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Wisconsin Hospital Association | 2016 Community Impact Report

Wisconsin Hospitals:Leading the Way to Healthier

Communities

Front cover photos courtesy of (left to right) Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse; Grant Regional Health Care, Lancaster; and Agnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac

About This ReportWisconsin’s health care delivery system is among the very best in the country. It has ranked as one of the top five states in the county based on the quality of care delivered here for over a decade, it is the sixth best state for accessibility to health care and Wisconsin has the third most efficient delivery system in the country.

For all the accolades we can claim in Wisconsin, if our residents cannot access health care because they lack transportation or they are afraid they will not be able to pay their bill, then our health care delivery system is not meeting its primary goal, which is to make care accessible to and affordable for as many people in the community as possible.

Wisconsin hospitals and health systems are committed to meeting the needs of the communities they serve. Whether it is providing care to those who need it most, but are unable to pay, or working within the community to develop programs and services that meet identifiable health needs, helping people live healthier lives is central to their mission.

Since 2006, Wisconsin hospitals and health systems have completed the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) Community Benefits survey. WHA reports not only the financial data that is collected from the 133 hospitals and health systems that complete the survey, but also the stories behind the numbers. This year, WHA received more than 100 stories that describe the impact that their work is having on people’s lives across our state.

We invite you to read the personal stories in this report. They help illustrate how hospitals and the health care professionals they employ are caring for patients and improving lives, right here, in your community.

Mike Wallace Eric Borgerding

2016 Chair, Wisconsin Hospital Association President/CEOPresident/CEO, Fort HealthCare, Fort Atkinson Wisconsin Hospital Association

2016 Community Impact Report

In 2015, on average, there were 7,124 patients hospitalized on any given day in Wisconsin. The same year, there were more than 18 million outpatient visits at the 140 Wisconsin hospitals that provided outpatient services. 1

Every hour of the day and night, someone enters a hospital in need of assistance. Regardless of their personal or financial circumstances, they have come to the right place. Hospitals are places that offer care, hope, cure and comfort.

The stories and program descriptions in this book are reminders that hospitals are an integral part of the community and as such, play an important role in the lives of thousands of Wisconsin residents. The stories are about real life—real people. Some stories end happily, others reflect life’s harsh realities.

There are many factors that impact health. Access to health care services is one, but economic status, housing, nutrition, diet, exercise and genetics also have an influence. That is why hospitals and health systems are partnering with public health and other health-focused organizations to identify, prioritize and take action to address community health needs.

Accessible health care is not possible if the reach of dedicated health professionals goes no farther than the boundaries of the hospital campus. The commitment to improve the health status of the communities they serve is not an idle promise on the part of Wisconsin’s hospitals. It is central to their mission.

If you would like to learn more about Wisconsin hospitals connecting with the communities they serve, visit

www.WiServePoint.org.

1 "Guide to Wisconsin Hospitals 2015," a publication of the WHA Information Center

Wisconsin Hospitals: Leading the Way to Healthier Communities

When “Toughing It Out” is not the AnswerRobert had tooth pain for a few months, but with a low income and no insurance, he was forcing himself to live with the pain. He was used to “toughing it out” with many of the problems he faced in life. However, with each passing day, the pain became increasingly unbearable. He did not eat or sleep for three days and was concerned he was putting his job in jeopardy. Robert’s roommate saw the “toughing it out” strategy was not going to work and decided Robert needed immediate help. The roommate convinced Robert to call an area hospital. The hospital, part of the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership’s Emergency Department Care Coordination Initiative, suggested Robert go to Columbia St. Mary’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Dental Clinic. Fortunately, Robert was able to make an appointment at Seton within a day. The timing was critical. Robert had an infection in a decayed tooth that required an immediate extraction. Staff assured Robert that once the tooth was extracted his pain would be eliminated. After the procedure, Robert felt like a new man and was able to return to work. He was thankful he had been connected with the Seton Dental Clinic. Now an advocate for the clinic, Robert shares his experience and information about the Seton Dental Clinic with co-workers and friends. I tell everyone about my experience,” Robert said. “I want everyone to know about the clinic. If it weren’t for the Seton Dental Clinic, I would have lost my job.”

Columbia St. Mary’s, Inc., Milwaukee

Fear of a bill should never prevent a patient from seeking care at a Wisconsin hospital. Care always comes first. The stories that follow show a deep commitment to the patient and a continuing concern for their well being. In 2015, hospitals provided more than $175 million in charity care. It is just one example of how hospitals create a “safety net” of care in the communities they serve.

Community BenefitsCharity Care at Cost $175,922,573

Medicaid Shortfalls $1,075,818,439

Losses on Other Public Programs $27,682,582

Subsidized Health Services $98,280,524

Nursing Home Losses $12,702,521

Dr. Charles Kosowski and Robert

Uncompensated Care

1Read more about hospitals connecting with their communities at www.WiServePoint.org.

“I Would Have Been Lost” In May 2015, Nancy Gosse of Medford learned she had stage 4 cervical cancer. “My mom was really calm when she told us, so I thought, ‘OK, she has cancer,’ but she said she was fine so I wasn’t super concerned at that point,” says Davis Gosse of Medford. It wasn’t until later that Davis and his family found out how advanced the cancer actually was. Sadly, Nancy passed away in March 2016, leaving behind medical bills that couldn’t be paid. “My mom was the one who really took care of the finances for my folks, so with her gone and my dad grieving, he needed help and didn’t know where to go or what to do,” Davis says. That’s when Davis found out about the Aspirus Financial Assistance Program. “It was nice to have someone there who had an idea of where to go and what to do with all the paperwork that comes with a death, including things like how many death certificates to order,” Davis says. “Jenny [Spor, in Aspirus Medford’s financial assistance office] gave me a lot of direction and info to help me navigate the paperwork and processes. When you’re filling out all the paperwork for a death, I’ll even say, I got lost. She helped us keep the stress levels down by checking what I did and saying this is what you need to do now. It was just having somebody there to give me direction on what I should be doing next…it was a blessing.” A few weeks after submitting the paperwork for the Financial Assistance Program, Davis’ dad received a phone call that would change everything. “My mom’s medical bills had been covered 100 percent,” Davis says. “I was really shocked by that. Everything for my mom’s medical care was covered. The Financial Assistance Program not only saved my dad, but me and my other family members that would have needed to help cover the costs. It would have drained not one family, but four. With losing my mom, this past year was truly the worst year of my life. And I would have been lost without the Financial Assistance Program.”

Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics

Aurora Helping Hand is Here When Patients Need it Don and his wife are not new to the Aurora Helping Hand process. A couple years ago, both Don and his wife were unemployed when they fell ill. They eventually sought medical attention at an Aurora Urgent Care in Green Bay and were prescribed the antibiotics they needed to get healthy again. At that time, both individuals were approved for 100 percent coverage through Aurora’s Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. Today, Don is employed full-time at 40 hours per week, making $10.25 per hour. Unfortunately, Don’s employer does not offer health insurance, so when he began experiencing chronic leg pain, he once again hesitated to have a physician examine him. Even though he now has an income, it’s barely enough to cover living expenses for Don and his wife. A large medical bill with no insurance would be detrimental to their financial survival, and he was afraid he wouldn’t get approved for the Aurora Helping Hand program again. After weeks of avoiding care, Don began to fear his leg pain would worsen if he didn’t see a medical professional. He went to the Aurora BayCare Medical Center and asked to speak to a patient financial advocate - the same advocate he worked with a couple years prior. The advocate completed an updated financial assessment for Don and was able to once again approve him for coverage through the Aurora Helping Hand program. Don was elated to receive approval for a second time.

Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay

A Helping Hand Linda is a single 63-year-old female who found herself unemployed. She decided to start drawing social security benefits at age 62 but was without health insurance coverage until age 65. Linda decided to run the risk and hoped that nothing would happen. Unfortunately, in early 2015 she was admitted to HFM with a severe migraine as well as other health issues. Her social security income put her over the eligibility guidelines for Badger-Care. HFM’s Community Care Assistance program was discussed with her. Linda qualified for Community Care assistance for a little over $17,500. We also educated her about open enrollment for health insurance through the Marketplace. Two months later, Linda was very proud to show us her new health insurance card that has covered a good portion of her ongoing treatment. Linda was very grateful for the assistance that HFM provided her in time of need.

Holy Family Memorial, Manitowoc

Davis Gosse of Medford

2 2016 Community Impact Report

A Helping Hand When Summer Break Heads South At the start of summer break from college, an otherwise healthy J.B. went home to visit her mom, D.B. J.B. had been home for only a few short days when D.B. came home from work at her part-time job and discovered J.B. in the bathroom, doubled over in pain. She rushed J.B. to the Emergency Department (ED) at Aurora Memorial Hospital in Burlington to have her symptoms evaluated. The ED caregivers completed a medical exam and found no cause for J.B.’s symptoms. After keeping her in the hospital overnight for observation, J.B.’s symptoms were gone and she was released from the hospital. Upon discharge, J.B. was provided information to local primary care physicians for follow-up. A month later, J.B. received a bill for her emergency hospital visit. J.B. had no health insurance and no income. Her mother’s part-time job only covered her basic living expenses so she was unable to afford the premiums to keep health insurance coverage for herself and J.B. Feeling she had no other option, J.B. called the hospital’s patient financial advocate in search of financial help. During their phone conversation, J.B. was able to answer all the financial assessment questions over the phone. Based on the information J.B. provided, the advocate was able to approve J.B. for 100 percent coverage through Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. A few days later, the financial advocate received a phone call from D.B. who shared that J.B. returned to the hospital’s ED the night before as her symptoms returned. Only this time, the physicians discovered that J.B. had a kidney stone, which they were able to remove. The physicians also indicated that J.B. may have previously passed a small stone, which could explain the symptoms she experienced in the past. J.B. was no longer in pain and, with the weight of the hospital bills lifted from her shoulders; she was able to focus on recovering. J.B. planned to enjoy the rest of her summer break at home with her mom. D.B. thanked the financial advocate for helping her daughter with medical bills through the Aurora Helping Hand program.

Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington

Financial Aid Eases the Weight of Financial Hardships Current economic hardships have forced some people to struggle with income priorities. Too frequently, medical bills prove difficult to pay in addition to electricity, heat, food and other necessary bills. A Mayo Clinic Health System patient, who has asked to remain anonymous, found herself in need of financial assistance after requiring two major surgeries. The patient says that paying the medical bills proved to be very difficult, as she was also caring for her disabled husband and was the main source of income for the household. After her surgeries, she says she was unable to work. “I lost my job, my health insurance, and was flat broke,” said the patient. “We had saved up, but it wasn't enough. At one point, we thought we may lose our home of 35 years.” Fortunately, Mayo Clinic Health System has found a way to solve the problem and make health care available for everyone, whether it’s preventive or urgent. Patients may apply for financial assistance through Mayo Clinic Health System. In some cases, part or all of medical bills may be forgiven. If treatment extends to multiple Mayo Clinic Health System facilities, financial assistance information can be transferred among facilities. This streamlines the process and reduces patients’ paperwork obligations and emotional anxieties. A bill collector, who the patient says was very understanding, suggested the patient contact Mayo Clinic Health System and request financial aid for her medical expenses. The patient’s bill was forgiven. “That was such a blessing,” says the patient. “It greatly eased the weight off our shoulders.” Since her surgeries, the patient says that she and her husband no longer have as many financial struggles. The couple is retired and says they are adjusting well to living on a fixed income. “We have used the Mayo system for many, many years,” says the patient. “The organization has a great group of doctors, and the employees are friendly and helpful.”

Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire

Financial Assistance to Help Manage Chronic Disease S.B. is a 50-year-old man who has been unable to maintain steady employment due to multiple severe chronic health conditions. He suffers from diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Being unable to work limited S.B.’s income and ability to maintain insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs. His struggles to manage his chronic disease often led him to the Emergency Department (ED) of Aurora Medical Center Kenosha (AMCK). Although seeking medical attention was necessary, it also placed a great amount of stress on S.B.’s limited financial resources. Aware of the large amount of growing medical expenses, S.B. contacted the financial counselor at AMCK for help. The counselor provided him with an application for the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. S.B. filled out the form and returned it to the counselor with the required supporting documents. A few days later, the counselor called S.B.to inform him that he was approved for a 100 percent discount on the hospital bills that he had already incurred and for continuing outpatient medical care that he required to better manage his multiple illnesses.

Aurora Medical Center Kenosha


Helping Hands to Ensure a Mother’s Heart Health Maria arrived at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center for a pre-scheduled echocardiogram. When her name was called for check-in, the patient service representative informed Maria there was a payment required for her procedure. Maria immediately burst in to tears. She had no money to pay for the diagnostic test she desperately needed. Maria is a single mother who works two jobs and still struggles to cover her family’s basic need expenses. She was previously insured through Medicaid but had lost her coverage when she picked up her second job due to being over income limits. The patient service representative contacted the hospital’s financial advocate who completed a financial assessment and verified Maria was over income for Medicaid. However, the financial advocate walked through the insurance marketplace application with Maria and helped her find an insurance plan that would meet her needs. Unfortunately, her insurance would not be effective for another month and Maria needed her test completed immediately. Being fully aware of Maria’s situation, the financial advocate was also able to approve Maria for the Helping Hands Patient Financial Assistance Program. Approval for Helping Hand prevented Maria from refusing the diagnostic testing necessary to make sure her heart is healthy. Maria is now fully covered through the marketplace and is able to properly manage her heart issues with her cardiologist.

Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Elkhorn

Martha’s Story For some people, making the decision each month of whether to purchase life-saving medications or buy groceries is a real struggle. In April 2015, Aspirus Langlade Hospital established the Prevention Fund Program. The purpose of this program is to provide limited financial assistance to patients with an immediate need to purchase medications, medical supplies or other needs to address critical concerns. The program is also aimed at reducing unnecessary visits to the emergency department, walk-in clinic, admissions or readmissions to the hospital for patients who suffer from significant medical conditions such as COPD, CHF, hypertension or diabetes. By providing this on-the-spot assistance, the patient has immediate access to necessary medication while having time to apply for Medication Assistance Programs for long-term help. In May, the medical home care coordinator was notified that a 72-year old woman, Martha, was at the clinic and was extremely concerned as she did not have the means to purchase the medications needed to control her diabetes. Due to being in the Medicaid “Donut Hole,” Martha was able to pay out of pocket for one box of insulin pens but would not be able to purchase the additional box near the end of the month to address her need. The staff assisted Martha in applying for various medication assistance programs, a process which can take up to 60 days for response. To ensure Martha had the insulin pens she needed until she was approved for medical assistance, Martha was granted and provided a voucher for a 30-day supply of insulin pens through the Prevention Fund Program. Martha expressed her heartfelt appreciation of this emergency funding and understood the limited use of the program. Today, Martha continues to have the financial assistance she needs for medications. She keeps regular doctors’ appointments and although she may always struggle with her health concerns, she no longer has to struggle to choose between food and medications. Martha’s story is a wonderful example of how the Prevention Fund Program demonstrates the hospital’s mission in action by providing immediate assistance with long-term benefits.

Aspirus Langlade Hospital, Antigo

Delaying Medical Care is No Patient’s Best Option H. and his wife made their long-time dream come true when they opened their delivery business. With their kids grown-up caring for families of their own, the couple spent much of their time traveling together in their truck, making deliveries across the country. Recently, H. became unable to drive due to a severe leg, knee, and hip injury. His wife was very concerned about her husband, but feared receiving a medical bill they could not afford. They hesitated to seek medical care because they didn’t have insurance coverage and lived on a limited income. When the pain worsened, H. and his wife knew they couldn’t wait any longer and went to the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton in search of care. After meeting with a physician, the couple immediately consulted with the patient financial advocate to discuss their payment options for the care H. required. The financial advocate completed a financial assessment and determined the couple would be eligible to apply for the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. Upon completion of the application, H. was approved for 100 percent coverage for the care he required to heal properly. The couple was greatly relieved and thankful for the help they received. They still stop by the financial advocate’s office to say “hello” when they are at the hospital for H.’s follow-up care.

Aurora Medical Center Grafton


Community Care Program Eases Financial Burden for Aging Couple Throughout his life, Gilbert Miller has had a myriad of health issues. Now, at age 81, he is currently battling melanoma. “I was a sun worshipper in my younger days,” Gilbert said. His wife, Judy, 77, was always the picture of health. That is, until recently, when she was diagnosed with lung, breast, and bone cancer. Together, Gilbert and Judy raised three grown children and have five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Now, as a result of their declining health, they also have a multitude of medical bills. But with the help of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Community Care financial assistance program, the Millers have been able to focus on their family and not on how they will afford costly, but life-saving medical care. Wheaton’s Community Care program provides free or discounted health services to those who cannot afford to pay and who meet criteria for financial assistance. Sue Hider, a financial counselor for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Francis, has been a godsend for Gilbert and Judy. “Sue is just the best,” Judy said. “We can call her up any time we receive a bill and she tells us not to worry about it.” Gilbert said Sue follows up with him and his wife regularly to make sure they are not stressed by the bills they receive. “Sue is so good to us,” he said. “We know she’ll take care of everything.”

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis, Milwaukee

Job Loss May Worsen Clinical Anxiety Losing a job is one of the most stressful life experiences people go through. It’s normal to feel angry, hurt, depressed, scared, or even grief. Job loss combined with clinical anxiety can be completely overwhelming for someone to manage alone. Pat is someone all too familiar with this struggle. Pat, 38-years-old, was diagnosed with clinical anxiety in his late 20s. He had lost his job three months prior and presented to Aurora Psychiatric Hospital in need of emergent care. His anxiety felt out of control, and he was becoming extremely depressed. Because he was uninsured, the patient financial advocate tried enrolling Pat into BadgerCare, but his unemployment payments were too high to make him eligible. However, the financial advocate was able to approve him for the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. Gaining approval for Aurora Helping Hand enabled Pat to get back on track. As he explained, “I’m on the road to recovery and see a bright future ahead as I continue ongoing treatment at Aurora Psychiatric Hospital as an outpatient.” The experience of helping Pat was moving for the patient financial advocate. She was new to the organization, and Pat was one of the first patients she was able to help. She plans to keep the thank you note she received from Pat’s mother, as it was the first she had received in her new role.

Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, Wauwatosa

A Helping Hand When Mom Can’t be There For many parents, the years after their children graduate from high school and are away at college can be stressful. This stress is intensified when one of their children experiences a serious injury or illness while so far away from home. This was certainly the case for Alicia’s mother. Alicia is a 20-year-old student at a private university in Milwaukee, attending school full-time and studying to become a nurse. During the spring semester, she came to the Emergency Department (ED) of Aurora Sinai Medical Center in search of relief from her sore throat, fever, earache, and difficulty swallowing. During her examination, the ED physician informed her that she had acute tonsillitis, which likely formed from a virus that she had been fighting, and prescribed necessary antibiotics to take at home so she could heal. Because Alicia was a full-time nursing student, much of her time was dedicated to school and clinical rotations. She was a part-time employee at the university, but as such was not eligible for medical benefits. Alicia was considered a Wisconsin resident but her mother, who was a single parent, lived in Illinois, where she worked part-time. The following fall, after making no payments toward the expenses for the care she received during her visit to the ED, Alicia received a notice that her bill would be sent to a collection agency. Although her mom wanted to help in any way she could, due to her limited income she was unable to relieve Alicia of the financial burden she was experiencing. Alicia contacted the Patient Financial Advocate at Aurora Sinai Medical Center. The Patient Financial Advocate met with Alicia and explained the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance program and provided her with an application. Alicia returned the application the next day with the supporting documents. She anxiously waited a call from the advocate and, when she received a call on her cell phone, Alicia learned she was approved for a 100 percent discount for her ED visit. After thanking the Patient Financial Advocate and saying goodbye, Alicia immediately called her mother with the great news. A few weeks later, the Patient Financial Advocate received a note in the mail from Alicia’s mother, which read, “Thank you for helping my daughter.”

Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee


Community Care Program Starts Happy New Year for Sheila Wolgast Illness may have taken away Sheila Wolgast’s Christmas, but she experienced an uplifting start to the New Year thanks to the Beaver Dam Community Hospital (BDCH) Community Care Program. Sheila began experiencing what she thought were flu-like symptoms toward the end of December, but she didn’t want an illness to prevent her and her husband Dan from their traditional holiday trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. But the illness grew steadily worse, and Sheila decided to cut the trip short. “I knew I needed to go the hospital because I didn’t get better and I felt like I had totally missed Christmas because of how I was feeling,” Sheila said. “I didn’t want to eat, I was sleepy all the time and I had a difficult time breathing.” Sheila insisted she return home to receive care at BDCH’s Urgent Care. On January 2, 2016, Sheila was diagnosed with pneumonia and was admitted, spending two nights in the care of BDCH hospitalist physicians and a team of inpatient nurses and staff.

“I really can’t thank everyone at BDCH enough for the way they treated me, from the financial counselors to the doctors and nurses,” Sheila said. “It was like I was the only person there… The compassionate care they provided meant the world to me.” During her hospitalization, Sheila focused her energies on recovering. Without insurance, Sheila didn’t start thinking about the hospital bill until she was about to be discharged. But just before she left, Sheila had a visitor. BDCH Financial Counselor Liz Schliewe met with Sheila and told her she was qualified for the BDCH Community Care Program and that her costs were completely covered. “I am so incredibly grateful for BDCH’s Community Care Program. I was in disbelief when I found out my medical bills would be covered. I never dreamed this kind of program was available for people like me, but it’s one of the best things that has ever happened in my life. “I may have missed Christmas, but my new year started off with an incredible gift from BDCH.”

Beaver Dam Community Hospital

Years of Recurring Back Pain Adds Up Have you ever heard the old saying, “bad things happen in threes”? For 55-year-old Michael, this old cliché once felt like the story of his life. Not long ago, Michael was a happily married man, working as a skilled tradesman for a local company where he made enough money to take care of his home and his family. But currently, Michael is recently divorced. Then he was laid off from his position at work due to company cutbacks that took place in response to changing economic conditions. To top it off, Michael began experiencing a severe flare-up of back pain he had acquired from years of manual labor in his trade. When it became unbearable, he went to the Emergency Department (ED) of Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in search of relief. The ED doctor was able to provide Michael with some medications that would provide temporary relief from his pain, but recommended he work with his family physician to find a permanent solution such as physical or occupational therapy. Being recently divorced and unemployed, Michael was uninsured and worried about how he would be able to pay the medical expenses related to his emergency visit, let alone visits to a physician for follow-up care or therapy. Feeling helpless, Michael called the Patient Financial Advocate at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. The counselor met with Michael and reviewed his situation. Based on the information he provided, the counselor believed that Michael would qualify for the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. He filled out an application, gathered the supporting documents, and submitted them to the counselor. She was pleased to inform him of his approval for a 100 percent discount through the program. Now, with one less burden on his shoulders, Michael is able to focus on healing and rebuilding his life.

Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee

Language Interpreters and Financial Advocates Work Hand-in-Hand Robert was experiencing worsening nerve pain, which made it difficult for him to work. Through one of his urgent care visits, he was scheduled to see a specialist and receive an EMG to assess the health of his muscles and the nerve cells that control them. Worried about his ability to continue paying his medical expenses out of pocket, Robert requested to meet with the financial advocate at Aurora Medical Center in Manitowoc County. Robert’s primary language is Spanish, so the financial advocate met with both Robert and a Spanish-speaking Aurora medical interpreter before Robert’s EMG appointment. The interpreter helped the financial advocate guide Robert through the financial assessment process to explore Robert’s financial assistance options. Thanks to the assistance of the Spanish-speaking interpreter, and because Aurora’s Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance documents are available in Spanish (as well as Arabic, Hmong, Russian), Robert was able to complete an application and was approved for a 100 percent discount on the medical services he required.

Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County, Two Rivers

Sheila Wolgast


Focused on a Healthier Community At Mile Bluff Medical Center, our goal is to improve the health and wellness of our community, provide care at its best, and be there when we’re needed most. We align many of our initiatives with the results from our community health needs assessment. One of the most prevalent needs that has been identified is the need for improved access to health care. As a hospital in a medically-underserved county, it is important for us to work to remove barriers that could stand in the way of our community members receiving the care they need. We have made efforts to bring new providers and service lines to the community, and to expand our medical transport services to help individuals get to and from their health care appointments, as well as their hospital and nursing home stays. In addition, we've expanded the awareness of our financial assistance program so more individuals can ask for the help that they need. As a non-profit organization, we serve everyone in the area regardless of their ability to pay. Focus is placed on educating, supporting, building and giving back to the community that has helped to shape Mile Bluff into the organization that it is today. During the 2015 fiscal year, Mile Bluff helped more than 550 individuals through the financial assistance program. This aide added up to over $1 million dollars in relief being provided to members of the community. A note sent by one recipient of the program read: "I will never be able to say thank you enough for the financial assistance. May God bless you – over and over!"

Mile Bluff Medical Center, Mauston

A Helping Hand to Heal a Heart P.R. was a gourmet chef in India before he made his way to the United States. Upon his arrival in the US, he lived in North Carolina and eventually moved to Sheboygan where he lived with his girlfriend and her small children. Unfortunately, as P.R.’s relationship with his girlfriend deteriorated, he had to move out of the home they previously shared. With nowhere else to go, P.R. went to the Salvation Army Emergency Lodge. P.R. has sleep apnea and had been experiencing some heart trouble. During his stay at the Salvation Army Emergency Lodge he visited the Salvation Army Free Clinic where he gained access to basic medical care. Because his heart symptoms required further testing, the clinic referred him to a cardiology specialist at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. The cardiology specialist at Aurora Sheboygan suggested that P.R. meet with the patient financial advocate at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center to explore financial assistance programs options. The patient financial advocate explained the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program to P.R. and provided him with an application. He completed application and returned it to the advocate with the supporting documents. A few days later P.R. was notified that he was approved for a 100 percent discount on the tests and follow-up care he required with the cardiologist.

Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center

Driving Down the Burden of Health Care Debt “It was a great relief to get that letter saying Community Care was able to help,” remembers Barbara. “It took a lot of pressure off so I could focus on getting better.” Community Care at Lakeview Medical Center has provided countless patients and families with the assistance they need to cover their health care expenses. For many, this assistance means they can receive the care they need – often emergency care – without the burden of debt associated with high hospital bills. As over-the-road truck drivers and long-time volunteers with their church, Barbara and her husband, Jim, rely on Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), a cost-sharing program that qualifies as a health care coverage program with the Affordable Care Act. When Barbara needed several tests, hospitalizations and treatments for a heart issue, CHM was able to cover some of the costs, but, like many insurances, required out-of-pocket payments as well – to the tune of thousands of dollars. “We don’t rush to the doctor for every little thing, but when I was short of breath all the time, I knew something was wrong,” says Barbara. Barbara was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – or an irregular heartbeat that was causing poor blood flow. The problem created additional major issues, like fluid retention and even congestive heart failure. While her doctors were working on a solution, Barbara had to go to the LMC Emergency Department a couple of times for heart failure. Each of these visits required a few days’ stay at the hospital. “Going to the Emergency Department and having trouble breathing, I thought I was dying,” says Barbara. “It was very scary and new to me. And on top of dealing with that, worrying about the burden of debt that’s involved in hospital care, it was very stressful.” Luckily, Lakeview Medical Center had just expanded Community Care to help people like Barbara, who experienced a “Catastrophic Medical Event.” Once a patient qualifies for Community Care and if they have a balance of $10,000 or more after insurance coverage, they would be eligible for a “Catastrophic Event” discount that is developed for them based on a percentage of their income. After months of tests and treatments, Barbara received a catheter ablation – a procedure that corrects an irregular heartbeat by burning and/or freezing the affected areas of the heart. This solution worked, and Barbara was able to return to team-driving across the country with her husband, as well as her volunteering activities with their church. This past summer was her 33rd year running the kitchen for the youth bible camp.

Lakeview Medical Center, Rice Lake


Unfortunately, Hot Soup Can’t Cure Everything M.N. is a soup shop owner. She spends much of her time pouring love and fresh, tasty ingredients into batches of soup, which she sells to community members who visit her little shop. One day, after a long day at her shop, M.N. felt run down. Over the next couple days she began experiencing a cough, chest pain, excessive fatigue and a loss of appetite. After spending a few days at home sipping soup and trying to rid herself of her symptoms, M.N. found herself in the hospital being treated for dehydration and a bad case of pneumonia. When M.N. was informed she would need to spend a couple days in the hospital, she asked to speak to a patient financial advocate. When the advocate arrived to her room, M.N. informed her that she hasn’t had insurance since she opened her shop, but was willing to set up a payment plan to pay for her hospital stay. After a quick financial assessment, the financial advocate informed M.N. that she was eligible for 100 percent coverage through the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program. Upon M.N.’s discharge, the financial advocate informed her that she would call her during Marketplace Open Enrollment to assist her in applying for insurance.

Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore, Milwaukee

Easing Cancer Pain Through Touch The power of touch cannot be understated. A three-year study published in Cancer Nursing found massage reduced distress in oncology patients regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or cancer type. Massage helped patients reduce fatigue and find relief from pain, nausea and physical discomfort. As an added plus, patients loved it! Given the potential and popularity of this complementary therapy, Mercyhealth Foundation began donating oncologic massage to cancer patients. Since March 2016, more than 120 have been served. Mercyhealth’s oncologic massage therapist, Kathy Bjerke, is booked solid through the end of the year. “Our patients just adore Kathy. So many have shared the enormous improvements in quality of life they have experienced,” said Nikki Meanovich, oncology services clinical research nurse coordinator. Marlene Krueger is one of those patients. Last summer, Marlene, now 57, discovered a large breast lump. It was triple negative breast cancer—a particularly aggressive form that rarely responds to standard treatments. After two rounds of intense chemotherapy, she had serious side effects, including neuropathy, with disabling pain and numbness in her extremities. It became so severe she had to stop treatment and wear air casts on both feet. “I just couldn’t quite bounce back anymore. I couldn’t handle my job. I had to stop working,” she said. After unsuccessfully trying to control the neuropathy, Marlene was heartened by the opportunity to try oncologic massage. “At first, it wasn’t exactly relaxing, given my hypersensitive feet! But afterwards, I actually had no symptoms of tingling or pain for more than five hours. That’s the first time I felt that good since the neuropathy began.” Marlene began seeing Kathy regularly. “I hope to return to work soon. I am grateful for the treatment I received at Mercyhealth.” Part of Mercyhealth’s mission is to provide “healing in the broadest sense.” Sometimes, this requires thinking outside the box. “We are passionate about healing our patients’ body, mind and spirit. Our job is to bring relief using every tool in our toolbox. It’s incredibly rewarding when we can improve someone’s quality of life by offering that extra something,” said Mercyhealth President/CEO Javon Bea.

Mercyhealth (formerly Mercy Health System), Janesville

Going Above and Beyond for a Patient in Need A female patient arrived at the Aurora West Allis Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) with symptoms that developed due to her diabetes not being properly managed. After addressing her symptoms and providing medication to return her blood glucose to a safe level, the ED nurse referred the patient to the hospital’s diabetes educator. The diabetes educator discovered that the patient was experiencing difficulties managing her diabetes because she was homeless and living in her car without access to a clean water and food. She was unable to work and had been approved for Social Security Disability (SSD), but would not receive her first payment for another couple of weeks. The diabetes educator immediately began making phone calls in an attempt to find a solution. Poor management of a chronic disease like diabetes can lead to more severe medical conditions and an increase in emergency hospital visits. The educator first contacted the Aurora Patient Financial Advocate who was able to work with the patient to apply for financial assistance with her medical expenses (the patient was later approved for a 100 percent discount on her hospital expenses through the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program). She then was able to get the patient connected with a representative from a local shelter. The shelter was operating at full capacity and was not accepting new residents but was able to make an exception for the patient based on her medical complications. The patient was accepted into the shelter on the evening of her hospital discharge and was able to remain there until her SSD went into effect. She then moved to a low-income housing facility on the Southside of Milwaukee. She is now living in a stable home and has been able to successfully manage her diabetes without any further complications.

Aurora West Allis Medical Center


Everyone Deserves the Best Care Regardless of Their Ability to Pay Monica had been experiencing abdominal pain for weeks before presenting at the Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh Emergency Department (ED). A military veteran wife, Monica delayed seeking medical care because she was unemployed and uninsured and felt she couldn’t afford a medical bill. She tried to “wait out” her symptoms. Eventually, the pain became overwhelming and even interfered with her ability to walk. Monica soon realized she would not get better on her own and decided she had no other option but to go to the hospital. When the ED doctors completed their diagnostic work-up, they found a large ball-sized benign tumor in her stomach, accompanied by a hernia. A meeting with an Aurora patient financial advocate uncovered Monica’s husband’s status as a military veteran who worked and received VA benefits for himself, but not for her. Together, the family’s income was over Medicaid limits, but they found it a hardship to pay the Marketplace premiums when open enrollment was available. And by the time she arrived to the hospital, Monica did not meet the “special enrollment” period for the Marketplace, so had to wait until the next open enrollment period. Realizing her financial options were limited but that she required surgery to remove her tumor and correct the hernia, Monica was brought to tears. After comforting her, the financial advocate informed Monica that they had one more option they could try. She then explained the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program and helped Monica apply. Monica received an approval for 100 percent coverage of her necessary medical care. Monica was once again overcome with emotion. Even though she felt she could never pay Aurora back for the help she received, she promised to donate to the Aurora Health Care Foundation in the future. A month after receiving her surgery, Monica continued to call and update the financial advocate with her condition. Her health has greatly improved and she looks forward to joining the workforce again and living a pain-free life.

Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh

I Love Fishing There’s nothing sweeter in Billy Wiggins’ life than a day of fishing. That love came into jeopardy when Wiggins, 61, of Fond du Lac, suffered a heart attack. “It was a year or more that I had been experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains, especially when I exerted myself,” Billy recalls. “I dismissed it as acid reflux.” He still vividly remembers that fateful night. “I woke up and couldn’t catch my breath,” Billy explains. “I walked around to see if it would get better. When it didn’t, I woke my wife and said we needed to go to the emergency room.” A blood test showed that Billy had indeed suffered a heart attack. He was referred to Richard Santa-Cruz, MD, interventional cardiologist, who placed four stents to get his heart working again. “My left side was totally closed,” Billy says. “Dr. Santa-Cruz got it opened up. I immediately felt better and by the time I got to my room, my back no longer hurt and I was breathing well, and getting my color back.” Thanks to a donation by the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, Billy went home with a telehealth remote monitoring system, and a LifeVest. The LifeVest is a treatment option for sudden cardiac arrest that offers patients advanced protection and monitoring. According to Jessica Harding, APNP, cardiology nurse practitioner, “If a life-threatening rhythm is detected, the LifeVest alerts the patient prior to delivering a treatment shock. If the patient becomes unconscious, the LifeVest delivers an electrical shock to restore normal rhythm.” And, that’s exactly what alerted Billy several days later that he was having another heart issue. “We called the ambulance and went back to the emergency room.” Billy’s case was reviewed by James Roth, MD, an electrophysiologist with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin who practices at Agnesian HealthCare. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator, often called an ICD, was inserted. Billy’s congestive heart failure continues to be monitored by the telehealth device - keeping him at home, able to work and enjoy an improved quality of life

Agnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac

Billy Wiggins


Helping a Patient Catch his Breath Experiencing shortness of breath can be unpleasant and frightening. If an episode of shortness of breath is sudden and severe in intensity, even if it is of short duration, it could be a sign that medical intervention is needed. This symptom could be signaling a lung problem, a concern with the patient’s heart, an issue with the nervous system, or even an indication of a systemic illness like anemia or a thyroid problem. When 53-year-old Albert, who has a history of illness, began to experience a sudden and severe shortness of breath while at home, he immediately went to the Aurora Medical Center in Washington County to be evaluated. The Emergency Department (ED) staff determined that the shortness of breath Albert was experiencing was related to his medical condition and that he was not in any immediate danger of additional complications. When his breathing returned to normal and he was comfortable again, Albert was released from the hospital to rest at home. In the month following his ED visit, Albert received a bill from the Aurora Medical Center of Washington County for the emergency medical services he received. He immediately called the hospital and made an appointment to meet with the financial counselor to discuss his payment options. When he met with the counselor, he explained that he is unable to work due to his ongoing medical issues and currently receives FoodShare and county housing assistance, as it is the only way he can meet his basic needs. The counselor explained the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance program to Albert and gave him an application that he could take home to fill out. Albert returned the completed application to the counselor the next day with the supporting documents. A few days later, he received a call from the financial counselor notifying him that he was approved for a 100 percent discount on his hospital medical expenses. Albert was overwhelmed with relief and expressed his gratitude to the counselor.

Aurora Medical Center of Washington County, Hartford

A heart made happy with a Helping Hand Nicholas had major heart issues that resulted in a long inpatient stay, including multiple weeks of inpatient rehab at Aurora Medical Center in Summit. Nicholas has been managing his heart condition for many years, and even though he is only 55, he is unable to work. His wife, who is also in her 50s, takes care of him and works part-time outside of the home, earning just enough to pay their mortgage and basic living expenses. Neither Nicholas nor his wife have medical insurance, so during his inpatient stay, Nicholas’ family asked to discuss their financial concerns with an Aurora financial advocate. After his discharge, the financial advocate contacted Nicholas directly to discuss his options. Nicholas expressed that he was very worried and wanted to “make good” on his medical bills as he was thankful to be alive. A full financial assessment with Nicholas and his wife made it clear that their household income was over Medicaid guidelines and they were not within a special enrollment period for Marketplace. However, the financial advocate was able to approve Nicholas for a 100 percent discount through the Aurora Helping Hand Patient Financial Assistance Program on services provided by Aurora. As the advocate explained in detail what would be covered and not covered through the Aurora Helping Hand program, the couple both looked at her in disbelief. Nicholas asked, “So what will we owe for my hospital stay?” The financial advocate told them that his entire hospital stay and all Aurora physician charges would be covered by the Aurora Helping Hand program at no cost to them. Both Nicholas and his wife started to cry and thanked the advocate repeatedly. “My heart feels better already,” Nicholas said as he firmly clutched his wife’s hand. The couple left the advocate’s office with tears streaming down their cheeks. They both agreed to visit the advocate again during open enrollment to complete a full Marketplace application during open enrollment.

Aurora Medical Center Summit


Angel of Hope Clinic a source of strength for cancer patient Lucia Mil-Polito came to the Angel of Hope Clinic with what she thought was a plugged milk duct in her left breast. An initial exam led to a referral for a diagnostic mammogram and breast biopsy. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was cancer. “We’re very poor and at the beginning I thought to myself, ‘how am I going to do this?’” the 36-year-old mother of three said. “I thank God for the angels in my path who are helping me.” Grissel Perez, a financial counselor at Angel of Hope, is one of Lucia’s “angels.” Grissel helped Lucia apply for the Wisconsin Well Woman Program, which covers her mammograms, diagnostic services, biopsy, and first visit to a breast specialist. She also helped Lucia secure financial assistance through Wheaton’s Community Care program for her chemotherapy, and upcoming double mastectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. While Lucia is worried about the future, she feels grateful for the care and support she continues to receive from Grissel and the entire Angel of Hope staff. “They treat me very well and I know they really care about me and my health.” Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis provides support for the Angel of Hope Clinic, a free health clinic housed in a homeless shelter on Milwaukee’s south side. Nurse practitioners handle thousands of visits each year including management of chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis, Milwaukee

Photo courtesy of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis, Milwaukee

Free Clinics

Where do you go when you need a doctor and you have limited resources? More and more hospitals are establishing or supporting free clinics to serve those who do not have a “medical home.” Every effort is made to connect patients with follow up care and even help them obtain the medical supplies or prescription drugs they need.


Rock River Free Clinic Jefferson County has much to be proud of in the area of health rankings. One aspect that does need further attention, however, is the prevalence of untreated behavioral health and substance abuse issues. Fort HealthCare has identified these areas of need and as one way of addressing these issues, provides the primary financial support for the Rock River Free Clinic. This unique partnership began in 2012 when Fort HealthCare agreed to place a full-time primary care physician at the clinic. The arrangement has been a very rich resource for those in the Fort Healthcare service area without health insurance. Not only does this population now have access to health care, they are able to establish a relationship with a primary care physician who is knowledgeable about their health status and is able to partner with them to improve their overall health, which includes lifestyle choices. On September 1, 2016, the Rock River Free Clinic began universally screening every patient for depression, substance abuse and tobacco use. Using a lifestyle questionnaire designed by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, each patient responds to these written questions and if a certain score is attained, a further screening tool is utilized. The physician reviews the responses and is then able to question the patient in a more directed and intentional way. Rada has been a client at the Rock River Free Clinic for a number of years. She is a diabetic and each office visit is spent testing and reviewing her physical health status as it relates to her chronic disease. When she completed the questioning, she scored very high in the area of depression. When the physician reviewed the information and further questioned the patient, it was evident that Rada had suicidal tendencies. The doctor called the intake worker at Jefferson County Human Services and the intake worker was able to immediately see the patient to make plans for further care. The universal screening tool helped Rada share these feelings, and the Rock River Free Clinic was able to help identify people who have behavioral health issues. Free Clinic Responds to Heroin Crisis Several months ago, Jefferson County Human Services sent an S.O.S. to the community. They needed assistance in dealing with the heroin crisis in our county. Dr. Rutledge, medical director and physician at the Rock River Free Clinic, answered the call. He agreed to complete the necessary training to become a prescriber of Suboxone, which is used to treat adults who are dependent on or addicted to opioids (either prescription or illegal – such as heroin). He is currently taking an online course and hopes to complete that course and the accompanying test in late fall. Once he receives these credentials, he will be able to prescribe Suboxone and will then work closely with Jefferson County Human Services so he can provide the medical component of the addiction recovery program for those patients addicted to heroin. The County is very grateful to Dr. Rutledge for committing to this cause as there are only two other Suboxone-prescribing physicians in the county. Dr. Rutledge will be able to see up to 30 patients in his first year of prescribing, and that number will increase over time. Again, the Rock River Free Clinic is responding to immediate needs in our community and is striving to make an impact. The clinic would not be able to assist in this way if they did not receive the critical support from Fort HealthCare.

Fort HealthCare, Fort Atkinson

Patient Credits Community Outreach Health Clinic for Changing Her Life After a 2009 riding accident, Diane Bowers, 57, of Menomonee Falls, was used to living with pain. Surgeries for a broken leg and other injuries left her in a wheelchair for six months. Her recovery was plagued with chronic knee problems and leg pain that interfered with her sleep. With no medical insurance, she delayed seeking help until the pain was too great to ignore. Fortunately, Diane heard about the Community Outreach Health Clinic at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital. In July 2015, she made an appointment with Linda Smith, a nurse practitioner at the clinic. “It was like a miracle,” Diane said of Linda, clinic staff and volunteers. Steroid injections helped to manage the pain, while physical therapy and a leg brace held her leg in place at night to improve her sleep. Diane explained, “The staff were so kind and caring; they treated me like a special person who mattered to them.”

Like so many patients, Diane struggled with multiple health issues including diabetes and atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase risk of stroke and heart failure. An originally undiagnosed infection was aggravating Diane’s heart issues; antibiotics alleviated her symptoms. A serious bout of asthma was successfully treated with medications which Diane feels likely prevented her from developing pneumonia. When a diagnostic test showed an elevated risk of stroke, Diane was prescribed Coumadin, a blood thinner requiring regular monitoring and lab visits at the hospital. “Everyone really went the extra mile,” said Diane. “It was truly life changing.” In early 2016, Diane obtained health insurance coverage and underwent surgery to repair her knee. She had a long recovery, but with the help of her husband and their blended family of seven children, life is looking up for Diane. She credits the Community Outreach Health Clinic for getting her through a challenging time in her life and getting her back on her feet.

Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls


A Continued Collaborative with N.E.W. Community Clinic N.E.W. Community Clinic provides health care at a number of sites throughout the Greater Green Bay area for those who lack insurance in Brown County. One is a pediatric clinic located inside Green Bay’s Nicolet School where bilingual Aurora pediatrician Yolo Diaz, MD, provides health services Monday through Thursday mornings. Bonnie Kuhr, N.E.W. Community Clinic director, believes the program is invaluable to the community and continues to be a great collaborative between the Green Bay School District, which provides the space; N.E.W. Community Clinic, which provides the medical assistant; and Aurora Health Care, which financially supports Dr. Diaz. “Children are coming to see me, they’re listening to me and it’s definitely making a difference,” says Dr. Diaz, who not only provides primary care, but also works with students and their families to address many health issues including obesity, gaining access to dental care through community partners, and health needs unique to the Hispanic population. Speaking both English and Spanish fluently, Dr. Diaz is able to effectively communicate with the school’s Hispanic population and stress the importance of wellness not just to the children she sees, but often to the whole family unit. This 14-year collaboration exemplifies how health agencies and other community partners can work better together to address the health needs of the community.

Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay

Physical Therapists add to Depth of Services at Free Clinic Medical facilities have a long-standing tradition of supporting free clinics in communities throughout Wisconsin and the country. For residents of Stanley and parts of Clark and Chippewa Counties, associates from Ministry Our Lady of Victory Hospital, part of Ascension, help in the free clinic effort at The Open Door Clinic in Chippewa Falls. Open Door is a non-profit organization that provides basic health care services and a connection to community resources to residents who are without a health care alternative. While much of the focus of the clinic is on providing primary care, basic laboratory testing and medication assistance, physical therapists from Ministry Our Lady of Victory provide pro-bono therapy services to the Tuesday night clinic held at First Presbyterian Church. “Many of the free clinic patients are grateful for the services our rehabilitation services staff provide,” said Steve Seiberling, manager of rehabilitation services at Ministry Our Lady of Victory. “Much of our time is spent with evaluation and consults with a goal of helping those in need avoid further injury.” Open Door estimates that about 5,600 residents in their service area are without health insurance. Thanks to the rehabilitation services staff at Ministry Our Lady of Victory, those who depend on Open Door have another layer of services available to them each month.

Ministry Our Lady of Victory Hospital, Stanley

Open Arms Free Clinic When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect in 2013, many assumed there would be little need for community-based free clinics. But a gap remained for the working poor. One couple understands this struggle all too well. Both the husband and wife are 62, three years away from applying for Medicare. The husband has already suffered two heart attacks that prevent him from working. The wife is working full-time, making a little over $2,000 per month. Under the ACA, the wife’s employer was obligated to offer her “affordable coverage” of not more than 9.5 percent of her monthly salary for an individual plan, which would cost her $212 per month. Unfortunately, coverage for her husband under her employer would bring the cost up to $768 per month, with an $11,000 deductible — which the couple could not afford. After being married for over 40 years, the couple was contemplating a legal divorce so the wife could take the employer-offered insurance for herself and the husband could try to apply for Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus. Then they heard about Open Arms Free Clinic. Open Arms provides nonemergency care for uninsured, low-income residents of Walworth County, opened in 2012 and was Walworth County’s first safety-net health care provider. The clinic saved the couples’ marriage. The husband immediately began receiving help from the clinic’s volunteer care providers to manage his heart condition, hopefully and with routine care preventing any future heart attacks. Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, in partnership with other local health providers, supplies consultation services and volunteers to staff the clinic. In addition, an Aurora cardiologist conducts a cardiology clinic at Open Arms Free Clinic on Thursday evenings. With the help of an Aurora Better Together Fund grant, Open Arms was able to address another health care gap by expanding behavioral health services in Walworth County to assist more than 100 patients each year.

Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Elkhorn


Deadly Bite Treated by Free Clinic Donna, 64-year-old mother of five, retiree and dog lover, knew that they had a bat in the house, but they weren’t able to catch it or get it out. She was surprised when, while playing with her dog, it jumped up and scratched her arm. “I looked down and noticed two little holes,” she said. She just knew it was a bat bite. “It must have happened overnight; I sleep with my arm above my head. Just a week prior, they had found a bat in the area that was positive for rabies. I didn’t know if this one did or not…,” she said. But she wasn’t going to wait to find out. When it comes to a bat bite, it’s very clear…you MUST get the vaccine. “There’s no choice. You have to get the shot. It’s life or death.” So, despite her not being in the financial position to afford the shot series, she went in for treatment. With rabies, a bite recipient needs to receive a four-dose series of shots over the course of two weeks. Donna received her first dose in the emergency department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie, as it must be administered as soon as possible. Being retired and living off of Social Security and a very small pension, she couldn’t afford the treatments. In fact, the total bill for the initial emergency room visit would far exceed her already high deductible. Because of this, the physician referred Donna to the Free Clinic, where she was able to get the final three doses at no charge. The Free Clinic went above and beyond, too. Normally only open a few hours one day per week, the Free Clinic coordinator met Donna on off days at odd times in order to administer the remaining doses as needed. Donna is just so thankful. “If I hadn’t been playing with my dog, I never would have known that I had been bit. Without the Free Clinic, I have no idea how I’d pay for it. It’s a lifesaver.”

Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar, Inc., Menomonie

Child Advocacy Centers, Forensic Interviews Help Protect Kids The Fox Valley Child Advocacy Center, located within Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Neenah Community Services, brings together a specially trained team of professionals to investigate cases of child maltreatment. One of the ways in which the team accomplishes that is through forensic interviews, a developmentally sensitive and legally sound method of obtaining factual information from children who experienced maltreatment or violence. Conducted in a safe, comfortable space, forensic interviews are audio- or video-taped in order to minimize the trauma experienced by child victims when recounting events of abuse or violence. Other objectives of forensic interviews are to maximize the amount of information obtained from children in their own words, to minimize the contamination of information and to maintain the integrity of the investigative process. The interviews are conducted by neutrally trained professionals, utilizing both research- and practice-based techniques. Forensic interviewers receive specialized training in the Wisconsin Forensic Interview Guidelines. Across the state, more than 2,300 interviews were recorded at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s Child Advocacy Centers, with nearly 200 interviews occurring at the Fox Valley Child Advocacy Center. Forensic interview services are provided free of charge to support professionals and families in the investigative process. In addition to forensic interviews, Child Advocacy Centers provide specialized medical exams, advocacy services and health screenings for children in out-of-home placements. Through extensive services, Child Advocacy Centers enables children and families to heal from abuse and helps advocate for safe and secure living environments. Medical providers, social workers, police officers and victim advocates work collaboratively at Child Advocacy Centers to provide the best care and outcomes for children and families impacted by maltreatment and abuse.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, Neenah

Progressive Community Health Centers Since 2000, Progressive Community Health Centers (PCHC) has worked with Milwaukee’s medically underserved population to provide primary care, women’s health, pediatrics and dental care. With the help of an Aurora Better Together Fund grant, Progressive established two new medical sites at Aurora Sinai Medical Center (ASMC) including Urgent Care Clinic in the hospital’s emergency department (ED), as well as a new primary care center in the hospital’s physician office building. “Continuing to increase access to vital services like urgent care and primary care is critical to enhancing the health of our community,” said Carolynn Glocka, ASMC president. “With these two new Progressive locations on our campus, not only are we able to triage and treat illnesses and injuries, but patients accustomed to coming to the ED for care can easily transition to a primary care health center offering an array of clinical and preventive services that will support their ongoing and long-term wellness.” According to Glocka, prior to the opening of the PCHC clinics, more than half of Aurora Sinai’s ED encounters would have been better managed in an urgent or primary care clinic. The clinics are staffed by Progressive physicians, nurse practitioners and clinical support staff. Aurora providers help staff the urgent care clinic. Anyone will be eligible to seek care at either clinic and PCHC’s financial counselors will verify insurance status and discuss options for those who do not have insurance.



St. Ben’s Clinic Offers Stability When Mary lost her job due to a workplace merger, the fallout touched every aspect of her life. Mary suddenly found herself without an income, insurance or health care, and no place to call home. Her high blood pressure further complicated things. “I felt trapped,” Mary said. “I knew I should do something about my blood pressure, but I couldn’t figure out what to do.” Eventually, Mary’s homelessness led her to the Cathedral Center shelter in downtown Milwaukee and the St. Ben’s Clinic, sponsored by Columbia St. Mary’s (CSM). Ellen, a St. Ben’s Clinic outreach nurse with an office in Cathedral Center, examined Mary. Because Mary’s blood pressure was so high, Ellen scheduled a same-day appointment for Mary at the St. Ben’s Clinic where she immediately began treatment for hypertension. Unfortunately, Mary’s health issues increased. A clinic social worker helped Mary enroll for BadgerCare insurance to cover her ongoing primary care, allowing Mary to seek clinical care in different settings. Shortly thereafter, Mary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She was unsure if her more complex care could be managed at the St. Ben’s Clinic. “I did not want to leave St. Ben’s Clinic,” Mary said. “The respect, the personal care, the listening… I have not been listened to this well in my life.” Her fears were put to rest when Dr. Michael Johnstone, a CSM physician and St. Ben’s Clinic medical director, agreed to provide the oversight Mary needed to continue her treatment at the St. Ben’s Clinic. Today, with the help of St. Ben’s, Mary continues to manage her chronic diseases. The clinic, her primary care medical home, provides the stability she needs as she works to put the rest of her life back on track.

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee

St Vincent de Paul Free Medical Clinic – Bridge to Sustainable Health Care “I can’t afford to pay my co-pay or deductible, and I need my medications so I came here to the St. Vincent DePaul Free Medical Clinic.” “My employer offers insurance that I now have, but it does not cover medications.” These are examples of feedback from patients who have received care and support from the St. Vincent DePaul Free Medical Clinic in Marshfield. The St. Vincent DePaul Free Medical Clinic is staffed by volunteer clinicians (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and lab techs) from Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, part of Ascension; other health care organizations and retired professionals. Equally important to patients are volunteers who have expertise in patient financial services. The intake counselors register the patients and document the medical need for the visit and assess the financial and social needs of patients. The goal of our volunteer caregivers are to address the immediate medical needs of the patient and to provide a bridge to sustainable health care services for the patient and their family. Intake counselors connect patients to the Patient Assistance Center to facilitate access to programs that can help them with ongoing medication costs. In addition, intake counselors and staff from St. Vincent DePaul provide patients with referrals to nutritional assistance and energy assistance programs. “We recognize that as citizens and as volunteers at the Free Clinic we are providing medical care to individuals, and more importantly we are making a difference in the health and well-being of less fortunate community members” said Chris Maghrak RN, DNP, volunteer. Ministry Saint Joseph’s has provided volunteers and financial support to the St. Vincent DePaul Free Clinic since it opened in the late 1990s. The poor and vulnerable are in need of community support and a bridge to access sustainable health care service. St. Vincent de Paul Free Medical Clinic, in collaboration with Ministry St. Joseph’s and the community, are trying to make a difference in the lives of the regional community of Marshfield.

Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield

Bill, social worker, Mary, Tara, nurse practitioner, and Ellen, nurse


Lake Area Free Clinic Lake Area Free Clinic (LAFC) was launched in 2001 in response to an increasing number of low income and uninsured patients utilizing local hospital emergency rooms for primary care services. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped some previously uninsured Waukesha County residents gain access to coverage, there is a need to serve those patients who are not eligible for insurance through the ACA. Barb was one of the community members who previously used the hospital Emergency Department for primary care. She often suffered from fatigue, nausea, and sometimes even a reduced feeling in her hands or feet. She had multiple part-time jobs but has had difficulty accessing insurance because her employers didn’t offer it. When Barb was referred to LAFC, her life changed. The physicians at LAFC discovered she had diabetes and taught her how to control her symptoms and care for herself through a special diet and exercise. They also helped her access the medications she needed to manage her diabetes properly and avoid life-threatening emergency situations. Aurora Medical Center Summit supports the clinic’s operations by providing CT and MRI imaging services for patients referred by LAFC, which are vital in the clinic’s ability to properly diagnose its patients. In 2015, LAFC used its Aurora Better Together funding to expand and increase patient access to primary care and behavioral health services. In 2015, the clinic accommodated 3,139 patient visits, with an average of 26 new patients each month.

Aurora Medical Center Summit

Groundbreaking Genetic Research for All in Need The Center for Special Children is a program available through Vernon Memorial Healthcare’s La Farge Medical Clinic. The program focuses on diagnosis, management, and counseling of patients who have or are suspected of having genetic or metabolic disorders. This program is available to anyone who may benefit from genetic testing, including those with genetic conditions in their family ancestry. All services are offered to qualified patients and their families at a reduced rate to ensure they have access to the care they need. Vernon Memorial Healthcare Pediatrician, Dr. Tom Herr, shared the following story of how this program has benefitted an area family and the possibilities of it helping many more in the future. "A mother and father brought their three-day-old baby to the clinic for evaluation. The baby was born stiff, made a constant motion with his arms, and nursed poorly. The parents shared that they had a baby in 2008 that had been born with similar problems. This baby died at just six weeks old after being hospitalized in Madison for eight days. The mother had noted repetitive movements of the baby while pregnant. Dr. James DeLine and I had been to a conference and had heard of a condition involving a genetic mutation resulting in babies being stiff at birth and having seizures in utero and throughout their shortened life. We talked to the parents, examined the baby, and drew blood to test for the genetic mutation–sending the blood to the Clinic for Special Children in Pennsylvania for testing. Since the family qualified to be part of the Center for Special Children program, the test cost just $50 and returned positive for the condition. We sent a letter to the family explaining the condition and that all subsequent births would have a 25 percent chance of having the same condition. Shortly thereafter they reached out and asked if there was medicine to make the baby comfortable from the muscle tensing. After prescribing the medicine, we made a house call the following week to see how the baby was doing. The baby was indeed more comfortable and the family appreciated our visit. He lived for just 37 days at home, being loved and comforted by his family. It’s truly heartbreaking for the family, and for us as providers, but knowing there is nothing you can cure helps these families prepare and negates the need for expensive hospitalization. It provides them a sense of closure–knowing that comforting the child in its final days is all they can do."

Vernon Memorial Healthcare, Viroqua

Caring for Those who Remain Uninsured While access to health care has increased in past years, there still remains a population of people without coverage and in need of health care. In Iowa County, the Community Connections Free Clinic (CCFC) in Dodgeville is working to fill this need. Over 450 people received much needed free health care services through the CCFC this past year and Upland Hills Health, the local hospital, is helping to make this possible by providing support in many ways. Perhaps the most significant support comes in the form of diagnostic lab and imaging services and supplies provided free of charge. General radiology exams and lab tests are often a critical step in the process of diagnosing and providing quality health care. In the past year, Upland Hills Health provided over $117,700 in imaging and lab services. Supplies include items such as needles, tubes, specimen cups and collection boxes for sharps – all items needed to collect samples for testing. The list of free services provided is long. It includes services such as: foot, abdominal and chest x-rays, lyme titer, strep culture, drug and/or alcohol testing, prenatal panels and much more. This essential support provides hope, improves the health of our fellow community members, and helps minimize unnecessary and costly emergency room visits.

Upland Hills Health, Dodgeville


No Job, No Medical Benefits In the spring of 2015, Kim was laid off from her job. The loss of her job meant the loss of her health care benefits. She relocated to Marinette to be closer to her family. She had been under a physician’s care for high blood pressure and took medication on a regular basis. No job, no insurance and now no medicine - what was Kim going to do? In need of care and with nowhere else to turn, Kim went to the Twin Counties Free Clinic, where she was able to get a medical exam and receive the medication needed to control her blood pressure. A few months later, Kim returned to the clinic offices and through tears of joy, reported that she was able to secure a new job and once again receive full health benefits and expressed her gratitude to the clinic staff. As Kim told them, “I’m so thankful that you were able to help me! There was no way I was going to be able to pay for any of my medications, but you helped me. Thank you!” Aurora Health Care has been a key supporter of the Twin Counties Free Clinic (TCFC) since its inception in 2000. The Aurora Marinette Menominee Clinic provides space for TCFC on a weekly basis, and multiple Aurora doctors and family nurse practitioners provide care to the clinic’s patients. In addition, Aurora caregivers are encouraged to support the clinic financially through the Aurora Partnership Campaign each year. Thanks to the support of Aurora Health Care and others, the clinic continues to be a lifeline for many people like Kim.

Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County, Two Rivers

Free Clinic Puts Woman on Insured Path to Health Shortness of breath scared Laura to the point where she needed to take action. Uninsured, she went to the only place in her area she could think of—the Huiras Family Community Clinic at Columbia St. Mary’s (CSM) Hospital Ozaukee, a free clinic. Laura’s suspicions were confirmed. Her blood pressure was high. Laura was connected the clinic’s nurse practitioner who advised Laura to return to the clinic the next day for a fasting lab test. The test results showed severe problems, and Laura was quickly sent to the Emergency Department at CSM Hospital Ozaukee. It was there Laura was diagnosed with heart failure and uncontrolled hypertension and admitted to the hospital. Laura was advised by the medical staff to get consistent primary care to manage her health problems. However, without insurance, Laura needed help. Once again, the Huiras clinic staff came to Laura’s aid. A financial counselor helped Laura enroll in BadgerCare. Laura was able to select and see a Columbia St. Mary’s physician and begin receiving the necessary care and guidance she would needed to address her heart failure issues. Laura later wrote to a nurse practitioner who had helped her from the beginning, thanking her for putting her on a new path to better health. “I wanted first of all to thank you for all you did for me when I came to the Huiras Clinic,” Laura wrote. “Without you I may not be alive today. Thank you for all you do for everyone and for what you did for me in particular.”

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee, Mequon

Partnership Provides Healthy Resources for a Local School Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin together with Milwaukee Public Schools and Progressive Community Health Center have teamed up since 2006 to help hundreds of students through the School Nurse Initiative. This effort has resulted in a full-time nurse from Froedtert Hospital being available at Westside Academy I and II, a Milwaukee Public Schools charter school. Froedtert Hospital provides the nurse at no cost to Westside Academy. Located in the Washington Park neighborhood, Westside Academy serves 700 students many of them low income and facing health challenges. Through education and awareness, the partnership has been successful in helping to improve the health of Westside Academy students. The nurse provides care and case management for the students during the school year and offers classroom health education and wellness sessions. This collaboration also links students and families to Progressive Community Health Center, a local facility able to provide additional medical and dental services and immunizations.

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Kim Lamers, RN, BSN, School Nurse at Westside Academy I and

II, raffling a bike at the Health Literacy Fair.


Salvation Army Clinic Milwaukee Jerry, an uninsured gentleman in his early 60s, was living in Milwaukee and working in a local factory. His factory job allowed him to fully support himself, but his real passion was composing and playing music at night and on the weekends. Jerry was uninsured and had not seen a physician in years, believing he was healthy because he took good care of himself. Then Jerry experienced a major stroke. He was rushed to Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center’s Emergency Department and admitted to the hospital, where he stayed for three months. The physicians caring for Jerry believe that Jerry likely had been living with unmanaged hypertension for a length of time before the stroke caused him the loss of half his body function. When Jerry was no longer in need of inpatient care, the hospital’s discharge team connected him to the Salvation Army Clinic of Milwaukee, a free clinic where uninsured persons can receive basic medical care. A grant by Healthcare for the Homeless financially supports the clinic, and physicians from the community volunteer their services. Clinical caregivers from Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic (a clinic financially supported by Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center) staff the Salvation Army Clinic 20 hours per week. The Salvation Army Clinic partners with the Salvation Army Emergency Lodge and Outreach Community Health Center to manage a 20-bed respite program. Although Jerry was not able to provide the level of self-care that is usually required of the respite program, all parties involved knew he had nowhere else to go and decided to give it a try. Collaboratively, with the help of an occupational therapist and physical therapist from Aurora At Home, the volunteer staff at the Salvation Army Clinic and staff at the Salvation Army Emergency Lodge and Outreach Community Health Center have been able to successfully manage Jerry’s care. When combined with Jerry’s hard work and determination, he was eventually able to fully care for himself. The added benefit: he is now back to playing the piano beautifully with one hand.

Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee

School Nurses Keep Kids’ Health on Course Through a partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s School Nurse Program is placing full-time nurses at ten central-city schools at no cost to MPS or the students or families they serve. Studies show that healthy kids learn better and spend more time in the classroom. Schools with a full-time nurse have about half the number of student illness- or injury-related early releases than schools without a nurse. School nurses help prevent health problems, deliver care, provide wellness services, dispense medications, promote safety, counsel students about physical and emotional issues, connect kids and families to needed resources and educate staff, students and families on health maintenance and preventive care. They provide direct care to students, including vision and hearing screenings. For chronic illnesses - such as asthma, diabetes, seizures or sickle cell anemia - they monitor students’ lifestyles and recommend ways they can better manage their illnesses. The nurses also coordinate care with physicians, social workers and insurance companies. Children’s School Nurse Program supports the Whole School Community Child Model, which calls for collaboration between education and health to support each child’s mental, physical, social and emotional development and enhance learning. “We’re striving to meet the needs of students, families and communities through school services, advocacy, policy development and by looking at the child as a whole to support overall well-being,” said Nicholas Herrick, BSN, RN, school health nurse supervisor. “We are working to meet this goal by collaborating with other program staff within the Children’s umbrella and with outside community organizations that service the neighborhoods in which we have a presence.” Through the partnership with MPS, Children’s nurses have the opportunity to shine a light on specific issues. One nurse plans to education parents about preventive care and help them understand how to make good care choices; another will focus on exercise and nutrition and hopes to start a garden program. Herrick sees the program’s value. “By bringing health care and educators together on their behalf, Children’s is helping kids stay well so they can perform better at school – and live long, healthy lives.”

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

“Unexpected Support When I Needed it Most” Many people have the great fortune to call their medical provider when experiencing a health concern. But for Michele Laabs, 44, of Fond du Lac, she was reluctant to check out a sore spot on her tongue that was just not getting better. It wasn’t an option to miss work to see a provider, let alone the cost—her husband had recently lost his job and coming up with rent was a struggle. Enter the Samaritan Health Clinic. Cancer was diagnosed, and the clinic helped Michele with everything she needed medically. Support from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation’s Caring For You Fund helped to offset Michele’s non-medical costs. “If it wasn’t for the Samaritan Health Clinic, I would not be here today. They really are a lifesaver. I have been so overwhelmed by the support my family and I have received,” Michele says.

Agnesian HealthCare/St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac


Power Behind a Healthy Child’s Smile Monique was frustrated. Her children desperately needed dental care – and she couldn’t get it for them. Her daughter, Peri-monique, and her son, Kingston, had numerous cavities. Worse, one of Peri-monique’s teeth was infected and painful – keeping her awake at night, limiting her to eating only soft food, preventing her from focusing on homework and often causing her to miss school.

“Having tooth problems is really problematic when it comes to attending school and learning,” Monique said. “How can you focus on what the teacher is telling you when you feel this throbbing pain in your teeth?” Despite her attempts, Monique could not find a dentist who would accept the children’s state insurance or see new patients. She was elated when she heard about Columbia St. Mary’s (CSM) Smart Smiles Program. Smart Smiles provides oral-health education, preventive care – including cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments – plus assessment of dental decay and other urgent dental needs, all in the comfort and safety of a child’s own school. Through Smart Smiles, both Peri-monique and Kingston were referred to CSM’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Dental Clinic for further treatment.

Over the past year – and 21 appointments at Seton Dental Clinic – the children had a combined 16 fillings, 9 extractions and other treatments to clear up the dental decay and infection they suffered from. Today, Peri-monique and Kingston are in great oral health and know how to keep their teeth healthy. Kingston said, “You need to eat healthy foods, brush your teeth twice a day, and floss your teeth every day.” They are all grateful for how Smart Smiles has helped them. “They helped me, and they did a good job for my children,” Monique said. “Smart Smiles allowed me the opportunity to get the work done with my children that I needed.”

Columbia St. Mary's, Inc. Milwaukee

OHP Redeemer Dental Clinic Brown County's traditional dental care system is overwhelmed by a rapidly growing at-risk population. Access to preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care services is very limited for children who are underinsured and especially the uninsured. “A child's dental health affects their academic achievement, including attendance, concentration in class, and speech. Unfortunately, many children go to school in pain caused by dental problems,” said Michael Schwartz-Oscar, executive director, Oral Health Partnership. “When Oral Health Partnership (OHP) approached us about helping them open a third community dental clinic, at what was formerly Redeemer Lutheran school, we were excited to do our part to make this happen,” said Heidi Selberg, vice president, advocacy and community benefit, Hospital Sisters Health System Eastern Wisconsin. While OHP has managed two other dental clinics for approximately 10 years, this new clinic would be the first one on the west side. “The location is perfect. It is on the bus route, right across the street from the Boys & Girls Club and in a neighborhood with several schools that serve many low-income families,” said Selberg. The Redeemer Dental Clinic utilizes two former classrooms. One is a treatment room with dental equipment donated by a local dentist; the other is a reception, waiting area, staff breakroom and small office area. HSHS St. Mary’s and St. Vincent Hospitals contributed the necessary equipment, floorplan design and installation for the office area. In order to make the space work with the hospitals’ donated furniture, Atmosphere Commercial Interiors was hired to develop the floorplan design and installation. The OHP Dental Clinics serve young children up to the age of 18. They are staffed with volunteers and some paid dentists. “We are proud to be able to offer a dental clinic to an eastside community comprised of such a large at-risk and underserved population,” said Schwartz-Oscar. The three OHP Dental Clinics are:

y Redeemer Dental Clinic, 210 South Oneida Street, Green Bay, WI 54303 y Howe Family Resource Center, 526 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54301 y Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1315 Lime Kiln Road, Green Bay, WI 54302

The Sisters who serve at our HSHS Mission Outreach say, ‘Just because you are poor doesn’t mean you can’t have comfortable surroundings.’ “Following our Sisters philosophy, we gave Redeemer Dental Clinic a professional, welcoming atmosphere that helps the poor people in our community get the dental care they might not otherwise get,” said Selberg.

HSHS St. Mary’s and St. Vincent Hospitals, Green Bay

Peri-monique, Monique and Kingston


Early Oral Health Intervention Program Ministry Dental Center in Stevens Point provides emergency, preventive and restorative dental services to low income residents of Portage and Waupaca counties. To be eligible, patients must be enrolled in the Wisconsin Medicaid or BadgerCare program. Children are treated and cared for as soon as an appointment becomes available, usually within two weeks, while adults may need to wait up to 24 months for an available appointment. After noticing an increase in the number of young children between the ages of 0-5 coming in for emergency care with abscessed teeth and multiple cavities in need of urgent dental care, Ministry Dental Center launched the Early Oral Health Intervention Program. The goal of the Early Oral Health Intervention Program is to improve the community’s oral health by decreasing the incidence of dental decay in young children. “The program is designed to introduce young children to the dental clinic, educate caregivers on good oral health habits and home care, provide a dental screening and apply fluoride varnish,” said Brenda Diamond, director, Ministry Dental Center. Activities aligning with the goal to decrease or eliminate dental decay include:

y Community outreach to educate low-income parents, expectant mothers, family intervention specialists, and health care providers on the importance of early intervention and good home care practices.

y Early access to a dental health care provider, seen before age 1. y Application of topical fluoride varnish by medical and dental providers up to 4x per year. y Supporting and advocating for community water fluoridation and supplements when indicated

Current data is showing that if a child remains cavity free for the first five years of their life; the majority of these children will experience good oral and overall health throughout their life. For the first five years of the program, results have showed:

y An increase in the number of age 0-3 children seen from 46 in 2010 to 197 in 2015. y Of the original 2010 cohort of 49 children ages 0-3, 17 remained patients at Ministry Dental Center and 65 percent reached

age five without any decay. Established in 2002, Ministry Dental Center grew from a partnership of Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Delta Dental of Wisconsin and CAP Services, Inc. The center continues to align with the founder’s vision of improving the community’s oral health.

Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point

Dental Clinic Portable Equipment Outreach Program Lakeshore Community Health Care School-Based Portable Dental Clinic in Sheboygan began the Seal-a-Smile program for the 2014-2015 school term, thanks to support from HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital that provided funds for portable dental equipment. Seal-a-Smile is designed to prevent dental decay and promote oral health as a part of a child’s total health care plan by increasing the number of dental sealants on children’s teeth through community-based sealant initiatives. The portable equipment allowed the Dental Clinic to provide a full-service restorative dental program in the schools for the 2015-2016 term so that, in addition to offering the sealants, hygienists could clean teeth and dentists could take care of cavities, perform baby root canals and extract baby teeth. “Oral health continues to be one of the largest areas of need among the low-income population and has actually been the cause, for many Emergency Department visits. When we reviewed the grant request, we realized developing a program like this would give children a great start in their oral health care and help them avoid serious oral health complications later,” said Mary Paluchniak, RN, BSN, facilitator, outreach, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital. During the 2015-2016 school term, the portable restorative dentistry program cared for 912 students. The program visited all 26 schools in the Sheboygan Area School District from pre-Kindergarten through high school and the five Head Start schools. Due to its portability, the restorative dental outreach program did not have to end with the school year. “Since our dental hygienists and dentists are on staff, we are able to expand the program making this a year-round outreach service,” said Blanchard Stearns. Over the summer, the portable oral health team visited summer school sessions, The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Club. “We are thrilled that the school program was successful and that, thanks to HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital’s support, we can continue to serve populations in need of this program.”

HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan


Hospitals Connecting with Their Communities

Hospitals have never let the boundaries of their campuses define their level of engagement with the community. Hospitals are a part of the fabric of the community, and as such, through their community health needs assessment process, use their resources to focus on factors that not only improve people’s health status, but also create a healthier environment to live, work and play.

Saving the Boy Next Door Suicide. It rocks the cores of those left to deal. It’s the second leading cause of death among teens. And it’s the top concern of people in the Chippewa Valley according to HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment. That’s why 3D Community Health: Body.Mind.Spirit, a service of the hospital, has made mental health awareness its first priority. Rhonda Brown and her team with our 3D Community Health, had a vision two years ago. Chippewa and Eau Claire counties have the highest suicide rates in the state, and they wanted to help change that statistic. They wanted to save lives.

The Beginning First, 22 people were trained in QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer. It’s not

about teaching people how to counsel someone in need. It’s about giving them tools to identify someone who’s struggling, to persuade them to get help and to refer them to appropriate resources. Those people – the trainers -- are from the community. They work in health care, places of worship, the corner store. They are moms, dads, friends, grandmas, grandpas and the girl next door. They are neighbors. They learned the ins and outs of QPR, and on a volunteer basis, they’re teaching it to anyone who wants to learn.365 Days

In full swing, trainers educated 2,399 adults and students in the Chippewa Valley from July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016. Staff and volunteers held 90 classes at 90 minutes each. That’s 2,399 people who practiced ways to ask a friend or family member if he or she is thinking about suicide. And 2,399 people who have numbers at their fingertips of local resources that can be called or texted at a moment’s notice. Suicide. Let that word sit with you for a second. The hospital’s efforts are more than awareness and stigma. It’s about action.

HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire

Photo submitted by HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire


Addressing AODA in the Workplace Maintaining a healthy workforce is vital to economic success. Alcohol and drug abuse (AODA) in the workplace impact safety and productivity and thus impact the economic success of area businesses. Excessive alcohol use is estimated to cost $46.7 million per year in Shawano County, including $33.7 million in lost productivity. The cost of excessive alcohol use in Menominee County is $6.5 million per year, with $4.7 million in lost productivity. “Everything’s changing from a substance abuse standpoint,” said Polly Elrod, account executive with ThedaCare At Work. “Employers need to be cognizant of what is out there.” The Shawano and Menominee Community Health Action Teams (CHAT) sponsored by ThedaCare identified alcohol and drug abuse as its number one priority. It identified initiatives such as a project to target binge drinking with posters, handouts and talking points. Another group explored the impact of early release times from high school and the amount of idle time students have before parents return from work. A group of employers wanted to address the issues of AODA in the workplace. In spring of 2014, eight local business leaders met with CHAT leadership and suggested meeting with human resource managers to get their first-hand experience with this issue. After a group of seven HR representatives from the larger employers met to share experiences, they wanted to find ways to continue to share, stay updated on best practices, and understand the resources available to them and their employees. Although this group represented the larger employers, they identified the needs of small employers would be similar and small employers might not have accesses to the same resources. The findings of the HR meeting were taken to CHAT, which is led by co-chairs Dorothy Erdmann, President of ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, and Ed Grys, retired business leader. CHAT supported providing a series of breakfast workshops that would address the issue, build relationships, and explore common methods to address the problems faced in business. Grants were received from Shawano Vision 2017 and Shawano/Menominee CHAT to conduct four workshops from January 2015 until January 2016. “We had a presentation on the different types of drugs, names for them and what to look for,” said Elrod, noting the presentation provided education as well as a talk about substance abuse policies and how to implement them. “It has been eye opening for the employers,” said Elrod. “The goal is to be able to make sure everybody is safe,” she said. “We’re trying to create awareness and testing, but then how do you get employees the help they need? We are helping the employer and the employee. Not everyone is an abuser. Sometimes they just make bad choices. We want to make it safe for everyone in the workplace. It affects all of us. Substance abuse is not a certain category of people.” The HR team recognized small business leaders needed additional support in their workplaces, as most do not have human resource personnel. A web-based site is under construction that will have links to governmental, legal, and other local support services for employers and employees.

ThedaCare Medical Center, Shawano

Leadership Improves Community’s Mental Health In 2013, when Door County Medical Center’s (DCMC) Community Health Needs Assessment indicated mental health as one of the county’s top three areas of need, the organization’s leadership decided to act. By 2015, the rural hospital and clinic launched an innovative Behavioral Health Integration Program designed to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of primary care patients. The program serves adults and adolescents needing support with depression, risky alcohol or other drug use and tobacco cessation. Services are provided in collaboration with primary care providers by licensed clinical social workers or a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. “We know the health of the mind and the body are deeply connected,” says Barb Johnson-Giese, LCSW, DCMC’s behavioral health coordinator. “At some time in their lives, almost everyone needs behavioral health services due to changes in their health, relationships or family dynamics. Our goal is to help our patients change behaviors that interfere with a healthy lifestyle.” In early 2016, DCMC helped lead another Community Health Needs Assessment, and mental health was still a top priority. “Significant steps have been made, including the creation of DCMC’s Behavioral Health Integration program, but our data indicated mental health continues to be a strong need in our community – just as it is in the nation as a whole,” says Johnson-Giese. Statistics showed that instances of suicide, bullying and child abuse are all higher in Door County than the state average. As a result of the new data, as well as demonstrated community need, DCMC expanded its mental health offerings to include psychotherapy services. “As the leaders of health and wellness in our community, we saw a need for more access to psychotherapeutic services, and decided we were the ones to help meet that need,” says Johnson-Giese. Psychotherapy and psychiatric services serve patients with moderate to severe mental health needs who require longer term care and may benefit from medication in addition to therapy. These programs are open to all community members and patients can self-refer for the service.In addition to providing mental health services, DCMC collaborates with community organizations to promote mental health, including sponsoring LEAP - The Human Kindness Project, an anti-bullying performance that involves at-risk youth in a multi-media performance, spurring community conversation. DCMC also supports the publication and distribution of a comprehensive guide to local mental health services, as well as promoting suicide prevention trainings following the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model, a research-based program that trains lay people to recognize and act on the warning signs of a suicide crisis. DCMC President/CEO Jerry Worrick credits the collaborative culture of the hospital for the honor. “We’re always looking to the community to learn how we can make life better for people,” he says. “Our emphasis on mental health is just another example of how we are being proactive to keep our community the healthiest it can be.”

Ministry Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay


Medication Collection, Disposal Benefits Community Health, Environment Eric Bashaw knew there was a need, but he underestimated the community response. “When we placed three medication collection boxes for the public in our facilities in early 2015, I figured it would take a number of months to fill them,” says Gundersen Health System’s director of environmental compliance. “We received nearly 1,000 pounds of medications in the first month.” The boxes have collected more than 7,800 pounds of medication since their placement. Gundersen is the first health system in the country to have medication collection boxes for the public, another example of Gundersen’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The boxes have also been recognized by the American Heart Association as part of Gundersen’s Fit Friendly Worksite honor for community innovation, and is a model of boxes now being used at Walgreens stores in Wisconsin. When the 2015 COMPASS NOW community needs assessment was conducted, illicit drug use, prescription drug abuse and over-the-counter drug misuse were each in the top 10 of health concerns, as expressed by respondents to the assessment survey. This need is reflected in the community health implementation plan for reducing substance abuse in our community. An action step is to continue to promote the medication collection boxes as a constant resource, particularly for those who may have only previously used the annual or biennial medication collection events hosted by local law enforcement and other groups. “This initiative takes Gundersen’s pharmaceutical waste collection program to another level,” Bashaw says. “The containers provide efficient, safe disposal for our staff and the public. This is the right thing to do for the environment and our community.” Patients and visitors to Gundersen and Gundersen employees can drop off prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications, medical ointments and lotions and liquid medications in sealed containers in the boxes. The medications are emptied from the boxes, incinerated and taken to a secure disposal site, all under Gundersen employee observation. Needles, IV bags, infectious waste, thermometers, medicines from businesses, hydrogen peroxide, batteries, household chemicals and cosmetics are not accepted in the boxes.

Gundersen Health System, La Crosse

Deciding How, or If, you Should Share your Mental Health Story In the split second someone asks about your mental health, it may be difficult deciding how or even if to share your journey—even more so if you’re a teenager. Wisconsin Initiative for Stigma Elimination (WISE), a statewide coalition promoting inclusion and support for all affected by mental illness, offers Honest, Open, Proud-High School (HOP-HS), a program helping teens make decisions about disclosure. “HOP-HS helps youth in grades 8-12 who have faced a mental health challenge, diagnosed or not,” says Sue McKenzie, co-director of Rogers InHealth and co-facilitator of WISE. “In a series of five one-hour sessions, teens practice skills for reversing hurtful ‘self-talk’ and look at the costs/benefits of disclosing at work, school, or with friends.” Not every teen in the program chooses to disclose their story. Teens learn about levels of disclosure and how to reshape their story for different audiences. Youth practice ways to “test” someone as safe to disclose to, prepare responses to unanticipated reactions and are also invited to a check-in session one month after the program ends. HOP-HS was adapted from an adult version created by Patrick Corrigan, PsyD. “As WISE began using the HOP program, we realized a key age group was missing from the HOP suite of programs: youth,” says McKenzie. “So, WISE partnered with Corrigan to develop a version more relevant to youth.” The evidence-based adult HOP program demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in stigmatizing attitudes about self and others with mental illness, a decrease in depressive symptoms and anxiety about disclosure, and an increased willingness to seek help. Over 150 HOP-HS facilitators have been trained over the past year with additional trainings scheduled statewide for 2017. Facilitator trainings and HOP-HS sessions are funded by Rogers Memorial Hospital, Mental Health America (MHA)-WI, Project YES (Wisconsin Department of Health Services), NAMI WI, and other WISE partners. By year-end approximately 100 students will complete the program in randomized control trials. Rogers InHealth is an advocacy arm of Rogers Behavioral Health, and works to support reduction of stigma as part of Rogers’ response to community needs.

Rogers Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc, West Allis, Brown Deer


Hospital Connects with the Community As part of the strategy to address alcohol and drug abuse, which was identified in our 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment, Stoughton Hospital has been building and strengthening partnerships in the community. One of the strategies to reduce drugs in the community has been collaboration with the Stoughton Wellness Coalition (SWC). For over eight years we have been involved with a successful medication and sharps collection that happens twice a year. Collaboration between the hospital, schools, city, Stoughton Fire Department, EMS, local pharmacies, senior center, civic organizations, and pharmacy students makes this a successful event. Over 4,000 pounds of unwanted medications have

been collected in the last eight years. More recently, SWC and Stoughton Hospital Home Health have collaborated to initiate a prescription drug lock box program. Free lock boxes are offered to home health patients to assist them in keeping medications safe. Just this past year the hospital was instrumental in connecting the SWC in Dane County with Building a Stronger Evansville (BASE) from Rock County. The coalitions applied for a Drug Free Community Mentor Grant where BASE is the mentee and SWC is the mentor. The coalitions were successful in receiving $150,000 for two years to build capacity and knowledge of the strategic prevention framework. The SWC, with hospital support, was also successful in receiving the Partnership for Success grant in collaboration with Safe Communities Dane County. Funding will support implementation of the Dose of Reality public awareness campaign (http://doseofrealitywi.gov), purchasing medication lock boxes and marketing materials, implementation of a school-based curriculum called Life Skills (http://lifeskillstraining.com) and training for Stoughton police officers. Stoughton Hospital has made a commitment to continue our collaboration with local coalitions and build partnerships as we work together to make a difference in our community.

Stoughton Hospital

Partnership Plays Integral Role in Statewide Mental Health Series In summer 2015, USA Today Network-Wisconsin approached Bellin Health about participating in an interview that would help guide reporting for its upcoming series on child mental health. Bellin Psychiatric Center President Sharla Baenen was happy to grant that interview. But she, along with health system leadership, knew it wasn’t enough. Bellin had the opportunity to help shine a light on this incredibly important topic, in Northeast Wisconsin and beyond. Baenen’s interview launched a partnership that lasted for the better part of a year — a partnership that continues to shape how we approach mental health access and coordination across Wisconsin. Few would argue it’s a critical issue. Mental health was one of four health priorities identified by the 2014 Brown County Community Health Assessment, and it has constantly been a top priority for health and political officials statewide. The picture for our young people is particularly dire, which is what led the media network to launch its 25-journalist, 44-story series, Kids in Crisis. Bellin Health became a resource for multiple Kids in Crisis stories, with experts sharing their experience and expertise with reporters locally and statewide. Bellin’s groundbreaking work in team-based care, which integrates mental health specialists into primary care teams and takes other steps to address mental health issues, was featured in an in-depth multimedia package that included a front-page story, photos and an online video. As Kids in Crisis grew, so did the health system’s involvement. Bellin began providing underwriting support for the series, and key personnel attended or served as expert panelists in 5 of the 10 Kids in Crisis town hall meetings held statewide. The health system also played a key role in the series’ large-scale culminating event, a statewide call-to-action day held in Madison on May 5, 2016, which is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Baenen offered keynote remarks and issued recommendations, while Bellin Counselor Dan Gesell shared his first-hand perspective on how best to help kids. Children’s mental health continues to be a pressing issue, and Bellin Health remains dedicated to impacting meaningful change.

Bellin Health System, Green Bay

Volunteer pharmacy students at 2016 Stoughton medication drop

Naomi Shep, RN, Stoughton Hospital Home

Health Case Manager with Medication Lock Box


Zero Suicide Initiative Brings Community Together to Improve Mental Health Mental health has been recognized as a top priority by community members and health care organizations across Wisconsin. In the Fox Valley, suicide prevention was specifically identified as one of several mental health efforts requiring collective effort and engagement by the community and local health care systems. Enter the Zero Suicide initiative, which is comprised of a group of Fox Valley community members and other key stakeholders committed to suicide prevention in health and behavioral health care systems. The initiative includes specific strategies and tools, such as engaging health care system representatives to create a zero suicide culture in their facilities by conducting an organizational self-assessment to evaluate policies and procedures regarding suicide and suicide prevention. From mid-2015 to early 2016, a Zero Suicide Workforce Survey was sent to select associates at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Mercy Medical Center to assess knowledge, practices and confidence related to managing suicide prevention. Additionally, a Zero Suicide Organizational Self-Study was completed to assess what components of the comprehensive Zero Suicide approach each hospital currently had in place. Based on survey and self-study results, hospital policy changes were implemented:

y All discharge instructions for behavioral health and emergency department patients include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number, as well as information about locking up all medications and weapons in the home.

y Assessment improvements now include protective factors and lethal means questions. y A suicide prevention online training was developed for all hospital associates to learn more about mental health and suicide

prevention. These changes allow our hospitals to better help patients and community members as we continue to improve suicide prevention efforts.

St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton; Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh; and Calumet Medical Center, Chilton

Working with Local Agency to Provide Suicide Prevention Education Suicide takes over 800 lives in Wisconsin each year and is known to take the life of a young person every two hours. Rural areas in Wisconsin and the Midwest have a higher rate of suicide, due in part to a cultural acceptance of drinking and owning firearms. Men 45-54 are at the highest rate of suicide. Suicide is preventable, but it is a topic that many people feel uncomfortable talking about. Upland Hills Health (UHH) took a step toward pulling back the curtain on this topic. UHH accepted an invitation from the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Iowa County to join together to bring QPR training to Dodgeville, WI. QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer, three easy steps to identify potential suicide risks and how to get help for an individual. Seven, 90-minute sessions were offered throughout one day at UHH. This intense schedule was set in an effort to accommodate all types of schedules and commitments. The goal was to make it easy for anyone in the community to find a session they could attend. A QPR master trainer facilitated the education. Just under 100 people attended the sessions with very positive reviews. Sue Springer Judd, coordinator of the event, said her personal goal will be realized when people are as comfortable wearing a t-shirt that says Suicide Survivor as they are wearing Cancer Survivor. Then we will know that suicide has been brought into the light and perhaps the troubling statistics will drop significantly.

Upland Hills Health, Inc., Dodgeville

Community Health Needs Assessment: AODA Burnett Medical Center (BMC) proudly serves as the only hospital in Burnett County, but we are not alone when it comes to wanting to improve our community’s health. Being located in a rural area, key partnerships help make a difference in the lives of the community. We collaborated with Burnett County Public Health and the St. Croix Tribal Health Clinic to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) in 2013 and 2016. In partnership with Burnett County Public Health, BMC formed “Healthy Burnett” in 2013 to engage community partners and members to work collaboratively and promote the health of Burnett County. By bringing key community stakeholders together, Healthy Burnett creates an infrastructure for continual health improvement. The 2016 CHNA has identified alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) to be the county’s most significant health need, while behavioral health and tobacco use were ranked second and third respectively. Healthy Burnett is in the planning stage but BMC has already addressed a few AODA objectives. For example, to increase health education and promotion of current resources, BMC partnered with Restorative Justice, a non-profit agency that works to help those affected by crime to find peace and healing. Together we hosted “Hiding in Plain Sight,” a mock bedroom demonstration that allows participants to actively find drugs and drug paraphernalia that may be hiding in plain sight in their kid’s room. An event like this educates and provides adults with awareness about AODA and promotes BMC and Restorative Justice as resources if AODA information or help is sought after. Another objective BMC has started implementing is decreasing the incidents of perinatal drug use and its impact on newborns. Under Healthy Burnett, there is a Perinatal Illicit Drug Use Task Force that deals with just that and BMC is an active member. Our hope with these objective activities is that they will provide resources to community members on the risks of AODA, provide methods of identifying AODA behaviors, provide early identification and counseling/treatment regarding perinatal drug use and decrease the incidence of adverse outcomes for newborns.

Burnett Medical Center, Grantsburg


Healthy Community Coalitions Making a Difference with School Gardens Every year, Fort HealthCare conducts an annual survey to assess the perception of the effectiveness of our organization’s community benefit efforts in addressing the health needs of our community. A key finding in the past several surveys has been a desire for residents to have better access to healthy and nutritious food. This goal is widespread where we live; it’s not just an idea initiated by our health system. Programs tackling this movement for change exist among several local groups, schools, and the seven Healthy Community Coalitions that we support. The past year brought a number of new initiatives in the locally grown food arena to our schools – including a School Garden Summit we hosted, designed to connect people, bring knowledge and resources together surrounding farm-to-school efforts in our eight-community service area. Our community understands that investing in the health of young people in many ways influences how healthy they will be as adults, and school gardens help teach the nutritional value of healthy food choices. This

commitment to the betterment of our population’s future directly supports our mission and vision. While we celebrate all of the participating school gardens in our region, we highlight the elementary school in Lake Mills for raising more awareness in their community surrounding their commitment to supply locally grown food to students. The Lake Mills Area School District and Lake Mills Wellness Coalition (directly supported by Fort HealthCare) held a “harvest party” that garnered local media attention. The celebration brought about awareness to the school garden area that was installed this year and presented a number of educational activities for families. Additionally, a local chef took vegetables harvested that afternoon from the school garden and brought back trays of freshly prepared food for attendees to enjoy only

hours later at the event. The circle of freshness and nutrition was shared in that community, and encouragement to support local farms and a grow-your-own-food movement was encouraged.

Fort HealthCare, Fort Atkinson

Cultivating Fresh Food for a Growing Concern It doesn’t take much. It could be an unforeseen expense that starts the downward spiral. Or a layoff in the family. Down. Down. Down. Until a family that used to get by living paycheck to paycheck can no longer pay the bills. That’s when most families begin to feel food insecure – they are unable to access enough nutritionally adequate foods and are unable to obtain them in a socially acceptable way. During the last Chippewa County census in 2010, it was revealed that 14 percent of Chippewa County residents are considered food insecure – more than 8,700 people. When HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment in 2012 and determined food insecurity was a top concern, the hospital answered back. HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Reverence for the Earth Committee prepped the new Community Garden in its first growing season in 2013. Throughout the season, the plots on property adjacent to L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls were sowed by volunteer gardeners, and a few hundred pounds of fresh vegetables were harvested. That food was taken directly to food banks throughout Chippewa County to be distributed to people in need. Although the yield was good, the Reverence for the Earth Committee knew it could do better. With Roger Elliott, hospital plant services director at the helm, the garden welcomed an eight-foot tall fence to keep pesky deer and bored teens locked out of the garden. And the community watched that little garden grow. In the 2015 growing season, volunteers reaped more than 1,080 pounds of produce for those in need. In 2016, so far the weight of donated food has nearly doubled. In a community like Chippewa Falls, where people are prideful and humble, food insecurity often is overlooked. Now those people in need have one less thing to worry about as they get back on their feet.

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chippewa Falls


Double Your Bucks at the Farmers’ Market In keeping with the Community Health Needs Assessment goal of prioritizing the physical activity and nutrition of the poorer population of Sheboygan County, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital provided financial support for Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization (SCIO) to offer a Double Your Bucks program at the Sheboygan Farmers’ Market. Double Your Bucks days are offered on Children’s Day at the Farmers’ Market. The program allows people to swipe their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and double their dollars up to $10. At the same time, they are entered into a raffle to win a prize – a crock pot, immersion blender, regular blender, small chopper or a complete knife set. This is a great opportunity for people to buy locally grown, nutritious produce. The hospital’s added incentive of raffle prizes helps people not only obtain the nutritious food, but also in being better equipped to prepare it. “In the first month, 17 unique users swiped their cards for a total of $162 matched voucher funds,” said said Mary Paluchniak, RN, BSN, facilitator, outreach, HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital. This is a significant increase over any of the non-Double Your Bucks days where an average of four people swipe their cards. People can only use their tokens and Double Your Bucks vouchers at vendor booths that sell vegetables, fruits and herbs. SCIO compliments the program with recipe sheets. We want people to have every opportunity to purchase, prepare and eat healthy foods. Giving them recipe ideas for the common and not-so-common fruits, vegetables and herbs helps ensure they will utilize the produce in the healthiest way possible. Double Your Bucks is more than helping low-income families obtain healthy nutritional food. This program is also a way to connect them to the larger community, they get to know their neighbors and see how many people from all walks of life share a common interest – of purchasing healthy locally grown produce for their families. There is something very energizing for people to feel they are part of the buzz; it is a powerful added benefit of this great program.

HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan

Primary Community Health Need: Nutrition & Healthy Foods Nutrition and healthy foods is one of the primary needs identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment of Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics, Taylor County Health Department, and Price County Health Department. One significant action Aspirus Medford took to address this important health need was to hire a second nutrition therapist to better meet the needs of people living in the communities we serve. Educating the public through free seminars and food demonstrations is among this individual’s responsibilities. In the past year, we’ve also held numerous free education sessions for the public to show that eating healthy can be easy, delicious, and affordable. For example, our Heart Healthy Eating class breaks down the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan and how to adopt it, shares easy-to-use recipes and includes a tasty heart-healthy lunch. Aspirus Medford also offers free Whip It Up & Work It Out classes (in partnership with Medford County Market) aimed at introducing participants to healthy foods and recipes as well as fun exercises. To reach people who don’t sign up for free classes, Aspirus Medford provided a Simple Salad Dressings & Naturally Energizing Foods healthy cooking demonstration at the Medford Home & Business Expo in March. More than 4,000 people attend this expo yearly. To encourage young people to commit to good nutrition during childhood, Aspirus Medford helps financially support Taylor County Pure Performance, a collaboration between the county’s three school districts. This is a student-led, adult-directed group that promotes proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise; participation in extracurricular activities; and avoidance of alcohol and drugs. Students learn how nutrition impacts their ability to perform in the classroom and on the field, emphasizing eating for performance and how to successfully meet nutritional needs. Aspirus Medford also helps sponsor the 5-2-1-0 program in both Taylor and Price counties. The aim of this program is to encourage people to eat five or more fruits and vegetables daily, spend two hours or less a day on recreational screen time, get one hour or more of physical activity per day, and consume zero sugary drinks (choosing water or low-fat milk instead).

Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics

Kathy Hemer, MSN, FNP-BC, family medicine provider at Aspirus Medford Clinic, speaks to Whip It Up & Work It Out attendees. The combined nutrition and exercise class is a partnership between Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics and Medford County Market.


Jackson County Farmers Market: Area Agencies Collaborate for Better Health Through a collaborative effort of area agencies and organizations, 2016 marked the first year of the Jackson County Farmers Market (JCFM). For years, a small downtown market and an Amish market were the only farmer’s market venues where people could purchase fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. The JCFM group formed with the sole purpose of creating

expanded market options to the Jackson County community. Partners included UW Extension, the Lunda Community Center, Black River Memorial Hospital, Women, Infants & Children (WIC), Jackson County

Board of Supervisors, Together for Jackson County Kids (TFJCK), Jackson In Action, several local master gardeners and students from the Black River Falls School District. To encourage healthy eating to those most vulnerable to food insecurity, the county WIC program provides food vouchers for the purchase of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs each month. Many of the food vendors at the JCFM are WIC certified so residents enrolled in the program can spend their vouchers on fruits and vegetables to enhance the health of their families. The overall health of Jackson County has been a concern as shown by statistical analysis by the UW Madison Population Health Institute who annually produces the County Health Rankings. Jackson County currently ranks 45th out of 72 counties within the state. Collaboration among partners has been crucial to the improvements that continue to positively impact our community; however, Jackson County still has a high obesity rate of 33 percent. While the JCFM is in its early stages, the first measureable impacts will be realized after the initial season. One factor for evaluation will an improved usage of the WIC vouchers spent at the Market. One hundred nineteen families received specific Farmer’s Market vouchers during the summer of 2015, providing $2,023 to spend and only $987 redeemed. The current goal is to have 75 percent of WIC recipients redeeming their vouchers as compared to 58 percent in 2015.

Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls

Do our Patients Have Enough to Eat? In the past year, have you worried about running out of food? Has your food supply run out before you had financial resources to buy more? These are the two questions that staff at Hudson Hospital & Clinic is routinely asking their Medical/Surgical and Birth Center inpatients to determine whether patients have a food insecurity. The United States Food and Drug Administration define food insecurity as "the lack of access – at times – to enough healthy food for an active, healthy life." When people are food insecure and lack adequate resources to access healthy food, they often make tradeoffs that can worsen or contribute to chronic health conditions. Determining food insecurity among patients is part of a pilot program between Hudson Hospital & Clinic and the Hunger and Environment Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Using a validated Food Insecurity Screen Tool, one out of 10 Hudson Hospital patients to date answered “sometimes” or “often” to one or both of the questions. During her health assessment for food insecurity, a Hudson Hospital Birth Center patient shared, “I’ve struggled in the past with putting enough food on the table for my family; I’m glad you’re asking these questions and providing information to help me.” Individuals responding sometimes or often to one or both health assessment questions are offered a consultation with Social Services to obtain food shelf locations, food distribution sites, cooking on a budget and healthy eating on a budget information. The two assessment questions are part of the hospital and clinic’s electronic health records system and will soon become part of all patient health assessments. While St. Croix County is considered a relatively wealthy county in Wisconsin, Hudson Hospital & Clinic’s most recent community health needs assessment found approximately one in 11 households in the county are food insecure (Feeding America, 2012). “Without access to adequate and healthful food, it could be difficult for patients to heal, follow a dietary treatment and care for themselves,” says Jean Weiler, RD, clinical dietitian at Hudson Hospital & Clinic. “It’s important for us to address all aspects of our patients’ health.”

Hudson Hospital & Clinic, Hudson

Hundreds of buyers come through the Jackson County Farmers Market each week to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables.


Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice “We’re back for more fruit! My daughter can’t get enough of the strawberries and blueberries; she’s on her third container.” “This is really cool. Thanks for offering this! Will you be back next year?” “I thought I’d have a veggie cup with my cheese curds. Balance it out a little!”

These are just a few of the comments from customers that visited the Westfields Hospital & Clinic food truck this past summer at the New Richmond Summer Festival. With such a large percentage of St. Croix County children and adults overweight and obese, Westfields Hospital & Clinic identified chronic disease and illness prevention as one of their top health priorities. Approximately 28 percent of adults age 20 and older self-report that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30.0 (obese) in St. Croix County. In 2014, Westfields Hospital & Clinic launched PowerUp, a community-wide youth health initiative to make it easy, fun and popular to eat better and be active so youth can reach their full potential. In partnership with schools, families, organizations and the entire community, it is a long-

term commitment to create healthier communities throughout the St. Croix Valley. “Making healthy food options available at community events was one of the top areas parents told us they would like us to focus our efforts. We’re working hard to improve the health environment of our community and truly make the healthy choice the easy choice,” says Kelly Monson, community health coordinator at Westfields Hospital & Clinic. The mobile food truck offered up “better for you” food options including a veggie wrap, turkey, ham and cheese wrap, fruit cup, veggie cup, sweet potato multi grain chips, water and unsweetened iced tea. These food options were not only healthy but also affordable and convenient for families. PowerUp will offer the mobile food truck for future summer festivals, school events, farmers markets and other activities. In addition to offering healthier food at events, we’re working with food pantries, schools, businesses and even our own campus to improve access to fruits and vegetables, and more healthful foods.

Westfields Hospital & Clinic, New Richmond

Growing Healthy Families A dilapidated property has been transformed into the new ProHealth Care Community Garden, which now beautifies Waukesha’s Tower Hill neighborhood. The new garden serves as an educational site for the new health promoter program Growing Healthy Families, run by the staff of the Hispanic Health Resource Center. The goal of the program is to lower the risk of chronic disease and achieve healthier lifestyles through teaching healthy eating and exercise. This year, more than 50 Hispanic seniors, children and parents planted and grew vegetables at the garden. The participants also learned about nutrition education and physical activity through gardening. The site includes 20 raised gardening beds that produce 18 varieties of fruits and vegetables. By early fall, participants had harvested and taken home more than 200 pounds of fresh produce, including heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and squash. Construction of the site took two years to complete from demolition to the construction of raised gardening beds and landscaping. The garden was made possible by the generous support of the ProHealth Care Foundation, a grant from the Green Bay Packers Foundation and the collaboration of community partners SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, UW-Extension and Riley Construction.

ProHealth Care Waukesha Memorial Hospital


Best Birthday Party Ever! “This is the best day ever!” exclaimed a five-year-old girl at the birthday party for a giant carrot named Chomp. This was no ordinary birthday party, but maybe the giant carrot gave that away. Chomp is the beloved mascot of PowerUp, which turned three years old in May 2016. PowerUp is a community-wide initiative to make it easy, fun and popular to eat better and be active so youth can reach their full potential. It is a long-term commitment to create healthier communities throughout the St. Croix Valley and in partnership with schools, families, organizations and the entire community.

This birthday party was the first of its kind for Amery, a community that PowerUp only recently expanded to in the fall of 2015. It featured a multitude of games and a cake made entirely of fresh fruit. The birthday was part of a larger celebration known as “PowerUp for Kids Week” that took place across the St. Croix Valley. In Amery, the week kicked off with three events: a free Family 2K run/walk, Chomp’s birthday, and a food-shopping scavenger hunt at the local grocery store. Over 120 kids and parents participated in the Family 2K run/walk – all moving their bodies on a crisp Saturday morning. Thankfully, Chomp, PowerUp’s mascot, was there to lead warm-up stretches to get everyone ready to go. After the race, the fun moved to the local library, which hosted Chomp’s birthday party and welcomed 30+ kids who exclaimed that they wanted their next cake made of fruit, just like Chomp’s! And lastly, Chomp greeted shoppers at the local grocery store to hand out

baby carrots and led a scavenger hunt for 20+ kids to find different varieties of lettuce and the average weight of an orange. It was the best day ever for that little girl, who followed a giant carrot around all day. And for the community, it was about having an environment that made it easy for everyone to move their bodies, eat better and have fun doing so!

Amery Hospital & Clinic, Amery

Project Farmers Markets: Making Good Food More Affordable in Wisconsin Communities The growing interest in locally-grown, sustainable, high-quality foods has been spreading around the globe since the founding of the Slow Food movement in Italy in the late 1980s. Carlo Petrini, founder of the movement, is but one of many advocates for changing the way we eat by challenging people to know where their food comes from and how it was grown. Over the past two decades, local farmers markets have been established in larger and smaller communities across the United States and in Wisconsin. As small farms bring their livestock and crops to market, the higher cost of food which often occurs is seen as a barrier for struggling families, since the scale of the small farm often cannot compete with crops and livestock raised in an industrial farm setting. As an acknowledgment of the need to make locally-sourced and sustainable foods more affordable, Ministry Health Care, part of Ascension, and its affiliated facilities worked to establish and expand existing outreach programs to six farmers markets in the Fox Valley, Central and Northern Wisconsin—Appleton, Oshkosh, Stevens Point, Merrill, Tomahawk and Wausau. Funds were provided to each of the markets to help sustain or expand their operations and more importantly, establish a pool of funds to assist those in need with increased access to food from the markets. The largest portion of the grants were made to supplement the federally-funded SNAP program administered at the state level as FMNP—Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and locally as the EBT program. Working with the markets and local agencies, Ministry and its local facilities are attempting to assist struggling individuals and families to purchase foods by offering additional funds to use for market purchases. Each of the local groups also provides tracking information to help evaluate the success of this effort and plan for the future. Approximately $50,000 was provided for the programs and early indications are the effort is working. Organizers plan to review usage of the programs each year to chart the course for future efforts.

St. Elizabeth Hospital, AppletonMercy Medical Center, Oshkosh

Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, MerrillMinistry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point

Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital, TomahawkMinistry Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston


WeekEnd Backpack Program Through data and information gathered and analyzed from the Aspirus Langlade Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment, it was brought to our attention that a noteworthy number of students were coming to school on Mondays unengaged, hungry, anxious, and unable to focus. The assessment also identified that our community has a large percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunches, more than the state average, and this number continues to climb. It was a community goal to find a program that has been successful in other communities that have experienced similar challenges. Through the collaboration of many community sectors, the WeekEnd Backpack (WEB) Program was established. This program has successfully offered ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare items for children for them to eat over the weekend. The pilot program began with one school where 80 percent of the student population is on free or reduced lunch. Because of the success, in February 2016, a second school was added. At the end of the 2015-2016 school year, the program served a total of 136 children from 60 different families from two area schools. Through a survey of the pilot year, teachers reported students using the WEB program are noticeably more alert, have an improved mood, and are less irritable and more focused, specifically on Mondays. Teachers also noted that students were not as hungry on Mondays as in the past. We are excited to announce for the 2016-2017 school year, the WEB Program is expanding throughout the Antigo Unified School District along with one parochial school in the area. This will include nine area schools, estimating more than 340 children and approximately 155 families to benefit from the food provided in the backpacks. The program will begin in October and run for 32 weeks. Once established locally, it is the WEB program’s goal to expand to include other districts identified within our county lines. Pictured is the WEB program expanding for the first time, adding a school during the Pilot 2015-2016 school year.

Aspirus Langlade Hospital, Antigo

Small Space Gardens Connect People to Healthy Foods in Their Own Backyards A 2015 community health needs assessment identified chronic disease and contributors to chronic disease as a key issue for the greater La Crosse region. Chronic diseases like obesity are largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than two-thirds of adults are overweight. Additionally, less than 25 percent of adults in the region reported consuming the recommended two daily servings of fruit and three daily servings of vegetables. By encouraging people to grow, eat and prepare their own natural foods to support good health, Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse is committed to promoting access to healthy foods. In 2016, the organization collaborated with WisCorps, a nonprofit conservation group, to assemble and sell 200 square foot gardening kits, at cost. The square foot gardening technique used worldwide was developed by Mel Bartholomew in the late 1970s to promote simple, small-space gardening methods. The kits included a wood frame, hardware, a rope grid system, directions and eight cubic feet of nutrient-rich organic bed mix. The kit is an easy tool that can be used

anywhere. Those who purchase and use the square foot gardening kits learn gardening techniques, spend more time outside and have increased access to fresh produce. “The easy to assemble square foot garden kits are a great way for people to spend time outdoors, gain gardening skills and consume more fruits and vegetables. The main advantage of square foot gardening is providing access to healthy foods right in your backyard. They are ideal if you do not have a lot of space for a big, traditional garden. They require less time, less water and less weeding — and you still get an amazing harvest,” says Cindy Shireman, sustainability coordinator at Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse. Franciscan Healthcare relies on community partnerships to share the joys of gardening and the benefits of consuming fresh, healthy foods with people across the region. Other collaborations include: sponsoring GROW La Crosse, an organization dedicated to connecting children to healthy food and nature; community gardens; vermicomposting (composting with worms); edible landscape displays and a horticulture education center. A mobile teaching kitchen allows Franciscan Healthcare experts to teach families how to use fresh foods to create delicious, easy meals.

Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse


One Step at a Time…The Next Step Programs to help community members in northern Wisconsin adopt healthy lifestyles were expanded thanks to the “One Step at a Time…The Next Step – Good Nutrition is for Everyone” project. Funded by the Ministry Health Care Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) grant program, the project encouraged community members to increase physical activity and improve nutrition choices. Ministry Saint Mary’s, Rhinelander, Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital and Howard Young Medical Center, all part of Ascension, in collaboration with Ministry Medical Group clinics and community partners, encouraged good nutrition through point-of-decision prompts and installed water bottle filling stations throughout area schools to promote water consumption. Additionally, the Ministry Kick Start training program, an 8-10 week physical activity program (offered in Rhinelander, Crandon and Eagle River), helped participants work toward completing a 5k and achieving fitness goals. As a result of the Ministry Kick Start training program:

y All participants reported at least a 75 percent increase in their physical activity; y Participants reported a 50 percent decrease in their consumption of energy dense food/beverages; y A 50 percent increase in fruit and vegetable consumption was reported among participants; and y Rhinelander participants lost a combined total of 132 pounds.

Not only are the numbers impressive, but participant feedback highlights the remarkable work of the program: “This was a great program for me, as I haven’t been walking the last two years. I plan to continue walking and I owe it to the program for my success.” - Eagle River Participant The team working on this project far surpassed what they had originally set out to do. They were able to install two extra water bottle filling stations in addition to the original 12, and added an extra Ministry Kick Start site. Not only did the Kick Start program increase in number of locations, but there was a 25 percent increase in the number of participants compared to last year, for a total of 122 individuals. Thanks to the team’s efforts and sustainability of project initiatives, community members will benefit for years to come. “It is remarkable to see what lifestyle changes people can make when community partners collaborate on these efforts,” said Hope Williams, RD, CD, CDE, CLS, a health coach with Ministry Medical Group. “The impact on the community is so positive when we work

together to implement initiatives like installing the water bottle filling stations. Providing this benefit to our community members and seeing the result of these initiatives is what Ministry’s mission is all about.” Ministry Health Care’s HEAL grant program, established in 2014, provides funds to support local programs that promote a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and physical activity. The purpose of the grants is to address this health priority at the community level.

Ministry St. Mary’s Hospital, Rhinelander; Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital, Eagle River; Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff; Ministry Medical Group, Northern Region Clinics

Addressing Physical Activity with Community Partners In 2012, during the hospital’s most recent CHNA, key informants noted nutrition and physical activity as one of the top five health issues for Milwaukee County, given that inactive adults have a higher risk for obesity, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers, depression and other health conditions. As a dedicated partner in the community for the past 57 years, Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore consults with partners such as the Healthiest Cudahy Coalition, the Oak Creek Health Department and two other health departments in the South Shore footprint to ensure collaborative efforts to address community health issues. On August 23, 2016, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele joined hospital president Carolynn Glocka at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new health trail in Warnimont Park, directly across from the hospital. The trail, funded in large part by the hospital, is designed to inspire people of all ages to move toward better fitness. Along the trail, users will find an elliptical station, an upper-body stretch station, balance steps and plyometric steps. Signage along the trail provides information on proper exercise techniques, correct body position, muscle groups targeted and links to instructional videos that can be viewed on a smart phone. Through our partnership with community organizations, the hospital was able to provide funding to advance work toward a healthier and stronger community through health education and physical activity promotion.

Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore, Milwaukee


‘Move It Club’ Provides Venue to Better Health Sometimes you have to provide just the right environment for kids to feel like moving and exercising. That’s just what Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC) has done through their "Move It Club." This grassroots idea was developed after brainstorming how to address childhood obesity issues, which were brought to light during the latest CHNA. This Club welcomed children & parents of all fitness levels with a goal to create a sense of confidence and accomplishment after each exercise/activity session in order to help participants be healthier & more fit. Specific goals were to:

y Increase physical activity, especially among those that are not currently in sports, with the goal of improving cardiovascular health;

y Introduce a fun, free physical activity for families that can be sustained throughout a lifetime; y Educate about the role nutrition plays in energy and endurance for physical activity; and, y Encourage adults to participate with their children.

This free walking and running club met twice a week in Reedsburg’s Webb Park, due to bussing transfer taking place near the park, allowing all children to participate with no transportation issues. Activities were held at Webb Park, or in Webb Middle School during inclement weather. Runners were timed at their first session, then again every month to see how long it took them to complete one lap. Move It! Club instructors educated on running techniques, how to work fitness into a busy life, ways to move & have fun, and nutrition. In addition to running and walking, other activities were introduced such as: kids yoga, pilates, piloxing, circuits, hula hoop fun, stations and so much more. The goal the first year was to complete a 5K, and we surpassed our goal. Eighty-five percent of the kids enrolled in the Move It Club completed our "Vet Fest 5K." This run was paid for by RAMC, with all runners receiving a t-shirt in addition to their runners high!

Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Reedsburg

Getting in the Zone to Create a Healthy Community Remember those drills we used to do in school PE class? While it felt like we were maybe being punished, our PE teacher was actually trying to help us! Getting our heart rate up meant burning off the chicken nuggets we had for lunch. According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. That is why Sauk Prairie Healthcare and Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation are proud to partner with the Sauk Prairie

School District to bring in a program called Heart Zones. Using smart devices in the form of a sensor that attaches to the forearm, bicep or calf, Heart Zones provides each student with real-time heart rate data to help them exercise in the appropriate exertion zone for their individual fitness level. To date, Sauk Prairie Healthcare invested $5,000 in the program. Ken Carlson, vice president of planning/business development, says Sauk Prairie Healthcare has a commitment to the community to help prevent health-related issues. “Sauk Prairie Healthcare isn’t here to just treat illness,” said Carlson. “A health care system should also help promote wellness and healthy habits. This program is an investment for the long-term that starts with children in our schools.” Eric Scheunemann, Sauk Prairie Schools Phy Ed instructor, points to this innovative program as a way technology can help people live healthier and longer lives, starting at an early age.

“The Heart Zones program gives students awareness of how fit they are on the inside regardless of the shape of their body and empowers parents to continue the focus on healthier living at home. It also allows PE teachers to measure outcomes and truly make a difference in how a student thinks about exercise and heart health.” said Scheunemann. Sauk Prairie Healthcare plans to partner with other surrounding school districts as it aims to help address the growing issue of obesity.

Sauk Prairie Healthcare, Prairie du Sac

Move It Club participants after completing their first 5K

Sauk Prairie physical education teacher Jacob Breunig shows students their individual heart rate profiles


Bringing Men’s Health Resources to Neighborhood Gathering Place Health education, wellness promotion and diabetes support for African American men and their families will be the focus of a new SSM Health-sponsored center that opened October 4 in Madison. The Rebalanced Life Wellness Men’s Health & Education Center is an expansion of JP Hair Design in Madison. The center helps the salon’s customers and their families increase physical activity, learn about healthy eating and nutrition, and promote volunteerism and social support. This new three-year partnership is being funded through SSM Health's Helping to Keep Dane County Healthy grant program. Aaron Perry, founder of the Rebalanced Life Wellness Association, is excited about the opportunity to share health tips and support to men where they are. “JP’s is a place that these men are already visiting on a monthly basis," he said. "If we can provide them health information where they already are comfortable, it’s a win.” With nine barbers and 12 chairs, JP Hair Design draws over 800 African American men each week. Those customers and other members of the community will now have convenient access to the adjacent Men’s Health & Education Center where they can receive common health screenings such as blood pressure checks and eye checks. They will also have access to health education resources, including a computer to research health issues. The Center will be supported by clinicians from SSM Health and other organizations in the community who are supporting the project. The Rebalanced Life Wellness Association is a group on an important mission: To reduce the health issues that adversely affect African American men living in Dane County. With a special focus on chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, the group uses special outreach events to help educate men about health issues and connect them with services aimed at improving their quality of life and overall health. This is just the first year of this partnership, so we are all looking forward to the continued growth of this exciting collaboration.

SSM Health-Wisconsin, Madison

Celebrating 20 Years of Sponsoring Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk! Grant Regional Health Center plans and participates in many health and wellness events throughout the year—the annual fun run/walk is just one example of how they get involved. They continue to make this an important part of the strategic plan in response to requests from surrounding communities to provide more wellness opportunities in the rural area. 2016 marked the 20th year of sponsoring this fun and meaningful event. According to the 2015 County Rankings, 23 percent of Grant County residents (adults aged 20 years and over) are considered physical inactive, reporting no leisure time physical activity. The state average is 22 percent. These stats only strengthen Grant Regional’s drive to continue this important community benefit.

Started back in 1996, the Fun Run/Walk has evolved over the past 20 years. The first several years it remained pretty true to its original design. Grant Regional’s Rehab department wanted a way to promote being more active during National Physical Therapy Month—so it was developed as a daytime, non-competitive run or walk. This event is not a fundraiser of any kind. It is strictly an event to promote fun and fitness. It encouraged participants of all levels including seniors through youth to join the event. As the years went by, the event grew larger and larger, drawing in people from the tristate region. It grew so much so that it was moved from the hospital to an off-site location to accommodate the hundreds of participants. The planning committee has involved the City of Lancaster staff, Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster Public Schools, Police and Fire and Grant County Cancer Coalition – making it a true community event. Four years ago it

was changed to an evening “glow run” which attracted almost 1,000 participants. And most recently this past August, the committee decided to change the event to a “Challenge 5K & Back to Class Dash.” New this year was also the addition of a seven-week Couch to 5K program leading up to the event in August.

Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster


Community Connectivity Though the collaborative efforts of HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls School District and Bellin Health, the Oconto Falls Trail System is under construction. The goal of the project is to create and maintain safe routes throughout Oconto Falls, as well as encourage more physical activity in the community, by connecting and extending the existing sidewalks and trails of the area. HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has committed to the construction of a 450-foot section of the trail along Main Street in front of the campus in an effort to generate support for the project and reduce the total length of the trail that would otherwise need to be funded by the trail committee. “My hope is that this section of sidewalk becomes the catalyst for garnering greater financial commitment from area businesses and organizations,” said David Lally, director of business development, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. “Once people see a new section complete, we hope individual community members will want to get involved in this project.” Luckily, community involvement is plentiful and plays an important part of the Oconto Falls community. Runners took their marks on June 4, 2016 for Oconto Falls’ Run for the Trails 5K/10K event. The event has helped raise money to develop and maintain the trail system. Within two years, it has already raised approximately $6,500. But that’s not all. Participants were given raffle tickets to participate in the health/safety fair that same day. The HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital campus was the perfect site for kids to gain hands on experience about safety. Even mascots such as Clicket the Cricket, Scruff McGruff, and Vince and Larry the Crash Test Dummies came by to say hello. “The health/safety fair brings the community together for a fun day to learn about living a healthy and safe life,” said Kathy Henne, clinical educator and EMS liaison, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital. In previous years, the health/safety fair focused exclusively on safety; but this year, more health-related topics were added. The event was a great success. The free event took place behind HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in the Oconto Falls Area Ambulance garage. It included a K-9 demonstration, ATV safety, Joints inMotion, drug lookalikes, a drop-off site for medications and gently-used home medical equipment. The Safe Kids of Oconto County organization made an appearance by positioning informational booths on fire safety, home safety, car seat safety, pedestrian safety, sleep safety and sports safety. There was also a teddy bear clinic presented by the Oconto Falls Ambulance, in which children were able to participate by bringing in their bears and dolls. Green Bay Packers strength and conditioning coach Mark Lovat also made an appearance to talk about the importance of proper nutrition for athletes of all ages. “From the community health needs assessment that was conducted for Oconto County, we identified physical activity and nutrition as areas of concern throughout the county. We felt the health/safety fair was a good venue to educate the community on the importance of adequate physical activity and good nutrition,” said Henne. The bike give-away is always an attraction for children who participate in the fair, added this year for appeal to adults were opportunities to win prizes such as Fitbits and healthy cookbooks. “Encouraging families to live an active, healthy lifestyle is our goal,” said Henne.

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls and Bellin Health Oconto Hospital, Oconto

Employees Made Good to Go Employee Volunteer Week Great for Kids in Berlin At Clay Lamberton Elementary School in Berlin, 36 ThedaCare employees, many from ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin, volunteered 134 hours for the Good to Go week, an event May 4-8, 2016 which promoted good nutrition and physical activity. ThedaCare paid the employees for their time volunteering. “Making healthy choices is not only about your physical activity level and your food choices, it’s also a mindset,” said Jean Blaney McGinnis, community health coordinator at ThedaCare and Good to Go project manager. “By making simple, small changes like the ones we are bringing to the school, young people can build on early success and begin to identify themselves as people who care about good health. Addressing obesity is ThedaCare’s number one community health priority, and starting early is the goal of Good to Go.” During the week, the kids enjoyed activities, listened to presentations and were encouraged and motivated to incorporate healthy habits. Some of the sessions at Clay Lamberton included a presentation to get children to think about what they are eating and drinking. “What you put in your mouth feeds your body and your mind,” said McGinnis. “Kids got to see the fat and sugar in their favorite foods –opening their eyes to what they are really drinking and eating!” The students learned that healthy eating should include healthy snacks, which they got to sample for themselves. ThedaCare employees led outside recess games like hens & chicks and lizard tag, variations of fast pace tag games to make exercise fun. They also came into classrooms to share the importance of taking an energy break. “Too much sitting is not healthy,” said McGinnis. “The kids learned how to get energized to keep their minds and bodies active and alert.”

ThedaCare Medical Center – Berlin


Lowering A1C Results in Increased Health, Happiness For years, Evelyn had been fighting her diabetes alone — and with little success. She took advantage of the food pantry at her Milwaukee church, Ebenezer Church of God in Christ, but as is the case with much of the donated food, healthy choices were limited. For Evelyn, reliance on the church food pantry proved a major barrier to lowering her high A1C level. In 2015, the Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute worked with Ebenezer to pilot Under 8 Diabetes, a program to support healthier choices at the church’s food pantry. Diabetic participants received 15 consecutive weeks of healthy food boxes and nutritional counseling. Participants’ metrics were monitored and Lunch and Learn cooking classes were offered to introduce creative cooking techniques. Evelyn joined the class and worked with a dietician. The combination of healthy food boxes and the nutritional counseling she received helped lower her A1C metrics from 8.9 to a measure of 6.9 within three months. Others church members supported Evelyn as well. The pastor’s wife transported her to and from the sessions. During the drive the two shared ideas on healthy nutrition and cooking tips. Evelyn learned how to continue eating one of her favorite meals—spaghetti—by replacing pasta with shredded zucchini, a healthier alternative that did not compromise on taste. Evelyn thrived in the program, and staff at Ebenezer witnessed her personal growth and confidence. Not only did she change her eating habits to support healthier living, she gained a new network of friends who have been instrumental in increasing her overall sense of happiness.

Columbia St. Mary’s, Inc. Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute

One Simple Decision “Having the simulator available helps reach our youth and show them the dangers of texting and driving and driving under the influence.” – Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald It’s not easy for teenagers to think about the consequences of their actions. For one thing, research has shown that teenage brains are still developing this ability – and it doesn’t help that peer pressure is a major factor in teen decision-making. So, how do we convince teenagers in our community that risky behaviors actually can have real consequences? A partnership between Lakeview Medical Center and the Barron County Sheriff’s Department has responded to this question with a Virtual Interactive Driver simulator. The simulator allows drivers to see the dangers and costs of risky behaviors like texting behind the wheel or driving under the influence. The driving simulation program is called One Simple Decision, and it shows teens and youth what could happen if they choose to text while driving or drive under the influence—including an accident, arrest, jail, the court process, fines, medical expenses and even a job interview in which the arrest is brought up. Lakeview Medical Center purchased the simulator for the Sheriff’s Department to use, and the Barron County Safe and Stable Family Coalition provided funding for supporting materials. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald heads the project and takes the simulator to different schools and events. “It is a very real experience,” says Sheriff Fitzgerald. “It shows all of the things you may experience if you choose to text and drive or drive intoxicated.” The simulator debuted in April and has been present at community events like the county fair and farmer’s market and for students at different school events. So far, the driving simulator has been featured at nearly 50 community events and school presentations, reaching over 1,000 people of all ages. The program also tracks driving violations in real time and displays them on the screen as they occur, so the simulator can be used for other types of community education as well, like for seniors and students in driver’s education classes. “The mission of Lakeview Medical Center is to enrich lives through accessible, affordable, compassionate health care,” says Ned Wolf, chief administrative officer of LMC. “When it comes to enriching the lives of our young people, the most effective action we can take is to prevent accidents.” “I’m never going to drive with a phone.” – Dora Linton “I would never text and drive. The consequences are very bad and not worth it.” – Russel Pionkowski

Lakeview Medical Center, Rice Lake


Annual Voices of Men Breakfast Addresses Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault The annual Voices of Men breakfast has been a popular affair, with over 1,000 in attendance last year listening to stories that inspired men, young and old, to address the issue to help end domestic abuse and sexual assault. In the past couple years, young men have stepped up with the desire to share the message of a healthy manhood, one that would lead to positive choices as adults and husbands, with their classmates. Voices of Men has had young men attend the breakfast events since the second breakfast when the entire Appleton East High School football team attended with their coach. Domestic abuse and sexual assault issues are multigenerational issues that are not going to go away soon, said Shannon Kenevan, Voices of Men community engagement leader. “These boys, who are 17 years old, have the potential to make good or bad choices,” he said. “The thought was we should reach out to younger folks too.” In 2014, two students from Appleton North High School contacted Kenevan after the breakfast, saying they wanted to see more youth presenting at the breakfasts and wanted to know how this message could be shared beyond the breakfast. “From that conversation, those two boys started up a Voices of Men chapter at North but took up a different name, Stand Up,” he said. The Stand Up group meets with 30-40 students once a month. They also put up posters around the high school. And, in each of its first two years, the group put on a day long program specifically for 9th graders. Simultaneously in 2014, two students—one from the hockey team and another from a fraternity from Lawrence University—independently approached Kenevan about also setting up a group on campus. The two students had seen signs of unhealthy manhood that could foster poor choices, said Kenevan. “These two guys saw it first hand and weren’t happy about it and wanted to make some changes,” he said. They started up MARS, or Men Against Rape and Sexism. “They were more focused on sexual assault because that is more of what they see on a college level,” he said. Kenevan said the interest from the young men, and also young women, has added a greater tone to the 2015 breakfast. The youth were able to share their stories, theater, poetry, music and message on the stage. “The whole event wasn’t one of the events where people were lecturing you,” he said. “It was very engaging, almost theatrical, artsy, emotional, powerful messages, a lot from youth who are taking leadership.” The Stand Up group also challenged boys in the room to start a Stand Up group of their own. Currently there is also a chapter at Appleton East and a new one is forming at Appleton West high school. And groups have begun at a middle school and elementary school. However, unlike the high school and college groups, which are youth led, the elementary and middle school groups require adult volunteers. Students from the high school groups as well as Voices of Men volunteers, have stepped up to lead the groups. Kenevan said work is being done to create a position and have a model that can be shared with other schools. He hopes things will be in place to share at the November 2 breakfast. “We hope to add more schools, sustain those groups and add more in the following years,” he said. “Our primary message is about healthy manhood, teaching boys how to have emotions, compassion and caring, and asking for help and seeking support and valuing women and girls and all people and treating them with respect.” Kenevan appreciates the support from ThedaCare, which includes ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, since day one. The health care organization is a leader in community health. “Ninety percent of the community’s health happens outside the hospital walls,” he said. “It happens in things like healthy eating, bike paths, having a community that looks at issues like how we are raising our boys and how those issues are impacting community health.”

ThedaCare, Appleton

Peace of Mind for Parents There is nothing more important for parents than their childrens’ happiness and safety. Agnesian HealthCare, as well as the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, funding is helping to protect area children through the distribution of child ID kits to all Fond du Lac County students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The child ID kits include an inkless fingerprint card, a DNA collection swab and a cut-out wallet card. It will allow parents and guardians to easily record pertinent personal information about their child. TThe kit is stored at home in a safe place and would be handed over and used by law enforcement authorities in the case of a missing child. “As a parent, I feel a sense of confidence because in an emergency situation, I would not need to gather this critical information,” says Catherine Twohig-McGalloway, a Fond du Lac mother of three. “It provides an opportunity to gather information in one location in case something unthinkable was to happen.” Child ID kit efforts are being led by the Green Bay Packers and Fond du Lac Fire Fighters.

Agnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac


Providing Safety in the Best Place – Close to Home During our hospital’s most recent CHNA, the Central Racine County Health Department, key informants and residents identified violence/abuse/neglect as one of the top three health issues challenging the community. Abuse takes place anywhere, and it knows no address. That is why the victims/survivors of intimate partner violence need a safe haven. One such sanctuary in western Racine County is known as the Women’s Resource Center (WRC). WRC has been serving victims of domestic violence since 1977. Recognizing the unmet need of victims living in rural western Racine County who have limited access to services and virtually no access to safe, secure refuge if emergency shelter is needed, WRC has identified the need for The Healing House. In community conversations, it has been learned that the main reason people do not seek services of this nature is because there was no safe shelter to go to in western Racine County. Survivors are likely to stay in areas they are familiar with, near to where their children attend school and where they may work. Sandra was ordered by the court to allow her children to visit with her abusive ex-husband through the Hand-2-Hand Program, western Racine County’s monitored visitation program. The travel time from the city of Racine is 90 minutes for a one-hour visit. Thanks to the generosity in helping the Women’s Resource Center now located in her community, Sandra no longer has this long trek and she can stay on site to receive healing services while her children visit with their father. Imagine having to navigate a new life an hour away, while taking the risk to flee abuse. The Better Together Fund is allowing WRC to acquire and create The Healing House to expand scope and quality of sexual assault and/or domestic violence advocacy services in the Racine community. Two wings are being utilized for counseling and support groups, while civic groups are adopting various rooms and other areas to renovate. This acquisition was crucial to serve rural abuse victims like Sandra who are hesitant in traveling to the county’s urban centers. WRC is also collaborating with Better Together Fund university partners in the area to expand services in other ways.

Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington

Care for Victims of Sexual Assault A team of health care professionals is providing quality service for some of St. Joseph’s Hospital’s most vulnerable patients, victims of sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program provides a safe haven at the hospital for victims of assault. A specially-trained team is available 24-hours-a-day. The SANE team provides collection of medical and forensic evidence, physical exams and wellness checks, emotional support, assistance in reporting to police, help with safety planning and development of a medical follow-up plan. In the past year, the SANE program treated 25 patients at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital. SANE team members also share their knowledge and experience by training staff from law enforcement agencies and organizations across Washington and Ozaukee Counties, as well as Emergency Department staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Froedtert &The Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital, West Bend

Project Ujima Helps Kids Heal After Violence On a hot summer day, a teenager stays cool as he maps out his strategy on the chessboard. To him, chess is more than just a game. It’s a tool that’s helping him think critically, make good choices and live with the results of each action. Every move counts.

Therapeutic chess training and other educational and recreational activities are offered at a six-week summer camp for kids affected by violent crime. The camp is sponsored by Project Ujima, a Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin program focused on stopping the cycle of violence. Any child aged 7-18 who is seen at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s emergency room for a gunshot wound, stabbing or physical assault is supported by Project Ujima staff and resources. Project Ujima staff offer medical follow-up, facilitate visits with community liaisons, provide school and court advocacy, connect families with local resources, and provide mental health services. The average child involved with Project Ujima receives support for 15 months. The summer camp program is one of the many ways Project Ujima serves the needs of youth victims of violence. This year, 64 campers aged 8 to 17 participated in activities like self-defense training, acting, arts and crafts, and dance. They played kickball, made up cheers, went on field trips, performed community service, visited area businesses and put on a talent show. They explored hip-hop therapy as a way to express themselves, connect with their feelings and identify ways to stay safe. At the end of camp, each child went home with a chessboard. Project Ujima’s success working with youth victims of violence is shown in the recidivism (relapse) rate of less than 1 percent since 2004. “Our goal is to build trusting relationships and empower kids to move forward healthy and

confidently into adulthood,” says Project Ujima team member Nicholas Herrick, BSN, RN. “By partnering with residents, community agencies and health care providers to help end the cycle of violence, Project Ujima is helping advance Children’s vision for Wisconsin kids to be the healthiest in the nation.”

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee


Addressing Health Priorities of the Community Imagine yourself in a situation you would never think possible. For example, you left your son outside alone, for just a minute, while you went into the house to grab something for one of your other children and you return to find him face down in the pool. Or, you get a late night phone call saying your husband and father of your three young children was in a terrible car accident and you need to get to the emergency department as fast as possible. Unfortunately, situations similar to this do occur. How do we help our children manage these challenges and adverse events that occur in their lives? Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, part of Ascension, along with several Wood County partners, identified mental health and healthy growth and development of youth as two key health priorities. A traumatic event experienced by a child can be life changing, potentially altering a child’s ability to cope and effectively manage future life stressors. These occasions are part of a constellation of events described as "adverse childhood events." Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital has certified child life specialists who are able to meet with family upon their arrival to the hospital and help the child and family cope with the tragic event. Tending to the long-term emotional health of children and youth is important, especially with significant life events. Addressing "adverse childhood events" is directed at ensuring that the mental health and emotional health needs of children and their families are being met timely, whether in the hospital or in the community. While the physicians and nurses physically care for the patient, child life specialists are able to focus more on the emotional aspect of the experience with the patient and family, while also promoting coping techniques and preparation for what to expect in either the upcoming hours or days. Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is committed to providing continued support of the child life program in Marshfield as an evidenced-based practice which helps children cope with adverse events in their lives.

Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Marshfield

Helping Children Deal with Trauma Training will soon be available for area athletic coaches, library staff, pool staff and faith community staff and volunteers when helping children who are dealing with trauma. This effort is the initiative of the New London Community Health Action Team, or CHAT, which decided in February to address the issue of trauma informed care and adverse childhood experiences, or ACES. CHAT is led by members from ThedaCare Medical Center-New London. The group decided “that people would like more information and training about the effects of trauma, especially on children,” said Rev. Greg Watling, a member of the New London CHAT. The team determined training that was short and easy-to-use was needed for people who work with children and youth but who may not be professionals. “They are adults dedicated to children, but working with children is not their main job, or their usual job duties don’t provide this kind of training,” said Watling. “In the past, our trainings or work has involved the School District of New London and other professional organizations. This time, we wanted to aim our training at a different audience.” A curriculum was developed by Jonathan Cloud, who was a main speaker for the group in February. “It’s designed similar to first aid in medicine that stabilizes a patient and gets him/her to appropriate professional care,” said Watling. “In this case, to begin to understand the effects of trauma on youth, be able to spot them, and then to be able to assist the child in getting further care.” The group hopes to have the curriculum available and training led by Cloud in early 2017. “Ultimately, our goal is for New London to become a trauma informed community, where not only school staff and other professionals are working to assist those with trauma-related issues, but also the community itself,” said Watling. “It truly is a grassroots effort to assist those affected by trauma.”

ThedaCare Medical Center, New London

The Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital Child Life Staff who help kids cope with tough times

39Read more about hospitals connecting with their communities at www.WiServePoint.org.Read more about hospitals connecting with their communities at www.WiServePoint.org.

Tackling Bullying Bullying is a major problem facing youth today. It is estimated that more than 70 percent of young people have seen bullying in their schools. Bullying can cause physical injury, social and emotional distress, and can lead to an increased risk for mental health problems such as depression, loneliness and anxiety. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience changes in sleeping and eating patterns, as well as decreased academic achievement and school participation. To address this problem, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin provides Act Now!, an interactive e-learning program that addresses physical, verbal, emotional and cyber bullying through a series of age-appropriate lessons for Wisconsin students in grades K-8.Students and teachers are seeing a significant improvement in their school climate at Maplewood Middle School in Menasha, Wisconsin, which started using the program in the 2012-2013 school year. “We have experienced noticeable reductions in the students taking part in bullying, measurable reductions in students being afraid of being bullied and an increase in students who told a teacher or other adult at school about bullying,” said Chris VanderHeyden, superintendent, Menasha Joint School District. “It’s working right here in our community.” Developed in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and aligned with Wisconsin School Counseling and National Health Education Standards, Act Now! educates students on differentiating between conflict and bullying, building effective interpersonal communication skills and conflict resolution techniques, developing emphatic attitudes, helping a bullying victim, and asking an adult for help. Beyond the classroom, Act Now! includes education for school administrators, teachers, staff and parents so they can support the lessons students learn through the program. “The vision of Children’s Hospital is to make Wisconsin’s children the healthiest in the nation,” said Bridget Clementi, vice president of community health. “That requires children to learn in safe, supportive and nurturing school environments. The objective of Act Now! is to prepare and empower our youth to create a school climate of understanding, respect, compassion and acceptance.” In 2015-16, 93 public school districts and private school systems statewide utilized Act Now!, reaching more than 90,000 students.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Fox Valley

Making Schools Safer Through Targeted Training Shockingly, since 1992, almost 400 school shootings have taken place. An FBI report confirms that school and workplace violence are increasing. Even in the best of circumstances, emergency medical service (EMS) providers may not be in a position to immediately aid the wounded. It is often up to individuals at the scene to assist victims and stop the bleeding—the number one cause of preventable death in an emergent situation.

After participating in an FBI-orchestrated active shooter drill in 2013, our community realized it was ill-prepared to deal with a tragic violent event. In January 2014, Mercyhealth partnered with local school districts, EMS providers, law enforcement and fire departments to form a Casualty Care in the Classroom task force. Leveraging grant funding and local donations of time and talents, the group deployed a Casualty Care training program with a specialized first aid kit to help local school districts impart vital emergency training. Today, the training program and 5,217 medical supply kits have been provided to organizations across nine states. “Absolutely no one wants to imagine a tragedy like a mass shooting, but preparing for the worst is something we can do proactively to protect our children. We are honored to be involved,” said Mercyhealth President/CEO Javon Bea. Hemorrhage (bleeding) represents the largest percentage of

preventable deaths in penetrating trauma, such as shootings. The Casualty Care course applies lessons learned from the global war on terror to the school setting, teaching hemorrhage control basics to improve outcomes. Training takes less than one hour. Trainees receive a short survey and instructional video prior to attending on-site training. A presentation followed by hands-on exercises then demonstrates how to use the Casualty Care equipment in simulations that mimic emergency events. The course is designed in a train-the-trainer format to help participants manage staff turnover and ongoing refresher education. Trainers include EMS, physician and law enforcement experts. Research shows that a feeling of helplessness is one of the leading causes of post-traumatic stress disorder. By empowering the staff to act, the Casualty Care program strives to provide peace of mind.

Mercyhealth (formerly Mercy Health System), Janesville


Women and Children’s Horizons Sexual assaults are underreported and definitions can vary across different agencies; therefore, the number and rate may vary depending on the source. Despite these reporting differences, estimates indicate domestic violence and sexual assault are a substantial health concern and continues to be a major community health issue. Founded in 1976, Women and Children’s Horizons (WCH) runs what is now the oldest incorporated emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence in Wisconsin. The mission of WCH is to provide support, education, training and healing for victims of sexual and domestic violence/abuse. WCH is an important community-based partner to the sexual assault nurse examiners who provide crisis and trauma-informed care for victims at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha. Late one night, one of WCH’s on-call advocates received a crisis call from the local hospital. A woman had been beaten by her boyfriend days prior. That evening, she was able to sneak out of the apartment she shared with her boyfriend and seek medical attention. The hospital confirmed her finger was broken and her shoulder was out of place. The advocate immediately began working with the victim, offering one-on-one support, food boxes, a voucher to a local thrift store to purchase clothes, and a safe place to stay at the WCH shelter. Eventually, the victim was ready to speak about her abuse, and is now attending a support group with other survivors. With the Aurora Better Together funding, WCH is able to support two programs designed to address specific areas of need affecting victims of domestic and/or sexual violence in Kenosha County. The first allows the agency to provide 24/7 coverage from advocates, essentially guaranteeing that an advocate will respond when the hospital calls. The second provides support for the advocates to limit the coverage each one has to provide during the nights and weekends, ensuring they are adequately refreshed between cases. This two-pronged approach ensures everyone’s needs are considered and the advocates are able to provide the best service possible to all survivors.

Aurora Medical Center Kenosha

Connecting Prenatal Oral Health to Healthy Infants When Alandra went for a prenatal check-up at Columbia St. Mary’s Prospect Medical Commons, little did she know the pain in her mouth might be an indicator for risk factors associated with her pregnancy. Alandra’s physician knew tooth inflammation and infection in a pregnant woman can be associated with prematurity, which can be linked to infant morbidity and mortality. So Alandra’s physician took quick steps to connect Alandra with the Prenatal Oral Health program at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Dental Clinic, sponsored by Columbia St. Mary’s. During her first visit to the Seton Dental Clinic, Alandra learned she would have to have all her teeth removed and replaced with dentures, a direct result of years of going without dental care. Under the care of Seton dentist Dr. Charles Kosowski, Alandra had four visits to complete all the extractions. In November, and after seven more appointments, she received her dentures. Now pain free, Alandra is able to live and work with confidence. Additionally, she can smile fully at her new daughter, Adeline, who was born healthy and full term. The Prenatal Oral Health program at the Seton Dental Clinic is a key objective of Columbia St. Mary’s Health Improvement Plan, and proved to be the perfect destination for Alandra, thanks to the direction of her Columbia St. Mary’s OB/GYN physician. Over the years, the Seton Dental Clinic has established partnerships with area Federally Qualified Health Centers, family practice residencies and OB/GYN specialists to educate providers about the importance of prenatal oral health and to make strong connections to bring women to full oral health during their pregnancy. This is particularly important for undocumented women who only have access to BadgerCare coverage during a pregnancy.

Columbia St. Mary’s, Inc., Milwaukee

Shared Journeys Charter High School Aurora Health Care has had a presence in the West Allis community for decades. After supporting the West Allis School District’s program for pregnant and parenting teens since its inception, Aurora supported the evolution of the program into Shared Journeys, a charter high school for pregnant girls and teen parents, including boys. Aurora West Allis Medical Center donated space for the school, in an office building located directly across the street from our hospital. The school boasts incredible outcomes—100 percent graduation rate, 100 percent breast feeding rate, and 92 percent of students take part in secondary education following graduation. With an emphasis on academic and parenting success, the school also has a 95 percent attendance rate. In addition to providing breastfeeding, child birth and newborn care classes to the students, Aurora West Allis Medical Center has held toy drives for the students’ children at Christmas, supplied volunteers for special projects, and provided space for fundraisers and other activities to benefit the school. “It’s an amazing program that we’re happy to be a part of,” says Terese Beauchamp, the manager for Women’s Health Education at Aurora West Allis Women’s Pavilion. “I’ve been on the governing board for the school for four years. At Aurora, we also provide job shadowing opportunities for students for everything from medical jobs to food service and IT positions.”

Aurora West Allis Medical Center

Alandra with Dr. Donald Novakovic


New Moms and Babies Need Extra Care Beloit Health System took action when surveys indicated new moms said they "were not ready to go home from the hospital"; however, insurance companies continued to decrease the covered length of stay. This trend became apparent in 2012 when 24 to 48 hours became the normal length of stay after delivery and some moms and babies were going home after just eight to 12 hours! Infant nutrition and health became a concern. Was the baby latching on correctly? Did moms understand the infant’s feeding cues? Was the baby gaining weight? Also the healing of the umbilical cord and circumcisions still needed medical attention. A task force of family care staff developed a unique program to assist new moms and improve the health of newborns—all at no cost to the patient and no extra staffing for the hospital. Patients are now offered free follow up care about two days after discharge. They make an appointment before they are discharged and then come directly to the Family Care Center—no admission desk is involved. The nurse providing the follow up assessment is usually one of our lactation consultants. We devised a standard follow up form with questions related to both mom and baby to assist in their needs and questions. All infants are weighed, and if additional concerns are noted, the pediatrician is contacted. The infant’s chart can be viewed by the pediatrician prior to their first pediatric appointment. After the first few months of this new program, we were seeing over 90 percent of patients returning (the initial goal was about 50 percent). Our 2015 data shows that we continue to see 93 percent of all moms and babies for a follow up visit, and some we see multiple times to assist with breast feeding. New moms (husbands and families, too) feel a great sense of relief knowing their questions can be personally addressed and the care of their baby is being supervised by a compassionate nursing staff. Babies are healthier, new parents are more confident, and the often rocky road of caring for an infant is smooth and successful.

Beloit Health System

Increasing Access for Diverse Populations Based on the 2012 City of Milwaukee Community Health Survey, in that 12 months 15 percent of adult respondents reported someone in their household had not taken their prescribed medication due to cost, and 13 percent reported unmet medical care. In the same survey, health care coverage emerged as one of the top five health issues for Milwaukee County, with 17 percent of adult respondents reporting they personally were not currently covered at the time of the survey. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded access to health insurance coverage for millions, including those within the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately, gaps in knowledge still prevent some individuals from utilizing the coverage options that are now available to them. At Aurora Sinai Medical Center, our financial advocates are trained to help people navigate through access barriers related to coverage, regardless of whether or not they are Aurora patients. Dean, a professional dancer, had just returned to Milwaukee after completing a six-month cruise contract in China. Due to his unique employment situation, he had no coverage but needed to renew medication needed to control his HIV. Dean started his quest for coverage by calling the marketplace information hotline and spoke to a representative, who referred him to Medicaid, since his income was within Medicaid’s limits. But income earned in international waters is not taxable in the states, and the Medicaid representative, who informed him he was over the income limit, directed him to call the marketplace hotline. Frustrated with trying to figure out his options over the phone, Dean decided to find help from someone he could meet with in-person and visited the financial advocate at Aurora Sinai Medical Center. The advocate, experienced in helping people with unique health needs apply to various coverage programs, was able to confirm that Dean’s income did, in fact, meet the Medicaid limits as a single man with no dependents. While Dean was still in his office, the advocate helped him apply for Medicaid, and he was approved. With that settled, Dean immediately scheduled a visit with a primary care physician to renew his prescription. When he picked up his new prescription, he received a $50 discount on the out-of-pocket expenses, thanks to the Truvada’s Medication Assistance Program to which the financial advocate had referred him. Without the advocate's help, Dean was left to navigate the health care system alone—a difficult task for someone who has never had access to health insurance coverage in the past.



Teamwork in Ozaukee for Breast Health Before meeting Jane Kelley, a breast health advocate for Columbia St. Mary’s – Ozaukee (CSM Ozaukee), Rosalie had never had a mammogram. A variety of life challenges, including a lack of health insurance, led Rosalie to an Ozaukee Country food pantry for community resources and support—and to Jane. As a Breast Health Advocate (a role funded in part by the Susan G. Komen Foundation), Jane uses a range of skills to help women access mammography screening and diagnosis in support of CSM Ozaukee’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Thanks to Jane’s knowledge and expertise, she was able to help Rosalie apply for the Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) which provided coverage for a breast screening and other diagnostic tests. Additionally, Jane helped guide Rosalie to the CSM Ozaukee Huiras Family Community Clinic, where she was able to see a nurse practitioner for a clinical breast exam—a WWWP requirement prior to receiving a mammogram. As it turns out, Jane’s support was life-saving for Rosalie as she was diagnosed with breast cancer and in need of treatment. Jane again provided a key connection for Rosalie – this time with a CSM Breast Navigator who is now supporting Rosalie through breast cancer treatment.

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee, Mequon

Overcoming Chronic Conditions to Enjoy Life Developing a chronic condition can affect a quality lifestyle for many people. However, workshops that provide the tools to adjust to those conditions and continue enjoying life are offered by the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and are making a difference in how participants live. In the past year, 74 participants took part in the series. Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshops are held at Froedtert Hospital multiple times a year in partnership with the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging. The six-week workshop is designed for people who have one or more chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis or another long-term health problem. The sessions actively engage the participants and provide them with skills to better manage their health. They learn ways to deal with challenges such as pain and fatigue and are taught how to make better nutrition and exercise choices. Participants in the program report they are emotionally stronger and more motivated following the workshops. One participant said “I can do now what I thought I no longer could before.”

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls

Health Literacy Effort Helps Citizens Take Charge of Their Own Care Finding and understanding health information can be a frustrating task at best, but when there are language and education barriers, making informed healthcare decisions can be virtually impossible. A 2013 community health needs assessment ranked Manitowoc County 31st out of 72 Wisconsin counties in health literacy, which is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. In response to these results, Holy Family Memorial formed a health literacy taskforce internally and determined the initiative was broader than HFM. Through HFM’s leadership the formation of a county-wide initiative began—the Community Health Access Team (CHAT). CHAT began to make significant progress when HFM staff attended the 2015 Wisconsin Health Literacy Summit in Madison. A partnership was formed with Nemours Health and Prevention Services, part of Nemours Children’s Health System, which provided CHAT with grant funding. This grant money was used to implement a four-session educational program titled Navigating the Health Care System for local high school students. Nemours provided materials for the course which is led by trained instructors from Holy Family Memorial and other members of CHAT. “The course goal of the program is to help teens take charge of their own health care,” said Birgit Kelly, a course instructor and registered nurse at Holy Family Memorial. “It provides information and practice scenarios on how to be your own self-advocate and how gather and report your family as well as personal medical history. Other topics include finding a doctor, proper use of medications, describing symptoms, understanding diagnosis, understanding health insurance and much more.” Another class, Let’s Talk About Medicine, is taught at local senior centers to teach the elderly how to read their prescription medication labels. CHAT has been particularly effective at uniting local resources into collaborative action tackling health literacy issues today and into the upcoming years, enabling community health access for all.

Holy Family Memorial, Manitowoc


Working toward Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Community Flambeau Hospital is partnering with Price County Aging and Disability Resources and the Alzheimer’s Association to work toward the county becoming a “dementia friendly” community. The Price County community is among the higher age communities in Wisconsin. One of the first steps our group is working on is training businesses how to reach out and work with those customers that have dementia. The group has three trainers, including two from the hospital that go out to businesses and give presentations on what the signs of dementia are and how to work with those customers, and the local resources available in the community that can be provided for this aging population. The program is being well received with over 12 businesses being trained this past year. The group has found this program reaches beyond the business aspect, but many questions come up about parents, friends and neighbors they are concerned about. This is just the beginning, but so far has been very well received in the community.

Flambeau Hospital, Park Falls

Supporting Wisconsin’s Need for Primary Care Physicians Wisconsin faces a shortage of primary care physicians in the upcoming decade. Studies have shown that the likelihood of retaining a physician after they complete their residency increases dramatically if they complete medical school and residency in the state. Last year, The Medical College of Wisconsin opened its first new campus in 100 years in De Pere. It was opened to train more primary care physicians in a community that will need them. Community members are involved in the screening process, searching for medical students looking to pursue primary care. HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division shows dedication in supporting health professionalism by providing some of the funding for the Medical College. Opening a new campus is a hefty cost because the equipment needed to train physicians is highly advanced. In addition, a student’s tuition does not fully cover the cost of hiring faculty and training. The Medical College faculty consists of practicing physicians, including Ken Johnson, chief physician executive, HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division, to give students current knowledge and experience. HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center also provide clinical sites for students to see how clinical care is provided and allows for them to explore practicing environments should they wish to specialize in a particular field of medicine in the future. “Having the students improves the quality of care in the community and creates a pipeline for talented new physicians to be recruited to our area,” said Dr. Johnson. Students work beside Dr. Johnson in the emergency department taking patient histories and performing physical exams. Together, they interview the patient and discuss a plan for further treatment. Dr. Johnson likes working with students because they challenge him with questions, keep him up on the latest information and make him evaluate care processes he has done many times in the past. Enrollment into medical schools is almost tripling in hopes to meet the needs of an aging population. HSHS-Eastern Wisconsin Division partners with colleges to not only provide sites, but also nurses to guide medical students and give them more one-on-one education. “This program is a major benefit to the community because it is preparing a workforce predicted to have a shortage and inability to meet the needs of the growing population,” said Paul Pritchard, MD, vice president and chief quality officer.

HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, Green BayHSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, Green Bay

Preparing Students for the Workforce Kettle Moraine High School’s High School of Health Sciences has been at the forefront of innovative curriculum design since it opened in September 2014. ProHealth Care has supported the high school from the beginning. It is one way that ProHealth is helping to prepare students for the workforce and find solutions to a projected health worker shortage. The most unique contribution ProHealth has made to the school involves anatomy coursework. ProHealth sends a PhD-prepared athletic trainer and anatomist to the school to provide weekly instruction in human body systems and other topics. The highlight of this work has been the development of a lab and subsequent human dissections.

With the support of ProHealth, the dissection classes have been opened up to other area high school students, university students and professionals seeking CME credits.

ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital


Partnership with School Districts Introduces Health Care to Students Bellin Health Oconto Hospital, a critical access hospital located in Oconto, Wisconsin, began introducing students to health care and health care careers shortly after opening in 2005. For several years, this was accomplished through tours for second grade students within the Oconto School District. In 2012, we added second graders from the Lena School District to the tours. The tours encompassed all areas of the hospital and physician clinic, our local EMS partners, our helicopter transport service – Eagle Three, our onsite dental partner - Northern Health Centers, and physical activities at our adjacent Bellin Health Bond Community Center. The tour program was designed to introduce the facility to the students to help them understand what goes on within the hospital to reduce any potential fears and help them be more comfortable if they or a member of their family needed to come to the hospital or clinic, and to introduce them to health care career opportunities. Students spent time reviewing radiology images and viewing the equipment, role-played in the emergency department and surgery department, touring an ambulance and talking to the EMS staff, taking a peek inside a medical transport helicopter and talking to the pilot, and challenging themselves with physical activities. Prior to coming for the tour the students draw pictures of the hospital with messages about our services. We post these pictures on the walls for the month of the tours for the students, our patients and visitors to enjoy. In 2012 we started a discussion with the principal of the Oconto District High School about opportunities to help students understand the career opportunities in health care. These discussions evolved into a partnership and a seven unit course—Healthcare 101. The course is an overview of health care as a business and the delivery models of health care. In 2013, our initial offering engaged two seniors to participate in the course, which includes lectures and in-person experiences related to the unit curriculum. In 2014 we partnered with Bellin College on the course and were able to have completion of the course result in awarding three general college credits to participants. Feedback from the students, parents, schools, participants and the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and we plan to expand the Healthcare 101 to more students going forward. In addition, we want to develop options to reach out and engage late grade school and middle school students in reviewing health care career options. The need for health care employees and professionals is not diminishing and to help our community help students realize the opportunities health care can provide is very important.

Bellin Health Oconto Hospital


IndexCharity CareAgnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Aspirus Langlade Hospital, Antigo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics, Medford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Elkhorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Aurora Medical Center Grafton, Grafton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, Kenosha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County, Two Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh, Oshkosh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Aurora Medical Center Summit, Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Aurora Medical Center Washington County, Hartford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington, Burlington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, Wauwatosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, Sheboygan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Aurora West Allis Medical Center, West Allis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc., Beaver Dam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Columbia St. Mary's, Inc., Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Holy Family Memorial, Manitowoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Lakeview Medical Center, Rice Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Mercyhealth, Janesville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Mile Bluff Medical Center, Mauston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Free ClinicsAgnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, Elkhorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County, Two Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Aurora Medical Center, Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Children's Hospital of Wisconsin - Fox Valley, Neenah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee, Mequon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Columbia St. Mary's, Inc., Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Fort HealthCare, Fort Atkinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . 12HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Mayo Clinic Health System, Inc. - Red Cedar, Menomonie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Ministry Our Lady of Victory Hospital, Stanley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Upland Hills Health, Dodgeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Vernon Memorial Healthcare, Viroqua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Community Health Needs Assessment ActivitiesAgnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Amery Hospital & Clinic, Amery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Aspirus Langlade Hospital, Antigo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics, Medford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, Kenosha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington, Burlington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Aurora West Allis Medical Center, West Allils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Bellin Health Oconto Hospital, Oconto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Bellin Health System, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Beloit Health System, Beloit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Burnett Medical Center, Grantsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Calumet Medical Center, Chilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Children's Hospital of Wisconsin - Fox Valley, Neenah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Columbia St. Mary’s, Inc. Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute, Milwaukee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Ozaukee, Mequon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Columbia St. Mary's, Inc., Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Flambeau Hospital, Park Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Fort HealthCare, Fort Atkinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Froedtert &The Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital, West Bend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Grant Regional Medical Center, Lancaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Gundersen Health System, La Crosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Holy Family Memorial, Manitowoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, Oconto Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital, Chippewa Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital, Sheboygan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Hudson Hospital & Clinics, Hudson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Lakeview Medical Center, Rice Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Mercyhealth, Janesville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Ministry Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Ministry Eagle River Memorial Hospital, Eagle River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Ministry Saint Clare's Hospital, Weston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Ministry Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital, Marshfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital, Tomahawk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Ministry St. Mary’s Hospital, Rhinelander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Waukesha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Reedsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Rogers Memorial Hospital, Oconomowoc, West Allis, Brown Deer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Sauk Prairie Healthcare, Prairie du Sac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33SSM Health - Wisconsin, Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Index (continued)

(Continued on next page)

Index (continued)

St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Stoughton Hospital, Stoughton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24ThedaCare, Appleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35ThedaCare Medical Center - New London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39ThedaCare Medical Center - Shawano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Upland Hills Health, Dodgeville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Westfield's Hospital & Clinic, New Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Community BenefitsCharity Care at Cost $175,922,573

Medicaid Shortfalls $1,075,818,439

Losses on Other Public Programs $27,682,582

Subsidized Health Services $98,280,524

Nursing Home Losses $12,702,521

Benefit CategoryCommunity Health Improvement Services

Community Health Education $25,817,482

Community Based Clinical Services $17,799,664

Health Care Support Services $21,612,664

Social & Environmental Improvement Activities $1,483,580

Total Community Health Improvement Services $66,713,390

Cash or In-Kind Donations $39,437,092

Loss on Health Professions Education/Workforce $219,888,357

Loss on Research $19,191,160

Community Building Activities $9,643,937

Community Benefit Operations $8,426,315

Total Community Benefits* $1,753,706,890

* WHA has elected to follow CHA Community Benefit Guidelines, which excludes Medicare shortfalls and bad debt expense from the community benefit calculation. The statewide estimate for Medicare shortfalls was $1,640,658,882 and bad debt at cost was $188,221,486 using 2015 data.

November 2016

WHA Community Benefit SurveyFY 2015 Financial Summary

Surveys representing 133 hospitals (100%)

Wisconsin Hospital Association, PO Box 259038, Madison, WI 53725-9038

608-274-1820 / Fax: 608-274-8554 / www.wha.org / www.WiServePoint.org

11-2016TP650

For a national perspective on the value that hospitals bring to their communities,

we encourage you to visit www.caringforcommunities.org.

If you would like to learn more about Wisconsin hospitals connecting to their communities,

visit www.WiServePoint.org.

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