Giving

Miracles happen...

Because of YOU!

J U LY 2 0 1 8

YES! I want to help provide compassionate, comprehensive care to my neighbors, friends, and loved ones!

q Here is my gift of $ ____________________To be used q Where most needed q Other_____________________________Name _____________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________

City___________________________ State_______ Zip ____________

Daytime Phone _____________________________________________

Email_____________________________________________________

q I wish to remain anonymous. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

I no longer wish to receive: q Solicitations q Any future mailings (quarterly newsletters, event invitations)

q My CHECK is enclosed.(Payable to HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation)q Please charge my CREDIT CARDq Visa q MasterCardq Discover q AmExCard #___________________________

Exp _____________________

3 Digit Code ______________

%

Please Welcome Our New Donors From April, May and June to the Family!

Susan Abing

Mike & Lou Armstrong

Richard & Susan Backaus

James Bechly

Steve & Karen Blodgett

Madelyn Dallmann

Thomas & Patricia Daniel

Kevin & Denise Escher

Michael Fleischhacker

Keith Hallum

Ruth & Allan Hofland

Philip & Jeanne Hoilien

Wendy Hollenbeck

Kevin & Sandra Irwin

Timothy Kline

Cynthia Koble

John & Diane Kornesczuk

Ronald & Donna Kuhnen

Emily Lindholm

Peter & Patricia Marsnik

Elizabeth Milanowski

Richard Morris

Barry & Julie Murray

Diane Omtvedt

Bernard & Maria Peeters

Gregg & Susan Petersen

Michael & Judith Reetz

Mike Roche

Joanne Sunquist

Sylvia Swenson

Sharon Thomas

SHNLJUL18Thank You!

HopeA Health Emergency Brings Deer Park Family Under the Care of the Sacred Heart Mission

A Detour to Quality, Compassionate Care

“IT WAS A VERY SCARY TIME,” JANICE THOMPSON RECALLED ABOUT HER THEN 78-YEAR-OLD HUSBAND’S HEALTH CARE JOURNEY.

In the last days of 2016, Janice’s husband, Roland, came out of the bedroom and said he wasn’t feeling well. “My arm feels really funny, and I have very bad heartburn,” Janice remembered him saying.

Roland thought he would just lay down, but after an hour he was ready to go to the hospital. They left Deer Park for the hospital in Amery. Roland had tests done, and the doctor said Roland would need to take an ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Janice went home to pack for Roland.

Every hospital in the Twin Cities area, however, was full—there were no beds available. But they did find room at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital—one available bed. Roland was admitted an hour later.

Tests revealed Roland had a blockage that caused a mild heart attack. The news shocked him. “Because I had watched that like a hawk the last ten-fifteen years and was not much overweight—maybe a couple of pounds—and exercised plenty.”

Dr. Monica McDonald, cardiologist at Sacred Heart, explained to Roland and Janice that a stent wasn’t a good option because of where

the blockage was located. She recommended surgery.

“The heart surgeon who did his surgery was very, very pleasant,” Janice said. “She explained everything everyone did prior to the surgery.”

Three days later, on Saturday night of New Year’s Eve 2016, Roland went into surgery.

Overnight, Roland began bleeding internally and they brought him back for a second surgery. Early the next morning, Janice and family returned to the hospital. “He didn’t look at all good,” Janice said. “He was hooked up to everything, and of course, being intubated doesn’t look really good.”

Roland was unable to breathe without the tube. For Janice, it was a very trying time. “He was in another world for six days.”

A rural high school teacher noticed a change in a normally good student. His hair was unkempt and clothing disheveled. Lately, his head would be down on his desk, buried in the crook of his arm, as he doodled or slept. Even his personality had changed. He didn’t give his usual hint of a smile or look up as he shuffled out of the classroom. He also hadn’t been showing up to track and field practice after school.

The teacher called the student’s parents. They shared the teacher’s concern and the teacher suggested he see the on-site therapist. When the parents tried to schedule their son, however, insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, and they couldn’t afford it.

This scenario represents one of many on-going issues in addressing the mental health needs of our youth. One hundred and twenty students in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire schools fall into an identified funding gap yet could benefit from counseling services. Eau Claire area schools have identified multiple families with insurance coverage who still struggle to cover co-pays and opt out of counseling.

A 2017, Eau Claire Youth Risk Survey reported 27% of Eau Claire middle and high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks they stopped doing some usual activities. Northstar Middle School and North High School have reported numerous students who have missed school because of anxiety.

Until recently, no on-site licensed counselors were available to students in most area schools. If a student needed counseling, parents would be forced to find outside services, which would often be difficult because of transportation or financial struggles.

In the last two years, L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center and Prevea Behavioral Health (an HSHS clinical care provider) began sending counselors to Chippewa and Eau Claire county schools. Unfortunately, children with no payer or reimbursement source don’t have access to these important services.

Now, with the help of compassionate donors, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s foundations hope to fill this funding gap.

A gift of $60 will provide one school-based counseling session to a student. A typical full course of twelve sessions is $720. The foundations’ goal is to raise $86,000 to fully cover those 120 identified students. As the program moves forward, data will be gathered to establish long-term solutions to our mental health crisis by working with those who influence policies affecting funding for mental health services.

Through the support of donors like you, we can bring services to these children in need so they can receive regular mental health counseling, miss less time in the classroom, and parents don’t have to miss work and face transportation or financial barriers.

Thanks to Generous Donor Support, Area Youth Will Get the Help They Need

On-Site School Behavioral Health Counseling

continued on page 2

On the seventh day, the breathing tube was removed and Roland was successfully breathing on his own. He was moved to 5th Floor Cardiology and spent two days being monitored.

During Roland’s time at Sacred Heart, he was visited by spiritual care. “Every day someone came to the room they always asked if they could come in, and of course, I’m a Methodist we’re Christians and I enjoyed their presence. They had a gal that came around and would sing you a Christian song with a guitar.”

Roland spent 10 days in physical therapy, working hard on his recovery. “He did very well,” Janice said, “and (the rehab team) was wonderful and very accommodating.”

At the end of his rehabilitation, the therapist brought Roland and the family in for a final consultation. “The rehabilitation department did an excellent job in educating (me),” Roland said, “going over the information that they sent home with you because they don’t want to see you back in a week or two.”

Today, Roland is healthy and active, and in Janice’s opinion, the experience changed him. “Being in law enforcement for 30 years, a person gets pretty wired, and that has all changed. He’s calmed down a lot, appreciates his life, is easy-going.”

A good friend who had been in the health care field told Janice, “I’m going to tell you something—your husband was at the river.” Janice replied, “I know. Thankfully, for our sake, he didn’t cross the river.”

Roland and Janice are now members of the generous community, like you, who support the Sacred Heart mission. “I was very pleased with the service I had and I was very impressed with the ministry service they offered,” Roland said, explaining that he felt happy about where and how his donation is invested. “I would like to say thank you again for your wonderful care,” Janice said, “and you will continue to receive donations from us on a regular basis. We were very blessed and we want to continue to help those who need it.”

Roland and Janice’s compassion and generosity help sustain Sacred Heart’s unique level of care so the hospital’s 130-year mission in our area can continue to reveal Christ’s healing presence to all. It is that care that has given Roland the blessing of each new day.

“Every time the cardiologist says, ‘I’ll see you next year,’ I say, ‘That sounds good!’”

“I’m going to tell you something—your husband was at the river.”

The Christmas season is a special time to remember our loved ones. For the 32nd year this past December, the Volunteer Partners of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital sponsored the Love-Light Christmas Tree outdoor lighting ceremony at the hospital. This annual ceremony is a unique way for individuals to memorialize a loved one or to honor a relative or friend by making a donation to reserve a light in a loved one’s name.

As in past years, thousands of loved ones were represented as lights on the trees in front of the hospital. Each night throughout the Christmas season, the lights glowed in their honor.

In April, the Volunteer Partners of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital donated $20,000 from the Love Lights campaign to HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation. Thanks to the Volunteer Partners and to all those who donated in memory of a loved one, those who

Volunteer Partners Give $20,000 to support the Healing PlaceGifts in Memory of Loved Ones Help Those Who Have Lost Someone They Loved

are dealing with traumatic loss can receive compassionate counseling and peer support to find hope and healing through the hospital’s Healing Place.

2018 Caritas Guild DinnerAnnual Event Recognizes Lifetime Giving and Awards Education Scholarships

Nearly 90 people attended the 2018 Caritas Guild Dinner Monday, May 14, in the Monsignor Klimek Auditorium. The Caritas Guild is an association of donors who have made a significant investment in HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s mission through a lifetime of philanthropic giving of $10,000 or more. The dinner is one way we recognize and celebrate the generosity of these supporters.

Andy Bagnall, President and CEO of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital welcomed and thanked guests. After Father John Schultz presented a moment of prayer, the catering team, led by Executive Chef Randy Lathrop, served an amazing meal.

A highlight of this special dinner is when select colleagues are awarded scholarships that have been established by generous donors. These scholarships promote the highest level of patient care by providing hospital colleagues with assistance to attend academic programs or conferences to advance their clinical education.

Hannah Schroeder, recipient of the Annabel Bauer Surgical Nurse Education Endowment, was very grateful to be selected for this award. “Receiving the recognition for my work and continued commitment to improvement in my field was very empowering and encouraging,” Hannah said. “It is a blessing to receive the support and an honor to represent the excellent work that is being done within our organization to impact patient care.”

The Annabel Bauer Surgical Nurse Education Endowment was established by the Bauer family in honor of Annabel Bauer. During the event, Robert Bauer shared Annabel’s amazing story of this Mondovi native who made a lasting impact on the lives she touched during her career in nursing, military service and academia. She served as dean of health occupations at Chippewa Valley Technical College and retired as a full colonel with the U.S. Army. After retiring, Bauer served the World Bank, teaching and working in Africa.

We want to thank all who attended our Caritas Dinner. The on-going support and generosity of our Caritas Guild members is a true blessing to our hospital and our mission.

“It is a blessing to receive the support and an honor to represent the excellent work that is being done within our organization to impact patient care.” - Hannah Schroeder

2018 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Brain and Spine Educational Enhancement Endowment Scholarship. • Kristy Terry, RN-critical care: A recipient must work with patients in neurology or neurosurgery, which includes stroke, critical care, rehabilitation and emergency services, nursing, surgery, or technical support.

Michael D. Markin & Patricia J. Markin Children's Fund Scholarship. • Rosalie St. Pierre, cardiac sonographer• Ondrea Bryans, behavioral health activity specialist/ adolescent tutor • Carly Overgard, RN & nurse educatorA recipient must work in an area that enhances pediatric care and pediatric counseling programs for children at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital.

Annabel Bauer Surgical Nurse Education Endowment • Hannah Schroeder, RN & nurse educator The endowment helps to fund academic programs, seminars and continuing education for surgical nurses.

Annabel Bauer Cardiac Nursing Award Endowment • Travis Christman, director of cardiology, progressive and intensive care• Sari Meska, RN-cardiology & progressive careThe endowment benefits and supports further education and technical training for nurses who work with cardiac patients.

from page 1

Dale BenderSidney Bender

Daniel RedlichJeanette Cesafskey

Dorothy Henderson-EarlsSandra Hamilton

Monsignor Edmund KlimekDaniel Marsolek

Frances L. BoylanCatherine Goebel

Herman BergerLaura Berger

John McCraeArnold Olkives

Lucille HelwigCharles Helwig

Ricky A. ThalackerWilliam Thalacker

Robert D. StantonTami Satre

Roy L. PokornyDolores Pokorny

Ruth G. McMillenEleanor Peterson

Tracy Lynn AlgerDuane Symbal

The HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation, the Hospital Sisters, administration, staff and volunteers extend a heartfelt thanks to

those whose gifts help further the healing mission of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital.

M E M O R I A L D A Y 2 0 1 8

InLoving Memory

The following list represents memorials made to HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation in honor of the Memorial Day holiday this past May.

HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation wishes to thank our Golf and Tennis Classic Sponsors:

HOLE IN ONE SPONSORSEau Claire Ford Lincoln and Quick LaneEau Claire Automotive GroupGiles Enterprises, Inc.Arby’sBoaters Choice Marine

PARTICIPATION GIFT SPONSORSDove HealthcareEau Claire Medical Clinic, S.C.

DINNER SPONSORSHailey SaultThe Samuel's Group/Environments

LUNCH SPONSORSNEI ElectricWestern Wisconsin Urology

ON-COURSE FOOD SPONSORWESTconsin Credit Union

GOLF TEE AND BAG SPONSORPrecision Pipeline

GOLF BALL SPONSORKen Vance Motors - Audi

PUTTING GREEN SPONSORJohnson Insurance

PUTTING GREEN GAME PRIZE Advanced Medical Solutions

19TH HOLE COCKTAIL SPONSORSXcel EnergyWEAU 13 NewsWells Fargo Oakwood Health Services

SIGNATURE DRINK SPONSORSGator Garb PromotionsWoita & Associates

BEVERAGE CART SPONSORSFabick CatSwanson’s FlooringIBEW Local 14J.F. Ahern Company

PHOTO SPONSORSGreen Thumb LandscapingPer Mar SecurityThe Samuel's Group/Environments

CART SPONSORSHulke Family Funeral & CremationRegis Catholic SchoolsSecurity Financial BankInfinity Healthcare

HOLE SPONSORS RBC Wealth Management, Tom QuigleyTrue Media Commonweal Development Corp.Markquart Motors, Inc.Northwestern BankPer Mar SecurityREMAXWendel ADGAdvanced Medical SolutionsCowboy Jack’s RestaurantLandmark CompanyBeeHive Homes – assisted living/memory loss care Eau Claire AnesthesiologistsRyberg LawATS Complete Auto RepairCertified, Inc.Hubler “One More Day” Endowment

TENNIS COURT SPONSORSRichard Zieman Chippwewa Valley Eye ClinicFirst Choice Recycling

GOLDEN GOLFERS/TENNIS PARTICIPANTSJack KaiserJ.F. AhernEO Johnson Business TechnologiesBartingale MechanicalRoyal Credit UnionChippewa Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Pathology ServiceCorporation

2018

CLASSICGolf & Tennis

HSHS SACRED HEART FOUNDATION

On the seventh day, the breathing tube was removed and Roland was successfully breathing on his own. He was moved to 5th Floor Cardiology and spent two days being monitored.

During Roland’s time at Sacred Heart, he was visited by spiritual care. “Every day someone came to the room they always asked if they could come in, and of course, I’m a Methodist we’re Christians and I enjoyed their presence. They had a gal that came around and would sing you a Christian song with a guitar.”

Roland spent 10 days in physical therapy, working hard on his recovery. “He did very well,” Janice said, “and (the rehab team) was wonderful and very accommodating.”

At the end of his rehabilitation, the therapist brought Roland and the family in for a final consultation. “The rehabilitation department did an excellent job in educating (me),” Roland said, “going over the information that they sent home with you because they don’t want to see you back in a week or two.”

Today, Roland is healthy and active, and in Janice’s opinion, the experience changed him. “Being in law enforcement for 30 years, a person gets pretty wired, and that has all changed. He’s calmed down a lot, appreciates his life, is easy-going.”

A good friend who had been in the health care field told Janice, “I’m going to tell you something—your husband was at the river.” Janice replied, “I know. Thankfully, for our sake, he didn’t cross the river.”

Roland and Janice are now members of the generous community, like you, who support the Sacred Heart mission. “I was very pleased with the service I had and I was very impressed with the ministry service they offered,” Roland said, explaining that he felt happy about where and how his donation is invested. “I would like to say thank you again for your wonderful care,” Janice said, “and you will continue to receive donations from us on a regular basis. We were very blessed and we want to continue to help those who need it.”

Roland and Janice’s compassion and generosity help sustain Sacred Heart’s unique level of care so the hospital’s 130-year mission in our area can continue to reveal Christ’s healing presence to all. It is that care that has given Roland the blessing of each new day.

“Every time the cardiologist says, ‘I’ll see you next year,’ I say, ‘That sounds good!’”

“I’m going to tell you something—your husband was at the river.”

The Christmas season is a special time to remember our loved ones. For the 32nd year this past December, the Volunteer Partners of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital sponsored the Love-Light Christmas Tree outdoor lighting ceremony at the hospital. This annual ceremony is a unique way for individuals to memorialize a loved one or to honor a relative or friend by making a donation to reserve a light in a loved one’s name.

As in past years, thousands of loved ones were represented as lights on the trees in front of the hospital. Each night throughout the Christmas season, the lights glowed in their honor.

In April, the Volunteer Partners of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital donated $20,000 from the Love Lights campaign to HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation. Thanks to the Volunteer Partners and to all those who donated in memory of a loved one, those who

Volunteer Partners Give $20,000 to support the Healing PlaceGifts in Memory of Loved Ones Help Those Who Have Lost Someone They Loved

are dealing with traumatic loss can receive compassionate counseling and peer support to find hope and healing through the hospital’s Healing Place.

2018 Caritas Guild DinnerAnnual Event Recognizes Lifetime Giving and Awards Education Scholarships

Nearly 90 people attended the 2018 Caritas Guild Dinner Monday, May 14, in the Monsignor Klimek Auditorium. The Caritas Guild is an association of donors who have made a significant investment in HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s mission through a lifetime of philanthropic giving of $10,000 or more. The dinner is one way we recognize and celebrate the generosity of these supporters.

Andy Bagnall, President and CEO of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital welcomed and thanked guests. After Father John Schultz presented a moment of prayer, the catering team, led by Executive Chef Randy Lathrop, served an amazing meal.

A highlight of this special dinner is when select colleagues are awarded scholarships that have been established by generous donors. These scholarships promote the highest level of patient care by providing hospital colleagues with assistance to attend academic programs or conferences to advance their clinical education.

Hannah Schroeder, recipient of the Annabel Bauer Surgical Nurse Education Endowment, was very grateful to be selected for this award. “Receiving the recognition for my work and continued commitment to improvement in my field was very empowering and encouraging,” Hannah said. “It is a blessing to receive the support and an honor to represent the excellent work that is being done within our organization to impact patient care.”

The Annabel Bauer Surgical Nurse Education Endowment was established by the Bauer family in honor of Annabel Bauer. During the event, Robert Bauer shared Annabel’s amazing story of this Mondovi native who made a lasting impact on the lives she touched during her career in nursing, military service and academia. She served as dean of health occupations at Chippewa Valley Technical College and retired as a full colonel with the U.S. Army. After retiring, Bauer served the World Bank, teaching and working in Africa.

We want to thank all who attended our Caritas Dinner. The on-going support and generosity of our Caritas Guild members is a true blessing to our hospital and our mission.

“It is a blessing to receive the support and an honor to represent the excellent work that is being done within our organization to impact patient care.” - Hannah Schroeder

2018 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Brain and Spine Educational Enhancement Endowment Scholarship. • Kristy Terry, RN-critical care: A recipient must work with patients in neurology or neurosurgery, which includes stroke, critical care, rehabilitation and emergency services, nursing, surgery, or technical support.

Michael D. Markin & Patricia J. Markin Children's Fund Scholarship. • Rosalie St. Pierre, cardiac sonographer• Ondrea Bryans, behavioral health activity specialist/ adolescent tutor • Carly Overgard, RN & nurse educatorA recipient must work in an area that enhances pediatric care and pediatric counseling programs for children at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital.

Annabel Bauer Surgical Nurse Education Endowment • Hannah Schroeder, RN & nurse educator The endowment helps to fund academic programs, seminars and continuing education for surgical nurses.

Annabel Bauer Cardiac Nursing Award Endowment • Travis Christman, director of cardiology, progressive and intensive care• Sari Meska, RN-cardiology & progressive careThe endowment benefits and supports further education and technical training for nurses who work with cardiac patients.

from page 1

Giving

Miracles happen...

Because of YOU!

J U LY 2 0 1 8

YES! I want to help provide compassionate, comprehensive care to my neighbors, friends, and loved ones!

q Here is my gift of $ ____________________To be used q Where most needed q Other_____________________________Name _____________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________

City___________________________ State_______ Zip ____________

Daytime Phone _____________________________________________

Email_____________________________________________________

q I wish to remain anonymous. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

I no longer wish to receive: q Solicitations q Any future mailings (quarterly newsletters, event invitations)

q My CHECK is enclosed.(Payable to HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation)q Please charge my CREDIT CARDq Visa q MasterCardq Discover q AmExCard #___________________________

Exp _____________________

3 Digit Code ______________

%

Please Welcome Our New Donors From April, May and June to the Family!

Susan Abing

Mike & Lou Armstrong

Richard & Susan Backaus

James Bechly

Steve & Karen Blodgett

Madelyn Dallmann

Thomas & Patricia Daniel

Kevin & Denise Escher

Michael Fleischhacker

Keith Hallum

Ruth & Allan Hofland

Philip & Jeanne Hoilien

Wendy Hollenbeck

Kevin & Sandra Irwin

Timothy Kline

Cynthia Koble

John & Diane Kornesczuk

Ronald & Donna Kuhnen

Emily Lindholm

Peter & Patricia Marsnik

Elizabeth Milanowski

Richard Morris

Barry & Julie Murray

Diane Omtvedt

Bernard & Maria Peeters

Gregg & Susan Petersen

Michael & Judith Reetz

Mike Roche

Joanne Sunquist

Sylvia Swenson

Sharon Thomas

SHNLJUL18Thank You!

HopeA Health Emergency Brings Deer Park Family Under the Care of the Sacred Heart Mission

A Detour to Quality, Compassionate Care

“IT WAS A VERY SCARY TIME,” JANICE THOMPSON RECALLED ABOUT HER THEN 78-YEAR-OLD HUSBAND’S HEALTH CARE JOURNEY.

In the last days of 2016, Janice’s husband, Roland, came out of the bedroom and said he wasn’t feeling well. “My arm feels really funny, and I have very bad heartburn,” Janice remembered him saying.

Roland thought he would just lay down, but after an hour he was ready to go to the hospital. They left Deer Park for the hospital in Amery. Roland had tests done, and the doctor said Roland would need to take an ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Janice went home to pack for Roland.

Every hospital in the Twin Cities area, however, was full—there were no beds available. But they did find room at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital—one available bed. Roland was admitted an hour later.

Tests revealed Roland had a blockage that caused a mild heart attack. The news shocked him. “Because I had watched that like a hawk the last ten-fifteen years and was not much overweight—maybe a couple of pounds—and exercised plenty.”

Dr. Monica McDonald, cardiologist at Sacred Heart, explained to Roland and Janice that a stent wasn’t a good option because of where

the blockage was located. She recommended surgery.

“The heart surgeon who did his surgery was very, very pleasant,” Janice said. “She explained everything everyone did prior to the surgery.”

Three days later, on Saturday night of New Year’s Eve 2016, Roland went into surgery.

Overnight, Roland began bleeding internally and they brought him back for a second surgery. Early the next morning, Janice and family returned to the hospital. “He didn’t look at all good,” Janice said. “He was hooked up to everything, and of course, being intubated doesn’t look really good.”

Roland was unable to breathe without the tube. For Janice, it was a very trying time. “He was in another world for six days.”

A rural high school teacher noticed a change in a normally good student. His hair was unkempt and clothing disheveled. Lately, his head would be down on his desk, buried in the crook of his arm, as he doodled or slept. Even his personality had changed. He didn’t give his usual hint of a smile or look up as he shuffled out of the classroom. He also hadn’t been showing up to track and field practice after school.

The teacher called the student’s parents. They shared the teacher’s concern and the teacher suggested he see the on-site therapist. When the parents tried to schedule their son, however, insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, and they couldn’t afford it.

This scenario represents one of many on-going issues in addressing the mental health needs of our youth. One hundred and twenty students in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire schools fall into an identified funding gap yet could benefit from counseling services. Eau Claire area schools have identified multiple families with insurance coverage who still struggle to cover co-pays and opt out of counseling.

A 2017, Eau Claire Youth Risk Survey reported 27% of Eau Claire middle and high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks they stopped doing some usual activities. Northstar Middle School and North High School have reported numerous students who have missed school because of anxiety.

Until recently, no on-site licensed counselors were available to students in most area schools. If a student needed counseling, parents would be forced to find outside services, which would often be difficult because of transportation or financial struggles.

In the last two years, L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center and Prevea Behavioral Health (an HSHS clinical care provider) began sending counselors to Chippewa and Eau Claire county schools. Unfortunately, children with no payer or reimbursement source don’t have access to these important services.

Now, with the help of compassionate donors, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s foundations hope to fill this funding gap.

A gift of $60 will provide one school-based counseling session to a student. A typical full course of twelve sessions is $720. The foundations’ goal is to raise $86,000 to fully cover those 120 identified students. As the program moves forward, data will be gathered to establish long-term solutions to our mental health crisis by working with those who influence policies affecting funding for mental health services.

Through the support of donors like you, we can bring services to these children in need so they can receive regular mental health counseling, miss less time in the classroom, and parents don’t have to miss work and face transportation or financial barriers.

Thanks to Generous Donor Support, Area Youth Will Get the Help They Need

On-Site School Behavioral Health Counseling

continued on page 2