Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, 2024 Community Benefits
Bridging Barriers: MCHS Partners to Provide Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines to Spanish-Speaking Families
In December 2023, Mayo Clinic Health System of Southwest Wisconsin (MCHS) teamed up with St. Clare Health Mission of La Crosse to offer free flu and COVID-19 immunizations in Independence, WI, specifically for Spanish-speaking families. MCHS provided nursing staff and Spanish interpreters, administering over 35 immunizations and distributing Spanish-translated health information to attendees. The event, hosted by Neighbor for Neighbor, included additional resources and support for families with Spanish interpreters.
Providing free vaccines and health information to the community makes it accessible to those who might otherwise face language barriers. This contribution helped to enhance the overall effectiveness of the event, improving public health outcomes and fostering a more inclusive approach to healthcare in the community.
Providing free vaccines and health information to the community makes it accessible to those who might otherwise face language barriers. This contribution helped to enhance the overall effectiveness of the event, improving public health outcomes and fostering a more inclusive approach to healthcare in the community.
Expanding Access to Care: MCHS Provides Free Sports Physicals for Youth
In July 2023, Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Wisconsin (MCHS in SWWI) partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of La Crosse (BGC) to address MCHS in SWWI’s Community Health Needs priority of Access to Care. Through the collaborative efforts of La Crosse Family Medicine Residents and nursing staff, over 30 free sports physicals were provided to teens at the BGC. In some cases, teens are unable to start their sports season due to not having a sports physical. Providing free sports physicals at the BGC allows teens and families to get access to the care they need without barriers such as transportation.
By providing these free sports physicals and engaging in broader community support activities, Mayo Clinic Health System demonstrates its dedication to eliminating healthcare barriers and promoting the well-being of the communities it serves. This aligns with Mayo's mission to contribute to the health and vitality of the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it.
By providing these free sports physicals and engaging in broader community support activities, Mayo Clinic Health System demonstrates its dedication to eliminating healthcare barriers and promoting the well-being of the communities it serves. This aligns with Mayo's mission to contribute to the health and vitality of the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it.
Innovative Recruitment and Retention Scholar Program Provides Financial Support and Mentorship for Nursing Students
In the spring of 2023, Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse initiated the Dale Scholar Program, an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the pressing staffing shortages in healthcare, particularly in nursing. The program’s dual objectives are to augment our workforce and to fortify partnerships with regional educational entities.
Understanding the importance of both recruitment and retention, we envisioned a program that would cater to these aspects effectively. The Dale Scholar Program transcends the traditional scholarship model by incorporating a prestigious scholar program that offers not just financial benefits but also mentorship to support new nurses during their critical first year.
The program grants a total of up to $25,000 in financial incentives, distributed over the first three years of employment. Scholars are expected to extend their service for an additional two years at Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Wisconsin, culminating in a five-year commitment.
Our inaugural year saw the induction of seven new nurses. For the academic year 2024-2025, we are poised to welcome up to five new nursing graduates. Moreover, we are broadening our horizons to include technical professions, starting with Cardiovascular Technologists (CV Techs) and Cardiac Sonographers, with aspirations to expand further annually.
The Dale Scholar Program is a testament to the generous endowment from the Vernon F. Dale Charitable Trust, which has made this exceptional program possible.
Understanding the importance of both recruitment and retention, we envisioned a program that would cater to these aspects effectively. The Dale Scholar Program transcends the traditional scholarship model by incorporating a prestigious scholar program that offers not just financial benefits but also mentorship to support new nurses during their critical first year.
The program grants a total of up to $25,000 in financial incentives, distributed over the first three years of employment. Scholars are expected to extend their service for an additional two years at Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Wisconsin, culminating in a five-year commitment.
Our inaugural year saw the induction of seven new nurses. For the academic year 2024-2025, we are poised to welcome up to five new nursing graduates. Moreover, we are broadening our horizons to include technical professions, starting with Cardiovascular Technologists (CV Techs) and Cardiac Sonographers, with aspirations to expand further annually.
The Dale Scholar Program is a testament to the generous endowment from the Vernon F. Dale Charitable Trust, which has made this exceptional program possible.
