2022 Recap of The Friends of Sauk Prairie Healthcare

Summary of 2022 Activities

The activities of the Friends remained limited in 2022 with the pandemic still placing restrictions on what we can safely do as an organization supporting healthcare. We were happy to host chocolate sales and logowear sales with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Friends. Our Gift Shop has been open each weekday 8:00am to 4:30pm and had a great year, donating $35,000 to the Friends to be used to support the needs of Sauk Prairie Healthcare. We also had the chance to host an outdoor picnic last summer in honor and appreciation of the wonderful volunteers that dedicated their time and talents to Sauk Prairie Healthcare.

As we begin 2023, we will be brainstorming on events and programs we can do for fundraising and support of Sauk Prairie Healthcare. We recognize how very fortunate we are to have such an exceptional healthcare facility in our area and are dedicated to fulfilling our mission to “improve our hospital and clinics through service, education and special projects.” We look forward to the year ahead!

Love Lights Recap

We were beyond excited to be able to offer our Love Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony in person this year. Our brief program was highlighted with inspirational words by community supporter, Cliff Thompson and our CEO, Shawn Lerch. Thank you to Director Monica Barman for chairing the event which is a wonderful way to honor and remember loved ones. thank you to all the supporters who purchased lights to support the program. In all, we had 32 sponsors, 84 donors and 369 tributes acknowledged. 

Funding by Friends of SPH 

Over $24,000 was granted to Sauk Prairie Healthcare in 2022 by the Friends of SPH. Here are some of the disbursements made by the Friends of SPH:

• A $10,000 grant was given to purchase a bladder scanner for the Surgery Center. This equipment is important to provide the best care to our surgical patients and allow staff to understand the amount of urine in the bladder to assist with clinical decisions and better outcomes for the patient. The bladder scanner allows staff to perform a procedure that is non-invasive and no risk to the patient, and having equipment dedicated to the Surgery Center ensures the availability as needed.
• Nearly $4,000 was granted to purchase a weight bearing foot positioner for the Diagnostic Imaging department. This device allows all necessary x-ray views to be obtained with minimal patient movement reducing the risk of falls and enhancing patient safety.
• The Emergency Department was granted $6,280 to purchase an upgraded slit lamp to allow for a high-quality exam when patients have an eye emergency.
• A bariatric harness was purchased for our Physical Therapy department, costing $825. The EZ Stand device assists with safe transfers for patients rising from a sitting to standing position.
• A grant of $628 was given to the Emergency Department to purchase a new ring cutter. Having an upgraded ring cutter onsite will assist with the quick removal of patients’ rings, ensuring patient comfort and decreasing the possibility of neurovascular compromise.
• A $650 grant helped Orthopedic Associates purchase an iPad to be used for Interpreter Services. Having this device dedicated to the clinic enhances patient safety and the patient experience by ensuring that our communication is accurate and thorough.
• The Plain Clinic was granted $2,400 to purchase a wheelchair scale. This equipment enhanced patient safety and comfort by allowing the patient to remain in a wheelchair for obtaining weight, eliminating the risk of falling or injury by patients who may have mobility challenges.
• Additional funding requests were approved and are awaiting delivery due to delays caused by the pandemic.

Thank you for your continued support. The Friends of SPH are doing great things to support Sauk Prairie Healthcare. We are making a difference!