Over the past year, Aspirus Health Foundation has provided more than $250,000 in grants from its Stevens Point and Plover area donor funds to support a range of programs at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital. The funding has contributed to various projects aimed at improving patient care and experience.
Among the initiatives supported were the purchase of wireless fetal monitors for the Women and Infant Center, funded with $126,971 from the Greatest Need Fund. Other projects included an in-body composition analyzer for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, patient transport assistance, holiday support for oncology patients, in-home hospice care for two local patients, sexual assault nurse examiner training, a laboratory teaching microscope, a pelvic therapy table for physical therapy, and breast cancer screenings for individuals with financial need.
A significant donation by Joe and Cindy Kinsella earlier this year enabled the hospital’s Breast Care Center to acquire a new breast biopsy machine. This equipment is expected to help radiologists and technicians while enhancing patient experiences during procedures.
The foundation also made external community grants during the year. These included $10,000 to CAP Services for mental health navigation efforts through its Behavioral Health Fund, $25,000 toward a local breast cancer awareness campaign via the Edward J. Okray Endowment Fund, and $25,000 to support the Wisconsin Dental Association Mission of Mercy event held in Weston this July through its Oral Health Endowment Fund.
Aspirus Health Foundation manages over two dozen donor-directed funds that support ongoing philanthropic work benefiting both facilities and programs. According to the foundation: “Donor dollars past and present continue to augment, wherever needed most, Aspirus Health’s efforts to provide the best possible patient safety, experience and outcomes.”
The foundation acknowledged eight local philanthropy committee members who volunteer their time as community leaders supporting Aspirus Health’s mission: Pamela Beyer (PsyD), Clare Cullen (APNP), Leah Knights, Candise Miller, Michael Munagian (MD), Erik Carlson, Jeff Lutgen and Joe Kinsella.
“Members include Pamela Beyer, PsyD, Clare Cullen, APNP, Leah Knights, Candise Miller, Michael Munagian MD., Erik Carlson; Jeff Lutgen; Joe Kinsella,” stated the release.
For those interested in learning more or supporting patients at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital or related clinics in Portage County communities served by Aspirus Health Foundation programs are encouraged to contact Gregg Gutschow at Gregg.gutschow@aspirus.org or 715.346.5337.
