Blog

Lompoc Valley Medical Center is actively preparing for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The situation with the virus is rapidly evolving and as guidance from State and Local Public Health Departments are updated, our procedures and protocols are revised accordingly. We will inform the community via our webpage, signage at our facilities, and other means, as developments occur that may impact your healthcare needs.

There are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County at this time.

In order to protect the health of our community, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a declaration of a local health emergency and health officer order for the postponement and cancellation of events, as indicated below, as well as social distancing measures.

At the age of six, the path of Jim Morgenstern’s life changed forever. It was at that tender age in 1949 that the Fresno boy was diagnosed with polio. 

Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, the novel (new) coronavirus identified late last year in China, Lompoc Valley Medical Center has participated regularly in Santa Barbara County and statewide updates and planning calls along with other regional hospitals and clinics.

Many new physicians coming to Lompoc Valley Medical Center are unfamiliar with the area and need to spend a bit of time getting to know the Central Coast.

Health crises can occur at any time of the day or week; they pay no attention to your primary care provider’s office hours. When an unexpected health event occurs, don’t let confusion about the distinction between the Emergency Department (ED) and Urgent Care delay your treatment.

Read on to learn the difference between the medical care provided in emergency departments and urgent cares.

As we head into the winter season, you may want to learn more about your nose, and some good practices to keep your nose and sinuses happy this winter. Every day when you look in the mirror, there’s a facial characteristic that is front and center – your nose. But how much do you know about how your nose works? 

Getting struck by cupid can trigger an undeniable heart flutter, but that’s not the only heart condition that should be recognized this February. February also represents American Heart Month, a health holiday that is dedicated to raising awareness about the glaring public health threat posed by heart disease, otherwise known as cardiovascular disease.

Read on to learn more about  heart disease and how to shine the spotlight on your own heart health this month.

Congratulations to Comprehensive Care Center Plant Maintenance Employee Ron Bellrose on being selected as Employee of the Quarter!

Congratulations to Lompoc Health – North Third Center Registration Representative Christina Vega on being named Employee of the Quarter!

On February 14th this year, do more than eat a box of chocolates: Showcase your love of life by observing the 23rd annual National Donor Day. This important health holiday exists to raise awareness about organ donation, a process that is absolutely critical for the well-being of the nearly 114,000 people in the United States who are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant.

Read on to learn more about organ donation and why it is important.

Congratulations to Financial Analyst Amy McConnaughey on being named LVMC Employee of the Quarter. Amy, who has worked at the hospital for more than four years, was lauded for exemplifying the mission and values of the hospital.

Mary Silva Cabral has always been a caretaker. A lifelong hard worker, she was born 101 years ago in an old adobe home on Mail Road. 

For many of her 59 years, Lompoc resident Grace Handlen has had her health care managed by one medical organization. Born at Cottage Hospital, her family physician, throughout the years, practiced with Santa Barbara Medical Foundation, which eventually became Sansum Clinic.

In our society, the word "diet" is often used as a four-letter-word. We usually associate diet with deprivation, giving it a negative connotation. The more accurate definition of diet is simply the types of foods and beverages consumed daily, along with the attitudes and behaviors with which they are associated.