Oct. 27, 2023
MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan have announced the awardees of the Addressing Health Disparities funding program. A total of 21 organizations will receive $202,478 in funding.
The list of awardees can be found at https://communityhealth.marshfieldclinic.org/en/Community-Investments and below:
- ADRC of Barron & Rusk Counties
- Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin
- Benjamin's House Emergency Shelter, Inc.
- Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area
- CAP Services, Inc.
- Childcaring, Inc.
- Chippewa County Department of Public Health
- Community First Washburn County Inc.
- D.R. Moon Memorial Library
- Eau Claire City-County Health Department
- Embrace Services, Inc.
- First Presbyterian Church Wausau Free Clinic
- Good News Project, Inc.
- HOLA, Inc.
- Marathon County Literacy Council, Inc.
- Medical Care Access Coalition of Dickinson & Iron Counties
- Rhinelander Area Food Pantry
- Rusk County Public Health
- Rusk County Transit Commission
- United Way of Marathon County
- United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley
The programs and initiatives receiving funds will improve health equity by addressing a wide variety of health disparities. Health disparities are preventable differences in health experienced by groups with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages. Examples of preventable differences include difficulties getting medical care, few options for healthy food, or lacking a safe place to live. Health disparities are barriers to individuals reaching their full potential for health and well-being.
“Our rural communities have unique health disparities, and there are many organizations working hard to address them," said Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Impact and Social Accountability. “We are proud to be able to invest in partner organizations that share our mission to create healthy communities."
The investments support one of the system's five key strategies in their commitment to diversity and inclusivity. For more information on Marshfield Clinic Health System's Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity approach, visit https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/about-us/hedi.
The 21 funded organizations will implement a wide variety of programs. One organization will use the funds to address childhood food insecurity, ensuring children have nutritionally dense food and fresh produce. Another organization plans to support the addition of a community health worker to increase health literacy and health knowledge for Latinx individuals and families living in Central Wisconsin. A third will partner with other community organizations to provide safe and affordable transportation to needed services.
For more information the system's community health efforts, visit https://communityhealth.marshfieldclinic.org/ or email us at communityhealth@marshfieldclinic.org.
