Chippewa County Healthcare Organizations Awarded Grant Funds

The Community Foundation of Chippewa County has announced the recipients of over $140,000 in funding through its new grant program.

According to a press release, five organizations focused on improving health and wellness in the community will receive a portion of the funding through the Healthy Chippewa County grant program. The funding comes from an endowment fund established with the assets transferred from the former HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation following its closure.

Curtie Cares will receive the largest portion of the grant funding at around $35,500. That funding will support their medical transportation services for homebound residents and those who live in rural areas of the County with more limited public transportation options. The Chippewa County Aging and Disability Resource Center will also receive nearly $31,000 to expand its Meals on Wheels program and strengthen home health services for older or disabled residents.

The second largest award of $35,000 will go to the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative to purchase equipment for its recently opened Wound Care Center at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital site. Rogers Memorial Hospital will receive $20,000 for equipment and furniture, as well as expanding access to their services at the new Chippewa Falls Behavioral Health Hospital. Aspirus Health will also receive $20,000 to purchase a piece of equipment called a Panda Warmer, which officials say will enhance emergency care for women and newborns.

The goal of the newly launched grant program is to support the expansion of local healthcare services that were negatively impacted by the HSHS closures and improve the overall wellness of Chippewa County residents.