465 individuals affiliated with 64 hospitals have raised over $133,000 to date. This accounts for over 70 percent of the 2006 fundraising campaign’s $185,000 monetary goal. Additional campaign goals include identifying and implementing strategies to increase participation, particularly for the federal PAC.

When comparing the pace of last year’s campaign to this year’s, at this time last year the 2005 campaign raised just over $134,000. By comparison, this year the campaign is about $1,000 behind. "While the level of the campaign seems to be on track from the previous year, 2006 is an election year and albeit an important one with key races including an open Congressional seat and a highly competitive governor’s race; not to mention the aggregate goal has increased $10,000 from the previous year, which was a non-election year," explained WHA’s Vice President of Government Affairs Jodi Bloch.

Persons who have contributed this year are listed below by name and their affiliated organization. If you are a contributor, check to see if your name is listed. Contributors are shown by amount categories and in the order the contribution was received. The next publication of contributors will be in the September 15 edition of The Valued Voice.

For more information, contact Jenny Boese or Jodi Bloch at 608-274-1820.

Contributions Ranging from $1 - $249

Hoffman, Nancy         Community Memorial Hospital, Edgerton

Margan, Rob         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Ayers, Mandy         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Gorczynski, Michael         Aurora Health Care

Boes, Jody         Door County Memorial Hospital

McKuen, Sandra         Door County Memorial Hospital

Quade, Steve         Door County Memorial Hospital

VanPay, Christa         Door County Memorial Hospital

Sneath, Roger         Columbus Community Hospital

Scieszinski, Robert         Door County Memorial Hospital

Holub, Gregory         Door County Memorial Hospital

Hemes, Lisa         St. Elizabeth Hospital

Veeser, Tom         Mercy Medical Center

Henning, Connie         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Zeller, Brad         Spooner Health System

Steen, Sylvia         St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior

Meysembourg, Len         Spooner Health System

Bank, Carol         Divine Savior Healthcare

Blackburn, Randee         Chippewa Valley Hospital and Oakview Care Center

Coller, James         St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

Anich, Matthew         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Erickson, Nancy         St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior

Constable, Thomas         ProHealth Care

Reinke, Kathy         Shawano Medical Center

Sullivan, Anne         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Marcouiller, Don         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Klinge, Ann         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Albers, Kirstin         Meriter Hospital

Myers, Robert         Vernon Memorial Healthcare

Whiteaker, Les         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Harrop, Pauline         Meriter Hospital

Jacobsen, Joan         Meriter Hospital

Pupanek, William         Meriter Hospital

Rothfuss, James         Meriter Hospital

Maersch, Nancy         Meriter Hospital

Hammel, Jennifer         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Petersen, Mary Beth         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Meurer, John         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Lange, Mark         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Baer, James         Shawano Medical Center

Dooley, Richard         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Frederickson, Terry         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Grunwald, Patricia         Meriter Hospital

Kundinger, Ruth         Flambeau Hospital

Boiso, David         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Burtch, Sue         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Fochs, Mary         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Rusch, Judith         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Adams, Daniel         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Prince, Nancy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Furlong, Marian         Hudson Hospital

Frank, Martin         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Burgener, Jean         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Burgett, Lyle         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Nevers, Rick         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Scinto, Jeanne         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Skeans, John         All Saints Healthcare

Olson, Keri         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Belland, Kathy     All Saints Healthcare

Fowler, Rose         All Saints Healthcare

Ouimet, Mary         All Saints Healthcare

Boland, Susan         All Saints Healthcare

Meyer, Loren         All Saints Healthcare

Rocole, Theresa         All Saints Healthcare

Herbert, William         Meriter Hospital

Maroney, Lisa

Tracey, Robert         Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-Sparta

Melby, Shirley         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Lorenz, Bruce         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Garavet, Scott         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Pittsley, Kim         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Campbell-Kelz, Nancy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Carrier-Diemer, Peggy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Cohen, Joan         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Decker, Dawn         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Gantner, Sue         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Wojciechowski, Gary         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Brzezinski, Karen     Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Dittrich, Peggy         Memorial Health Center

Franson, Patricia         Meriter Hospital

Studer, Vince         Shawano Medical Center

Watts, Susan         St. Vincent Hospital

Roundy, Ann         Columbus Community Hospital

Facey, Alice         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Schaefer, Joyce         Amery Regional Medical Center

Bouvat, Dale         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Peickert, Barbara         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Marnell, John         Hudson Hospital

Sio, Tim         Meriter Hospital

Smickley, Robert         ProHealth Care

Mathews, Larry         St. Vincent Hospital

Bliven, David         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Drengler, Kathryn         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Ellis, Nancy         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Erickson, Robert         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Gengler, Tim         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Hoege, Beverly         Reedsburg Area Medical Center

Coblentz, Kathy Jo         St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Curdie, Ralph         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Mickelson, Ronald         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Barry, Barbara         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Gutsch, Mike         Memorial Health Center

Lyons, James         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Pinekenstein, Barbara         Meriter Hospital

Gamroth, Charlotte         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Land, Andrew         Agnesian HealthCare

Gilberg, Nina         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Buss, Diane         St. Mary’s Hospital

Beers, William         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Elsen, Mary Pat         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Johnson, Shirley         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Bjork, Ted         Westfields Hospital

Theisen, Gary         Agnesian HealthCare

McKevett, Timothy         Beloit Memorial Hospital

Johnson, Patricia         Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Ganahl, John         Sacred Heart Hospital

Jelle, Laura         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Pielhop, Judy         Sacred Heart Hospital

Berndt, Ken         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Dettman, Amy         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Roethle, Linda         Bellin Psychiatric Center

Fry, Robert         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Hieb, Laura         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Rocheleau, John         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Watson, Christopher         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Owen, Marlene         Flambeau Hospital

Aittama, Craig         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Baker, David         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Bessen, Paulette         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Gaynor, Stanley         Black River Memorial Hospital

Clough, Sheila         Howard Young Medical Center

Pahl, Joan         Meriter Hospital

DeWitt, Pamela         St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

McCoic, Kristie         St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Skifton, Russell         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Ashbeck, Norbert         Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Schraufnagel, Patricia         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Pfeifer, Patricia         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Shave, Sandra         Saint Michael’s Hospital

LaBarge, Margie         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Schultz, Rhea         Meriter Hospital

Hinner, William         Ministry Health Care

Schill, Jane         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Gullicksrud, Lynn         Sacred Heart Hospital

Evans, Carol         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Juckem, Elizabeth         Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus

Kaster, Dennis         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Brisch-Cramer, Deb         Hudson Hospital

Jay, John         Community Memorial Hospital

Harnisch, Betty         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Jirous, Becky         Saint Michael’s Hospital

King, Steve         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Keene, Kaaron R.         Memorial Health Center

Caven, Michael         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Stellflue, Nancy         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Meyer, Markie         Community Memorial Hospital

Lenertz, Brad         Memorial Health Center

Shoup, Judy         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Dittmar, Clarence         Community Memorial Hospital

Van Winkle, Gregory         Community Memorial Hospital

Heider, Lisa         Community Memorial Hospital

Pennebecker, Allen         Ministry Health Care

Ott, Virginia         St. Joseph’s Hospital

Turtenwald, Robyn         Community Memorial Hospital

Castelaz, Kathy         St. Vincent Hospital

Benusa, Kris         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

McCloskey, Lynne         Saint Michael’s Hospital

Clark, Mary Ann         Cumberland Memorial Hospital

Bellin, Carolyn         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Iding, Laura         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Andersen, Travis         Calumet Medical Center

Bagemihl, Katherine         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Connell, Marilyn         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Cranberg, Judith         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Waldoch, Timothy         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Klapperich, Linda             Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Appleton, Karl         St. Vincent Hospital

Contributions Ranging from $250 - $499

White, Michelle         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Rickelman, Debbie         WHA Information Center

Riddle, Roberta         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Miloszewicz, Angela         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Brazys, Mary         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Potter, Brian         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Navti, Abigail         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Smith, Gregory         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Hofer, John         Bay Area Medical Center

Fish, Linda         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Lange, Dr. George, MD         Westgate Medical Group, CSMCP

Peterson, Douglas         Chippewa Valley Hospital and Oakview Care Center

Anderson, Susan         Beloit Memorial Hospital

Bestor, William         Community Memorial Hospital

Banzhaf, Elaine         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Buerstatte, Gary         ProHealth Care

Deich, Faye         Sacred Heart Hospital

Meyer, Miles         Meriter Hospital    

Blask, Daniel         ProHealth Care

Decker, Michael         Divine Savior Healthcare

Bezucha, Gary         Boscobel Area Health Care

Mlynarek, Robert         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Jentsch, Lisa         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Oswald, John         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Sale, Nora         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Wyatt, David         Medical College of Wisconsin

Bayer, Tom         St. Vincent Hospital

Nunn, Jake Aurora         St. Luke’s Medical Center

Fischer, Kay         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Jamieson, Donna         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Johnson, Roy         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Melzer-Lange, Marlene         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Olive, Willie         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Ordinans, Karen         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Sachse, Kelly         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Sperka, Julie         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Hessert, Peter         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Olkowski, Leland         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Casanova, James         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Mantei, Mary Jo         Bay Area Medical Center

Nick, Mary         Meriter Hospital

Westphal, Judith         Affinity Health System

Danner, Forrest         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Sczygelski, Sidney         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Holmes, Christine         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Jablonski, James         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

O’Connor, Mary         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Censky, Bill         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Lodes, Mary         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Van Court, Bernie         Bay Area Medical Center

Johnson, Curtis         Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Klunk, Timothy         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Reagan, Theresa         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Carlson, Dan         Bay Area Medical Center

Oberholtzer, Curt         Bay Area Medical Center

Jensen, Christopher         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Oldham, Keith         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Pedretti, Julie         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Kellar, Richard         West Allis Memorial Hospital

Fish, David         St. Joseph’s Hospital

Hoff, Linda         Meriter Hospital

Kessel, Maryanne         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Scott, Richard         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Weisman, Steven         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Biros, Marilyn         SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Stuart, Philip         Tomah Memorial Hospital

Dietsche, James         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Frohna, Michael         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Peterson, Kimberly         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Woleske, Chris         Bellin Psychiatric Center

Gorelick, Marc         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Jay, Susan, MD         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Emon, Dee         Howard Young Medical Center

Hiltanen, Mary         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Abels, Maya         Aurora Health Care

Arnett, E. Stuart         Aurora Health Care-South Region

Nelson, James         Fort HealthCare

Hardy, Ellen         Mile Bluff Medical Center

Krauklis, Gene         Aurora Health Care-South Region

Gutekunst, Penny         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Kerschner, M.D., Joseph         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Hammer, Michael         Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Aulik, Juli

Harding, Edward         Columbus Community Hospital

Dallman, Michael

Erickson, William         Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Spieckerman, Jill         Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Sutliff, John         Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Hilt, Monica         Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Jaeger, Lee         Aurora Health Care

Kostroski, Sharon         Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Skaden, John         Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Kluesner, Kevin         Aurora Health Care

Contributions Ranging from $500 - $999

Richardson, Dana         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Borgerding, Dana             Wisconsin Hospital Association

Warmuth, Eric         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Quinn, Connie         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Shabino, Charles         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Frank, Jennifer         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Grasmick, Mary Kay         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Blum, William         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

McGuire, Terrance         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Wachs, Jon         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Canter, Richard         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Smith, David         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Dicus-Johnson, Coreen         Wheaton Franiscan - Milwaukee

Worrick, Gerald         Door County Memorial Hospital

Grady, Glen         Memorial Medical Center - Neillsville

Duncan, Larry         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Flowers, Patty         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Jones, Michael         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Kersten, Juliet         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Korom, Nancy         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Niemer, Margaret         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Anderson, Sandy         St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Schafer, Michael         Spooner Health System

Brown, Lori         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Gutzeit, Michael         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Radoszewski, Pat         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Reynolds, Sheila         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Vogel, Martin         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Brophy, Michael         Aurora Health Care

Morgan, Dwight         Aurora Health Care

Karuschak, Michael         Amery Regional Medical Center

Banaszynski, Gregory         Fort HealthCare

Postler-Slattery, Diane         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Kosanovich, John         Watertown Memorial Hospital

McGee, Fred         Meriter Hospital

Schumacher, Elizabeth             Meriter Hospital

Neidenbach, Joseph         St. Vincent Hospital

Kerwin, George         Bellin Memorial Hospital

Herzog, Mark         Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Myers, Raymond         St. Joseph’s Hospital

Hyland, Carol         Agnesian HealthCare

Priest, Geoffrey, MD         Meriter Hospital

Schmidt, Michael         Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Hymans, Daniel         Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Shapiro, David         Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus

Barnett, Jane

Becker, Richard         Community Memorial Hospital

Bultema, Janice

Capelli, A.J.         Aurora Health Care

Buck, Catherine         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Kinsella, Connie

Maxson-Cooper, Pamela         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

O’Connell, Blaine         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Norton, Andrew         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Contributions Ranging from $1000 - $1999

Kachelski, Joe         WHA Information Center

Bazan, Bill         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Stanford, Matthew         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Braddock, Jonathan         WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Boese, Jennifer         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Bloch, Jodi         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Quinn, George         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Oliverio, John         Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Turkal, Nick         Aurora Health Care

Olson, David         Bay Area Medical Center

Nannis, Paul         Aurora Health Care

Kaufman, Nancy         Aurora Health Care

Fale, Robert         Agnesian HealthCare

Britton, Gregory         Beloit Memorial Hospital

Birkenstock, Timothy         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Christensen, Cinthia         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Dunigan, Thomas         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Gazzana, Thomas         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Hutchison, Heather         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Munson, Kenneth         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Wolf, Edward         Lakeview Medical Center

Starmann-Harrison, Mary         SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Olson, Edward         Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Ela, Susan         Aurora Health Care

Buser, Kenneth         All Saints Healthcare

Anderson, Loren         Aurora Health Care-South Region

Brideau, Leo         Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus

Devermann, Robert         Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh

Smith, Linda         Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Eichman, Cynthia         Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Johnson, George         Reedsburg Area Medical Center

Erwin, Duane         Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Nestor, Donald         Aurora Health Care

El-Jack, Mohamed         Bay Area Medical Center

Leitch, Laura         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Karkkainen, Michael         Bay Area Medical Center

Bruce, Bill         St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Westrick, Paul         Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus

Petasnick, William         Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Getto, Carl

Sollenberger, Donna

Kief, Brian         Howard Young Medical Center

Martin, Jeff         Ministry Health Care

Eiler, Gary

Kammer, Peter         Essie Consulting

Contributions Ranging from $2000 - $2999

Brenton, Mary E.         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Vice, Jon         Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Titus, Rexford         ProHealth Care

Contributions $3000 and up

Brenton, Stephen         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Borgerding, Eric         Wisconsin Hospital Association

Milakovich, Paul         Aurora Health Care

Howe, Edwin         Aurora Health Care

Size, Tim Rural         Wisconsin Health Cooperative

Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva *** September 27-29, 2006

Grand Geneva Resort Room Reservation Cut-Off: September 6
Conference & Golf Registrations: Due September 8 to WHA

It should be no surprise that advocacy is the top "expected benefit" from WHA membership. In fact, 96 percent of recent survey respondents identified advocacy as their number one reason for WHA membership, and members define advocacy in multiple ways as shown in the survey findings that rate strategic priorities as either "essential" or "above average importance."

This past spring, member perception on how WHA is "delivering" on advocacy was hugely favorable. Eighty-six percent of respondents said that advocacy programming is being delivered "extremely well." That performance is the highest state hospital association ranking for a SatisfactionWorks survey conducted over the past three years.

Finally, WHA members were queried about their perception of WHA performance in a variety of areas. Here are the survey findings for 2006 compared to the 2003 survey.

In discussing survey results at the recent Board Planning Session, participants agreed that member satisfaction with current WHA performance is strong and presents a solid foundation to advance WHA’s program agendas.

Steve Brenton,
President

This week Governor Doyle unveiled a new proposal to exempt health care insurance premiums from state taxes. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton was on hand in La Crosse at Gundersen Lutheran to make the announcement in the western part of the state.

"This proposal will offer families more relief from the high prices of health care and health care insurance premiums," Lawton said. "Premiums have been rising 20 percent, and it’s one of the biggest expenses we felt we could impact right away."

The Governor predicts the tax deduction would benefit up to 637,300 families and individuals who currently pay taxes on their premiums. A typical family that pays a $300 monthly health premium could expect to save roughly $236 a year. The plan is expected to cost some $50 million per year.

Doyle, if re-elected, said he would include the proposal in his next state budget. The proposal would then need legislative approval before it would become effective January 1, 2008.

In a written response, Gubernatorial challenger Mark Green said, "Governor Doyle vetoed efforts to make Health Savings Accounts tax free, he tried to put a new tax on health insurance and he even tried raising the bed tax on nursing homes. He’s had four years of chances to make health care more affordable, but he did absolutely nothing. Actually, he made the situation even worse."

Amery Regional Medical Center educates their area communities on various health concerns like methamphetamines and drug use, Medicare, depression, teen pregnancy, heart health and breast cancer to name a few. Free screenings, health fairs, classes, support groups and topic-specific presentations are some of the ways ARMC helps their community gain knowledge and insight on important health-related issues.

For example, the Diabetes Education Program at Amery Regional Medical Center was awarded the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate in December 2005. ADA recognizes those organizations having a continued quality diabetes self-management/education program. In addition to the program, they also help promote diabetes awareness by providing free blood sugar screening every year.

Community-focused presentations, like methamphetamine awareness and cardiac health, have had an overwhelmingly positive response from members throughout their service area. Over 400 community members attended the free presentation given by Joe Piscatella, an authority on lifestyle habits, who spoke about health, heart disease, and stress. Piscatella’s compelling message was about life-balance principles that everyone can use to increase the quality of their life.

ARMC has also helped coordinate two public presentations, along with their county and school district, about methamphetamines, drug use and their impact on the community. The events helped educate over 1,200 people about the dangers of Meth and other drugs. Presenters delivered their educational message to students, school staff, and the community. Resources, treatment information and local support organizations were available for those interested in learning more.

Support is also provided to the local school districts through programs developed by ARMC. The Back-to-School Supplies Drive was implemented in order to help the less fortunate children in the area. Various school supplies are donated by Medical Center employees and then distributed to area schools. Another program, the Children’s Health Fair, educates third grade students from three different communities. The event is a fun-filled learning experience for the young students. They visit 12 different stations involving heath care education and each station addresses a different topic like hygiene, exercise, saying no to drugs, and calling 911 for help.

ARMC also lends assistance to local families in need; a tradition that has continued for over ten years. In December, ARMC provides three local families with numerous gifts, money and food for their entire families. All donations are provided by ARMC employees and staff. These families, "adopted" by the Medical Center, enjoy a Christmas they may not have had without the support and generosity from their friends at the Medical Center.

In addition to supporting local communities, the Medical Center also reaches out across the United States and into the borders of foreign countries. ARMC and their affiliate, Luck Medical Clinic, worked in conjunction with a local church to collect, donate, and distribute shoes for the children in Iraq. Amery Regional Medical Center also held a bake/craft sale for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and collected $8,783. ARMC matched the donation for a total fundraising effort of $17,566.

Beloit Memorial Hospital is proud to serve patients of all economic means in our community hospital. There have been many instances where we have gone beyond expectations to help those in need. The following stories are just a sampling of the lives we have touched for those who did not have the financial ability to get the health care their lives depended on.

New Pacemaker-

Recently, a 60-year-old patient with a pacemaker who was underage to qualify for Medicare, yet had no insurance, visited our cardiologist. Her 12 year-old pacemaker was not functioning well, yet she insisted that she could not afford the surgery, so she requested that we only replace the batteries. She asked if the new batteries could be put on a payment plan and was very prudent and steadfast in her decision. Although this decision may have been the best for her economically, it was not the best decision for her overall health. Thanks to the generosity of the cardiologist and our hospital, this patient who thought she was just getting new batteries, was given a much-needed new pacemaker.

Her letter to our hospital president states, "I am overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of your hospital and staff. I am getting a new lease on life and find it very difficult to adequately find the right words to thank everyone. How do you thank someone for, literally, the gift of life? From the bottom of my newly recharged heart, THANK YOU. You and your fabulous staff will forever be in my prayers."

Diabetes Education-

Education and lifestyle changes are the most important aspects of preventing long-term disability when you are a patient with diabetes. Many diabetics are not able to pay for the series of education classes offered, so many times the fees are waived or reduced based on the patient’s ability to pay. A patient recently wrote the hospital a thank you note for allowing her a substantially reduced class fee.

"I would like to thank you for allowing me into your classes. I sure did enjoy it, and I learned a lot. I came away feeling a little normal (human) again. My blood sugar has come down even more, and I have lost 5 pounds. I have learned to take one day at a time (or should I say one moment, one crisis and one meal at a time)." Our staff was overjoyed that they had made such an important difference in this patient’s life- to feel "human" again.

Help for the Ailing and Homeless-

An ailing homeless person came through the doors of our Emergency Room. The gentleman had come down to Beloit from Milwaukee and after seeing our doctor, was trying to get back home. Unfortunately, there was no home to go to.

Hospital staff and security were able to give the man a decent meal and a warm place to stay for the night. By making various phone calls, they were able to secure a free bus ticket back to Milwaukee. After many more calls they were able to track down a relative to not only pick him up from the bus station, but also to let him stay at her house until he was recuperated.

Although finding these solutions involved many phone calls and hours of time, the staff wanted to do more than just "mend wounds and cure ills." They wanted to attend to his emotional and safety needs, as well. Not only were these services uncompensated, they were also above and beyond what most people feel is the role of a community hospital.

Our staff was able to discharge this patient and know that he was going to get the care he needed to get another start on life.

Allen Siok of Gilman attended his very first prostate cancer screening provided by Memorial Health Center in October 2005. He saw a posting at his place of employment that said men over 50 should be checked for prostate cancer and the number to call for an appointment. At age 57, he thought maybe he should attend; after all, it was a free screening.

Through a blood test of PSA levels and a physical exam with the specialists during the screening, Allen found out there was something to be concerned about. After biopsies were taken of the prostate, Allen found out he had prostate cancer.

"I was grateful Memorial Health Center had the screening, or I would not have found out I had cancer," said Allen. "I had no symptoms whatsoever."

Allen had surgery on January 9 and after a follow-up check-up in May; he is still "cancer-free."

"I was fortunate to catch it when I did," said Allen, "because it was at the point of being high-risk for spreading. I would recommend any man over 50 to attend a prostate cancers screening, or get checked by their doctor."

"Like Allen," said Dr. David Bluestein, visiting urology specialist with Urology Specialists of Wisconsin, S.C., "Memorial Health Center’s prostate cancer screening has been a true lifesaver for many. So many men don’t see the symptoms before it is too late."

Prostate cancer is survivable if caught early, but early prostate cancer may not present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by a physician.

"Do not let fear and anxiety keep you from having the tests you need. These tests can often detect, or help rule out, prostate cancer," said Dr. Bluestein.

Since 1996, Memorial Health Center has offered a free prostate cancer screening for area men. The screening has continuously been successful, with over 200 men participating last year. With the help from the Memorial Hospital Foundation, specialists in urology donating their time and patient care, Memorial Health Center Volunteers, and hundreds of staff hours, the screening is a proven success.

In the past few years, participants were even provided with a chauffer service from their vehicles. Foundation members drove golf carts through the parking lot transporting screening participants to and from the hospital entrance.

"This program that Memorial Health Center offers is truly a benefit to the community," said Siok.

Memorial Health Center, accredited by the Joint Commission of the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is a Critical Access Hospital serving Taylor, southern Price and parts of Clark and Marathon Counties in Wisconsin. Memorial Health Center is an Aspirus Partner.

Submit hospital community benefit stories to Mary Kay Grasmick, editor, mgrasmick@wha.org or call 608-274-1820.

The Wisconsin Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration (WSHHRA) and the Wisconsin Hospital Association held their third joint "best practices" conference this week in Wausau. The keynote was given by the Fox Valley Healthcare Workforce Alliance on the subject of addressing health care workforce issues with a team approach. The Fox Valley Alliance includes all hospitals and educational institutions in the Fox Valley. Supported by the local workforce investment board, the goal of the group is to standardize the process of student and clinical assignments across facilities. It is also gathering data to predict future workforce needs – critical information for schools’ capacity planning.

Ann Brett, executive dean at Moraine Park Technical College and Sue Edminster, HR director, Affinity Health, presented from both an education and provider perspective. The project provides a model that could be adapted in other Wisconsin Workforce Regions. Go to the Alliance’s Web site for more information: http://fvhca.org/

Other winners of WSHHRA’s best practice awards and presenters at the conference were:

• Benefits of Primary Care at the Workplace: Implementing a Nurse Practitioner Program

John Zorbini, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Shirley Rosien, RN, BSN, COHN-S, Director, Occupational Health & Wellness Services

Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls, WI

• "Champagne" Culture Transition Training... on a "Beer" Budget

Kristie McCoic, SPHR, Director of Human Resources

Kathy Jo Coblentz, Director of Community Outreach

Cheryl Vulstek, RN, BSN, Director of Quality and Education

St. Joseph’s Community Health Services, Inc., Hillsboro

• Developing Leaders to Succeed

Tina Seidl, PHR, Leadership Development Specialist

Randy Schade, SPHR, Director of Human Resources

Aspirus Wausau Hospital

The best practices conference is a great way to find out what others are doing in their HR departments and to make contacts and connections for the future. WSHHRA members should watch for an invitation to submit "Best Practices" for next year’s award and conference.

Top