Impacting Lives…Working Together
In 2016, Rice Health Foundation provided $1,113,943 to Rice Memorial Hospital to support a variety of programs and services, as well as continuing education, advancing technology and capital equipment. This support is possible because of your donations to Rice Health Foundation designated funds and endowments. Your generosity supports the vitality and quality of care of Rice Memorial Hospital, while improving the health and well-being of the people in west central Minnesota.
The Rice Health Foundation Endowment was established to provide a stable and consistent source of funds to help meet the changing needs in healthcare. Grants from the Foundation Endowment and other donor-advised and designated-purpose endowments accounted for more than $233,400 in support to the Hospital in 2016. Some of the endowment grants awarded are highlighted here.
Specialized Aquatic Therapy Training
Specialized training was made possible for the aquatic therapy program. Four pool therapists have learned the latest techniques to help children and adults reach their full rehabilitation potential.
Oxygen Equipment Suitability
The oxygen equipment allows Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff to properly evaluate and educate patients on their current oxygen systems or try out new systems before switching. Having the same home oxygen equipment available also helps Respiratory Therapists ensure hospitalized patients have the appropriate equipment upon discharge.
EMS Body Armor Vests
We are seeing a large increase in violence against police, fire fighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Grant funds provided Body Armor protective vests for the Ambulance crew. Staff members have commented on feeling safer by having the additional protection available.
Life Support Training Materials
The Grant to the Education Department ensures that Rice employees will have the most current training in basic and advanced life support to provide the best care for our patients in emergency situations. Every five years, the American Heart Association updates its Basic and Advanced Life Support Guidelines to reflect current research.
Chef Marshall Cooking Classes
Rice’s ReYou Wellness Program was created to increase the overall health and wellness of the Willmar Community. Health coaching sessions with participants revealed a need for nutrition education and healthy cooking advice. Chef Marshall shares his knowledge of how eating healthy foods can be preventive medicine for many chronic diseases in a fun and informative way. Grant funds help cover the costs of the classes to keep registration affordable for participants.
Post-Concussion Management
Grant funds were made available for an occupational therapist and a physical therapist to receive advanced training in post-concussion health and become V2FIT certified. Therapists are now able to provide patients with an additional resource to help them recover from concussion symptoms and be safe to return to play, work, and school.