Being a leader in a community doesn't come by simply providing a valuable service. Leaders are difference makers. At Community Memorial, we know that providing state-of-the-art healthcare isn't enough. We strive to make a difference in our community. We do it in many ways, with community education programs that protect our children like babysitting, CPR and first aid classes, and through the Community Outreach Services Fund that strengthens health services. Our various classes, support groups and outings compliment hospital care and are designed to help many individuals. While having one of Wisconsin's most technologically advanced Heart and Vascular Centers and Cancer Care Centers, we also provide health services in non-traditional ways.
Check out the differences that Community Memorial Hospital is making for our community - and yours.
Community Outreach Steering Committee
Established in 1995, the Community Outreach Steering Committee is a volunteer committee representing northern Waukesha County and Washington County. The volunteers represent fire, police, schools, churches, and the community at large. The committee was established by the Board of Directors of Community Memorial Hospital to identify and address unmet health needs of the communities served by the hospital.
In 2007 the COSC conducted a community health status assessment to identify major local health issues. This assessment relied on analysis of published health data and community stakeholder conversations. Three major priorities were identified and will direct community benefit activity for the next 3-5 years. These priorities are obesity and lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use and chronic disease management especially for diabetes and asthma.
The Community Outreach Steering Committee (COSC) has annually donated $50,000 in funds to area organizations to assist with a variety of community wellness activities. In 2007 fourteen local non-profit organizations received grants. The recipients of the grants were:
In addition, the COSC awarded a grant of $19,800 to the Community Outreach Health Clinic. The clinic, located at Community Memorial Hospital, serves more than 1,900 patients per year who are without health insurance.
Community Outreach Health Clinic
The Community Outreach Health Clinic which opened in 2000 provides quality, non-emergency medical and pharmaceutical care to uninsured and underinsured persons residing in our service area. The primary services offered at the Clinic are free for eligible patients and focus on treatment, screening, education and counseling. In 2007, the Clinic provided 1,912 primary care visits, an increase of four percent from 2006. The Clinic provided 80 psychosocial assessments and 19 Wisconsin Well Women exams. The Clinic dispensed 2,286 prescriptions, provided 2,232 laboratory tests, performed 146 radiology, 21 rehabilitation and 17 cardiac diagnostic procedures. New in 2007, 31 patients participated in Wisconsin Prevent Blindness screenings. Also, 152 patients received education and assistance in managing their chronic illness, like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma by meeting regularly with a nurse practitioner case manager.
The Outreach Clinic is staffed by volunteer health professionals. In 2007, the volunteers gave a combined total of 4,812 hours. Treating primary care patients in the Outreach Clinic resulted in a $100,600 savings in emergency room costs. Our name not only stands for who we are, but who we serve. That's why, whether in-person or online - we're here for you.
Helping Our Community
Community Memorial Hospital's mobile clinic is staffed by members of our Emergency Department who provide emergency first aid and blood pressure screenings at local community and corporate health events. In 2007, the mobile clinic staff provided services at 14 different events including Wheeling for Healing, Fire Safety Fairs hosted by the fire departments of Menomonee Falls, Richfield, Germantown and Mequon, Hartford Family Day Balloon Rally, Sussex Fire Department Open House and Cheery Cherry Fall Fair.
The Emergency Department's Bike and Helmet Safety program educates children, parents and caretakers about bicycle safety and proper helmet use. In 2007 135 Germantown children and their parents participated in this program.
Since 2003 Community Memorial Hospital has participated in a vital community health initiative to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease among adults who live and work in Waukesha County. As a member of the Heart Healthy Waukesha County Steering Committee, Community Memorial staff assisted with the implementation of a year long training program for worksite wellness coordinators representing 21 local organizations and businesses. As a result, over 17000 employees were impacted positively with health and wellness programming.
Parents who deliver babies at Community Memorial receive the researched based Parenting the First, Second and Third Years newsletters. This service is a collaborative community project with Community Memorial Hospital, UW-Extension of Waukesha County, Advanced Healthcare and Medical Associates. Each month parents receive a newsletter that gives timely information on child development and discipline alternatives. The information is research-based and developed by child development specialists. In 2007, more than 1,200 families received these free newsletters. A free electronic newsletter for expectant and new mothers is also available on Community Memorial Hospital's website.
Leadership Council Volunteer
Many members of our staff volunteer their time and talents throughout our service area. This includes members of Community Memorial Hospital's administration. Eighty-seven members of administration volunteered in 142 different activities during 2007, donating a total of 2,013 hours to the community. Their service assisted civic and county organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, local food pantries, parades and local celebrations; county-wide organizations such as Washington County Tobacco-Free Coalition, United Way of Waukesha and Washington County, Habitat for Humanity; youth programs such as the Germantown Youth Futures, Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation Committee, Tri-County YMCA, and Menomonee Falls Teen Center; national associations such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the American Red Cross. Others volunteered at other organizations such as area schools, churches, and governmental appointments on committees and boards.
Healthcare Career Academy
During the summer of 2007, Community Memorial Hospital and the Menomonee Falls School District worked together to offer the inaugural Healthcare Career Academy. High school students who had undergone an extensive application and interview process were selected for this five-week program, which gave them an up-close look at five different hospital departments – nursing, pharmacy, medical imaging, laboratory and therapy. Students were divided into groups of two and rotated through one department each week. They learned how each of the areas works with diseases and conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke and cancer. At the end of each week, they reported to their peers on what they had learned.
At the end of the program, many of the students said they had a better idea of which specific healthcare field they wanted to pursue. Two of the students even found after-school jobs as pharmacy techs. The hospital plans to expand the program this summer.
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