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.
Learn more about Community Memorial's community benefit efforts through our Community Benefit Health Report and our 2009 Community Benefit Fact Sheet.
Read on to see 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 2009 ten local non-profit organizations received grants. The recipients of the grants were:
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 2009, the Clinic provided 1,818 primary care visits and 37 psychosocial assessments. The Clinic dispensed 2,500 prescriptions, provided 2,612 laboratory tests, and performed 183 radiology procedures.
The Outreach Clinic is staffed by volunteer health professionals. In 2009, the volunteers gave a combined total of 4,837 hours. Treating primary care patients in the Outreach Clinic resulted in a $169,100 savings in emergency room costs. Our name not only stands for who we are, but who we serve.
Helping Our Community
In 2008, Community Memorial Hospital began offering flu clinics for the public. During the fall and early winter, a total of nine clinics were offered to the public, with 230 shots given. Each of the clinics was staffed by hospital pharmacists who were certified by the state to give immunizations. The community benefit for this service totaled nearly $15,000.
In 2009, Community Memorial donated a first aid vehicle to the Menomonee Falls Police and Fire Departments to serve as their new Emergency Services Command Center. The value of the donation was $85,000. Community Memorial used the mobile clinic for many years to deliver first aid and other related health services in the community outside the walls of the hospital. It was decided the hospital could provide these same services more efficiently – using a van and tents to provide services at health fairs, safety fairs and community events. The van gives more ability to maneuver when participating at events. Since the vehicle's conversion to an Emergency Service Command Center, it has been used at many community functions, including a safety fair, Waukesha County Drug Collection, Neighborhood Watch event, Falls Fest, parades and other community events.
Athletes at Germantown and Menomonee Falls High Schools are provided with an experienced athletic trainer from Community Memorial Hospital. The trainers work at the school each day, working evenings as well as Saturdays to provide training room, practice and event coverage. They prepare athletes for their activities, which might include stretching, taping and treatment as needed. Trainers provide ongoing injury evaluation and monitoring while also working with athletes throughout their rehabilitation progression. Both trainers are not only actively involved with the coaches and athletes, but they also work with the athlete and their family to involve the physician as necessary pending the severity of the injury.
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 2009, 1,300 families received these free newsletters. A free electronic newsletter for expectant and new mothers is also available.
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. The value of this contribution was nearly $98,000. 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 United Way of Waukesha and Washington County, youth programs such as the Germantown Youth Futures, Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation Committee, and Tri-County YMCA; 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
In 2009, the Healthcare Career Academy was extended with an additional four-week session for students from the Germantown School District. High school students who had undergone an extensive application and interview process were selected for this four-week program, which allows students to shadow and learn from professionals in various departments. Through observation, hands-on experiences and classroom discussion, students are able to expand their awareness and interest in healthcare careers. 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.
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