GRANT FUNDS AWARDED TO FURTHER ADDRESS MARATHON COUNTY HEALTH PRIORITIES
WAUSAU- A consortium of local funding organizations is awarding $65,629 to seven community based efforts that address key health priorities identified by the Marathon County Community Health Assessment 2006-10.
The allocations by the Healthy Marathon County Partnership are designed to facilitate community action and improvement addressing:
Alcohol Use and Misuse Health Care for the Elderly
Obesity and Related Disorders Tobacco Use and Exposure
Suicide and Mental Health Utilization of Prenatal Care
Concerns with the Cost of Health Care
Projects selected for funding include:
Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Wisconsin, $7,224:
Early Stage Detection and Support Group Program: This program will work to identify and establish ongoing professional relationships for a Memory Assessment Clinic and Support Groups for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as well as family members, caregivers, medical professionals and community based organizations.
American Red Cross-Marathon County Chapter, $13,310:
Community Health Screening Program: This program will support the promotion of health and wellness through regularly scheduled free screenings for hypertension and diabetes and individualized lifestyle education. Specific program targets are the elderly, underserved, Hmong and Hispanic populations of Marathon County.
Concerns about the Cost of Health Care (CATCH), $2,000:
Public Information Forum: Funding for this program will support the organization and costs associated with a public information forum to be scheduled in the greater Wausau area to be held post expected legislation regarding health care reform. The goal of this program is to create a more informed population to enable them to become more accountable for their healthcare decisions and related costs.
Faith in Action of Marathon County, $4,595:
Medical Transportation for Elderly and Disabled Residents: This program provides transportation to medical appointments for residents at least 60 years of age or those disabled. Grant funds will help recruit and train volunteers and provide educational materials to better serve rural areas of Marathon County.
Healthy Babies for Marathon County: $12,500:
Treating Perinatal Depression through an In-Home Therapy Model: Targeted to women who are experiencing perinatal mood disorders in Marathon County, eligible women who have an identified barrier to accessing outpatient therapy services will be enrolled in one of Start Right’s antepartum, postpartum or family visiting services.
Marathon County Tobacco Free Coalition, $10,000:
Smokeless Tobacco Education: Funds will support a community program to educate youth, parents and grandparents on new smokeless tobacco products and the dangers of using smokeless tobacco.
The Women’s Community, $16,000:
Safe and Sober: Through a collaborative partnership with North Central Health Care Center, funding will support a pilot project to address substance abuse issues for women who have been victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
Funding organizations supporting the Healthy Marathon County Partnership include: Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Aspirus Health Foundation, Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, Marshfield Clinic and The Foundation of Saint Clare’s Hospital.
Funding Partner Contacts:
Judd S. Alexander Foundation: Gary Freels, 715.845.4556
Aspirus Health Foundation: Peggy Carrier-Diemer, 715.847.2892
Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin: Jean Tehan, 715.845.9555
Foundation of Saint Clare’s Hospital: Matt Ruppert, 715.393.2604
Marshfield Clinic: Stephanie Smith, 715.387.5379