning. Warm up before activity, and avoid high-impact movements without stretching. Get your life back To learn more about NorthBay Health’s Total Joint Replacement Program, visit northbay.org/jrp and request an appointment with our joint experts. Keep your joints healthy Small changes today can prevent major joint issues tomorrow. Here are a few ways to protect and care for your joints at home: HEALTH TIP I can stand, walk to my car and even drive—something I didn’t think I would ever be able to do again. And I’m finally able to sleep again.” —Malone Davidson Eat anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, mackerel, berries, leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Stay hydrated to help maintain joint cushioning. Get enough calcium and vitamin D to protect bone strength and joint function. Warm up before activity, and avoid high-impact movements without stretching.
When Theresa Hite made her first charitable donation to NorthBay Health more than 40 years ago, she did so with the hope of helping build a hospital that would serve her community for generations. She never imagined that same hospital would one day save her life. From hospital to home In early 2023, while golfing, Hite began to feel lightheaded and short of breath. She Thanks to the generosity of our donors, NorthBay Health is able to fund lifesaving tools and help expand access to care, delivering critical services when and where they are needed most. Here are just a few ways recent contributions are making a powerful difference. A heart for the mission Theresa Hite’s gratitude turned into lifesaving support for others “The medical staff at NorthBay Health is exceptional. I’m a patient. I know.” —Theresa Hite 8 NorthBay Health Wellspring Your donations at work ● Two new cardiac ultrasounds were purchased for $125,545, reducing patient wait times from 10 days to just 3. ● Twelve NicView cameras were installed in the neonatal intensive care unit, thanks to $8,117 in donor support. ● A $38,549 investment helped fund a critical heart imaging upgrade that ensures no area of the heart goes unseen or untreated. Help save the next life You can help improve care and outcomes for more patients across our region. Make a gift today by scanning the QR code or visiting northbay.org/foundation/donate.
northbay.org 9 was rushed to NorthBay Health’s Level II Trauma Center emergency room, where a care team quickly determined she needed a pacemaker. The next morning, while recovering in her hospital bed, Hite had a heart attack, prompting an urgent trip to the catheterization lab. Cardiologist Mark Villalon, MD, discovered a life-threatening blockage and placed a stent to restore proper blood flow. Hite recovered and was soon back to her active lifestyle. But several months later, after returning from a long family road trip, she felt an unusual wave of exhaustion. “I got out of the shower, and I was so tired I couldn’t even towel myself off,” she recalls. An ambulance brought her back to NorthBay Health, where Dr. Villalon placed two additional stents to address new blockages. Today, Hite is once again doing what she loves. She hikes local trails, travels with her husband, goes rafting with her children and grandchildren, and enjoys rounds of golf with friends. It is a lifestyle she doesn’t take for granted. Inspired to give That deep appreciation made Hite want to give back in an even more meaningful way. She recently made a generous $300,000 donation to help launch NorthBay Health’s new heart and vascular program. Hite’s gift will expand access to advanced cardiac care across the region, offering more patients the same expert treatment she believes saved her life. “NorthBay Health is worth the donation, and I’ve now been a patient to prove it,” says Hite, now 70 and a member of the NorthBay Health Group Board of Directors. “I can’t imagine being a number at some corporate hospital.” Charitable contributions are essential to NorthBay Health’s growth in the region. With a vision to provide urgent and primary care within 15 minutes of every resident’s home and specialty care within 30 minutes, donor support fuels access to lifesaving services. Expanding heart care across the region As of July 7, patients now have access to the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) program, the only one of its kind in the Bay Area. How ICR works ICR offers a more personalized and holistic approach to recovery than typical physical rehabilitation programs. ICR is a 12-week program that features expert-led workshops, educational videos and interactive cooking demonstrations, all focused on helping patients make meaningful, lasting lifestyle changes. Participants receive guidance on meal planning, healthy cooking, stress management and physical activity with support from a multidisciplinary team that includes cardiac rehab specialists, registered dietitians and nutritionists. Patients managing heart issues may qualify. Interested? See if this program is right for you. For more information, call 707-646-1905.
10 NorthBay Health Beacon Open enrollment can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Choosing the right health plan is one of the most important decisions you make each year. At NorthBay Health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Breaking it down NorthBay Health’s Senior Business Development Liaison, Kelly Rhoads-Poston, has helped thousands of patients understand their health plan options over the past 25 years. “Open enrollment is a great opportunity to choose the insurance plan that best fits your needs for the year ahead,” she explains. “Taking time to review your options now can help ensure you and your family have access to the care and coverage you deserve.” NorthBay Health contracts with many major health plans. Visit northbay.org for a full listing. Enrollment periods vary slightly by employer or plan. Generally, open enrollment runs from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31. Specific dates for Medicare, CalPERS, Covered California and federal employee plans are listed in the “dates to know” section. Making the most of it Rhoads-Poston encourages patients not to be intimidated. “Insurance is confusing for many people,” she says. “The key is to start with a plan that Need help? We’ve got you! For more information about open enrollment, including plan and physician information or answers to frequently asked questions, visit northbay.org/choose-well or scan the QR code. You can contact Kelly Rhoads-Poston directly at askkelly@northbay.org or call 707-646-3280. Your guide to open enrollment makes sense for your needs. Break the process into small steps.” Once you’ve chosen a plan that works with NorthBay Health, the next step is selecting a doctor. NorthBay Health has an extensive network of physicians serving Solano, Yolo and Napa counties—including American Canyon, Vacaville, Fairfield, Dixon and Winters. “Find a doctor you feel comfortable with,” RhoadsPoston says. “Check their bios, watch their videos and ask neighbors for recommendations. This is your care team—make sure they feel like a good fit. “My biggest advice to everyone is to be your own strong advocate. Nobody will ever care about your health more than you. That’s why we’re here—to support you in making smart, informed choices.” *NorthBay Health partners with Hill Physicians Medical Group for HMO plans.
Open enrollment dates to know CalPERS Open Enrollment: Sept. 15–Oct. 10 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: Oct. 15–Dec. 7 (Note: The Enrollment Period is from Jan. 1–March 31 for those who have selected a Medicare Advantage plan and want to change to another Medicare Advantage plan. This change can be made once.) Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) “Open Season”: Begins in early November. Covered California Open Enrollment: Nov. 1–Jan. 1 Most employers have their open enrollment during the fourth quarter of each year. 1. Choose a primary care physician. Visit northbay.org and use the “Find a Doctor” tool or scan the QR code to explore physician bios, read patient reviews and watch introductory videos. 2. Schedule your first appointment with a primary care physician (PCP). Once you’ve selected a PCP, call 707-646-5500 and choose option 1 to schedule your first visit. New patients may need to download and complete forms ahead of time. 3. Sign up for the MyNorthBayDoc patient portal. With MyNorthBayDoc, you can schedule appointments, message your care team, request medication refills and view test results. Visit northbay.org/mynorthbaydoc to enroll, or call 707-646-5500 for help. 4. Transfer your medical records. To keep your care seamless, transfer your medical records from your previous provider. Print a transfer form at northbay.org/patients-visitors and submit it to your former provider’s office. 5. Bring your medications or take a photo of them. Your doctor will review everything and make sure your medications are safe and appropriate for you. 6. Get referrals, if needed. NorthBay Health’s network includes a wide range of specialists and is also part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving you access to second opinions from national experts, right from home. Your PCP can connect you. 7. Know your urgent care options. NorthBay Health has urgent care clinics in American Canyon, Dixon, Fairfield, Winters and Vacaville, with new locations opening in Benicia, Rio Vista and Vallejo. Walk-in appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit northbay.org/urgent to learn more. New to NorthBay Health? Here’s how to get started in seven simple steps northbay.org 11
Ad to come Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID NORTHBAY HEALTHCARE 1200 B Gale Wilson Blvd Fairfield, CA 94534-6888 Join us Oct. 4 NorthBay Health Annual Gala Enjoy a magical evening under the stars at Bally Keal Estate in Suisun Valley, featuring a chef-inspired menu, local wine, live entertainment and a benefit auction! Your support helps drive advancements in healthcare technology, improving access to high-quality care. Don’t miss the event of the year! Visit northbay.org/ gala to learn more. WITHIN DRIVING RANGE OF EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY. NorthBay Health is proud to sponsor the Procore Championship— celebrating competition, community and the spirit of the game. As your trusted local healthcare provider, we’re here for everyone from scratch golfers to weekend warriors chasing their next win to friends and families cheering them on. NORTHBAY.ORG PROUD SPONSOR OF THE
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