On June 11^th, the Leadership Lodi Class of 2024 spent the day touring Adventist Health, Lodi Memorial Hospital, the Lodi Fire Department, and hearing presentations from Community Medical Centers, American Medical Response (AMR), and Donor Network West.  It was Health & Fire Safety Day, and the class learned about challenges in healthcare, what it’s like to spend a day as a Lodi firefighter, an Ambulance Driver, and an EMT, and the lives someone can save as an organ donor.  We learned that Adventist Health, Lodi Memorial Hospital is a top-level stroke care facility and Nationally Recognized in Hospital Safety for its work to keep patients safe.  We learned about Community Medical Center's model of a “whole person” approach to care through its neighborhood healthcare center model.  We heard stories that were sad, heartwarming, and inspiring from our AMR guests and the incredible crew at the downtown Lodi Firehouse.  Lodi Fire Chief Ken Johnson shared his vision for the future of Lodi Fire operations, and we ended the day with a story from the family of a fallen police officer who suffered a brain aneurysm while on duty, and whose donation of organs changed the lives of four different people and their families.  It was a day of excitement, being humbled, and appreciating the local talent and resources in our health and safety sectors while putting faces and names to those heroes in our community.  Thank you to these caring and dedicated people who take care of us and our community 24-7.  It was an honor to participate in Health and Fire Safety Day.  “Hands down my favorite aspect of Leadership Lodi is the opportunity to learn from local leaders about the incredible ways they serve our community. Special thanks to Adventist Health, Lodi Memorial Hospital and the Lodi Fire Department for sharing a wealth of information and giving us behind-the-scenes access to understanding how you make Lodi a wonderful place to live,” said Megan Eddy, Leadership Lodi Class of 2024 participant.
 
The Leadership Lodi class is a program of The Lodi Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to be a catalyst for business growth, convenor of leaders for positive community change and to be seen as a champion for our community.