Spotlight on Health - Fall/Winter Edition

FALL/WINTER 2023

THE SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH

A Journey to Compassion and Change: Dr. Charles and the Call Beyond the Hospital Walls Page 6

Celebrating the Bright Future of Vernon Memorial Healthcare: New Healthcare Professionals

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Heroes: The Vernon MemorialWestby School Partnership

Transforming Lives: Robotic-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery

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THE SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating the Bright Future of Vernon Memorial Healthcare:

Welcoming New Healthcare Professionals

In the heart of our communities, Vernon Memorial Healthcare shines as a symbol of health, resilience, and support. Today, we celebrate a new chapter in our journey—a chapter that promises to strengthen our commitment to community well-being.

David Hartberg Chief Executive Officer/ Administrator Vernon Memorial Hospital 507 South Main Street Viroqua, WI 54665 General Info: (608) 637-2101 Emergency Line: (608) 637-4261

Connect with us www.facebook.com/ VernonMemorialHealthcare www.instagram.com/ vernonmemorialhealthcare vimeo.com/ vernonmemorialhealthcare www.linkedin.com/company/ vernon-memorial-healthcare

www.vmh.org

Today, we warmly welcome over 15 new healthcare providers to Vernon Memorial Healthcare that already have and/or will join us soon - in our clinics, our emergency room and in our operating rooms. This marks the beginning of their journey with us, where they will create their own legacies within our community.

These skilled individuals bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and extensive knowledge to elevate our care quality. As we continue our mission to inspire healthier lives, our new providers play a crucial role in expanding our reach and impact.

Vernon Memorial Healthcare has a rich history filled with generations of selfless providers dedicated to serving our communities. Their lasting legacies inspire trust in our community, as our hospital has always been more than just a medical facility; it’s a place where compassion and expertise come together to bring comfort and healing.

In an ever-changing healthcare landscape, Vernon Memorial Healthcare faces unique challenges. Nonetheless, our medical staff is determined to overcome these challenges and deliver exceptional healthcare. Our new providers are ready to contribute their skills to bridge gaps and bring

high-quality care closer to those in need. Their presence reinforces our commitment to serving our community with excellence.

Today’s celebration is also about expressing deep gratitude to all our healthcare professionals. The compassionate nurses at the bedside.

The primary care physicians who listen.

The skilled surgeons in the operating rooms. The diligent technicians conducting tests and the dedicated business and administrative staff behind the scenes. Every team member plays a vital role in ensuring seamless care delivery.

As we continue our successful recruitment efforts, we look toward a promising tomorrow—a future where community health remains our focus.

With dedication, compassion, and innovation, we are poised to create a legacy for generations to come.

Cheers to a healthy future for Vernon Memorial Healthcare and our cherished communities!

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Meet some of our new Healthcare Professionals:

Derek Burkum, PA-C

Stephanie Croft, APNP

Amar Polepalle, DO

Beth Honeyman, PA-C

Carrie Keenan, PA-C

Max Irons, PA-C

La Farge Family Fun Night The La Farge Family Fun Night was a heartwarming event celebrating retiring healthcare providers and welcoming new ones, held at the VMH La Farge Clinic. Approximately 200 people gathered to show their support for the clinic and its dedicated staff who work tirelessly to meet the healthcare needs of the community.

The event was marked by a delightful atmosphere filled with food, fun activities, and the presence of local partners. It was an evening of fellowship and enjoyment, as the community came together to express their gratitude to the clinic and its staff for their ongoing commitment to promoting the health and well-being of the community.

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THE SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Lawrence, a pioneer in Robotic-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery, stands at the operating table, embodying the hope for a pain-free and brighter future.

Transforming Lives:

Robotic-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery and the Hope it Brings

Imagine a world where every step of the surgical process is guided by unparalleled precision, where the most intricate soft tissue complications can be addressed with utmost care. Thanks to the incorporation of robotics and technology, that world is a reality at Vernon Memorial Healthcare.

Orthopedic surgery has undergone remarkable advancements in recent years, driven by the powerful combination of robotics and cuttingedge technology. These innovations have touched the lives of countless individuals, offering hope, precision, and a personal touch in their treatment journeys.

Today surgeons like Jeffrey M. Lawrence, MD, have access to comprehensive patient data through robotic systems used in the operating rooms, empowering him to make informed decisions and tailor treatment plans with meticulous attention to detail.

This newfound ability to visualize and customize different approaches ensures that each patient receives the best possible surgical outcome, a gift that goes beyond mere medical intervention.

Dr. Lawrence, a passionate and dedicated orthopedic surgeon, has improved countless lives nationwide through his visionary approach. He recalls, “Early in my career, we used manual instruments, and the surgery was done primarily by surgeon experience and feel. There were no metrics, no data, and it was hard to be accurate, predictable and reproducible. I added computer navigation about 15 years ago, which helps to make more accurate bone cuts, but still relied on surgeon feel for balancing the knee ligaments.”

However, he felt that something was missing—a way to address the intricate soft tissue concerns crucial for achieving his patients’ desired outcomes.

It was at an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons conference that Dr. Lawrence discovered robotic

technology aligned with his vision. He saw a system that could bridge the gap between precision and soft tissue management, bringing more desirable outcomes to his patients. Fueled by determination and collaboration with pioneering companies, he introduced robotic-assisted surgery at Vernon Memorial Healthcare, becoming the first site in North America with this specific technology (robotic tensioning device).

Today, Vernon Memorial Healthcare has completed more cases using this technology than anywhere else in the world.

Armed with the technology of today, Dr. Lawrence and his team can address the intricate soft tissue concerns he once faced in the operating room. Using precise data, he controls the soft tissue management program that transcends

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Technology used during surgery allow for precision alignment of joints, ensuring the perfect placement of new joints for enhanced mobility and a brighter tomorrow.

perception and “feel” to become a quantifiable data set, tailored to match each patient’s unique needs. This profound shift empowers both surgeon and patient, offering a clearer path toward the desired outcomes, while effortlessly aligning benchmarks to the individual’s aspirations.

Robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery not only offers personalized treatment plans but also serves as a catalyst for

faster healing, improved outcomes, reduced pain, and shorter recovery periods. It instills hope in the hearts of patients, who can now envision a future where their dreams of a pain-free and active life can become a reality.

The integration of technology in orthopedic care is a testament to the remarkable strides we are taking towards a patient-centric approach.

Driven by a passion to share his

knowledge, Dr. Lawrence took his enthusiasm for orthopedics beyond the walls of Vernon Memorial Healthcare, utilizing technology installed in the VMH operating rooms he broadcasts his expertise worldwide. Today, he opens his operating rooms to fellow orthopedic surgeons, providing live views of robotic-assisted surgeries, bringing a virtual learning center to countless individuals. This initiative fosters collaboration, transcends geographical boundaries, and empowers surgeons to enhance their skills, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide. Dr. Lawrence’s commitment to sharing his expertise through technology is a beacon of hope, sharing his knowledge and inspiring a new era of collaboration and advancement in orthopedic care.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Heroes:

The Vernon Memorial-Westby School Partnership In the scenic heartland of the Driftless Region, a remarkable collaboration is shaping the future of healthcare education.

Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) is proud to share the story of our ongoing partnership with Westby High School’s Health Science Academy Program.

Led by dedicated instructor Heidi Hamilton, this program has brought the world of healthcare to life for students in the Westby School District. They’ve explored a curriculum including Health Occupations and Medical Terminology, which even offers college credits.

What sets this partnership apart is the hands-on approach. VMH was honored to open its doors, providing presentations, tours, and hands-on activities spanning various healthcare fields. From CPR to clinical informatics, the students dove deep.

The 2022-2023 cohort celebrated engaging presentations, interactive PowerPoints, and insightful tours. They shadowed across facilities of varying sizes, from the intimate Bland Clinic, in Westby to bustling hospital in Viroqua.

The initiative is dedicated to enhancing its offerings, aiming to create a meaningful influence on students aspiring to enter the healthcare sector.

Looking forward, the program envisions a more in-depth exploration of medical terminology to offer students a more robust knowledge base. Additionally, it anticipates providing opportunities such as medical assistant training, exposure to health information management, volunteer hours, and potential youth apprenticeships.

The partnership between Vernon Memorial and Westby School is not just a regular program; it’s all about developing the next generation. It’s like planting

seeds and watching them grow. We’re here to help these future healthcare heroes learn and grow.

Vernon Memorial is excited to be part of this journey. We’re looking forward to seeing our students succeed in their healthcare careers and make a big difference in our community and beyond.

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THE SPOTLIGHT

A Journey of Compassion and Change:

Dr. Joel Charles, Social Determinants of Health, and the Call Beyond Hospital Walls In the realm of healthcare, there’s more than meets the eye. Beyond the doctor’s office lies a complex puzzle of factors that significantly impact our well-being. These are known as social determinants of health, and they shape our lives before we even enter a clinic or hospital. Dr. Joel Charles, MD MPH, embodies how these pieces fit together—a compassionate healthcare figure whose journey emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the forces shaping our health.

Imagine health outcomes on one side of a scale and various factors on the other. Money, education, living conditions, clean air, water, access to healthy food, exercise, and ease of medical help—all these pieces influence our well-being. This puzzle reveals why some thrive while others face challenges.

Why do these social determinants of health matter so much?

They impact health fairness, where everyone should have an equal chance at health, regardless of their background or wealth. When these puzzle pieces are uneven, they create significant health disparities, perpetuating challenges for the vulnerable.

Dr. Joel Charles learned this early in life. Growing up in poverty in a low-income Green Bay neighborhood, he befriended Hmong Vietnam War refugees. He saw hardworking, kind people in his community suffered unfairly.

Valuable lessons in church emphasized the obligation to help others. Amid life’s challenges, he questioned if he was choosing to be a good samaritan or turning away.

He completed his family medicine residency in fire-ravaged Santa Rosa, California, where many of his patients were affected by the 2017 Santa Rosa fires and came from low-

Driven by the aim to alleviate suffering, he decided to become a doctor. In his medical training, he grasped four key principles: 1.

To promote health, understand and respect patients’ values and aspirations as a basis for collaboration.

2. Most health factors exist outside clinics and hospitals.

3. Energy systems and environmental change pose significant 21st-century health threats.

4. Doctors have influence beyond clinic walls, advocating for patients.

income backgrounds. Along with his wife, Dr. Phoebe Devitt, he came back to Soldiers Grove, WI, a place that often experiences flooding, to begin his medical practice.

Through patient relationships, he gained immense respect for individuals and communities, understanding their lives and broader community dynamics. He appreciated their innate goodness but recognized the injustice of financial insecurity and limited access to vital health determinants; determinants like quality time with friends, exercise, or access to nutritious food.

In August 2018, during a thunderstorm that displaced many low-income patients from their homes, Dr. Charles welcomed his first child. This pivotal moment illuminated his path, inspiring him to use his role as a physician to advocate for environmental change and enhance his patients’ quality of life.

He co-founded Healthy Climate Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to educating health professionals about advocating for Wisconsinites’ access to clean air, affordable energy, and protection from climate change. Some of their successes include securing funding to lower energy costs for low-income Wisconsinites and improving indoor air quality.

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Dr. Charles, surrounded by a room filled with the trust and gratitude of his patients as he serves his patients from the Kickapoo Valley Medical Clinic.

Approaching this work with care, Dr. Charles acknowledges diverse opinions on environmental change. He firmly believes that physicians should respect patients’ values while guiding them with evidence-based decisions. Healthcare professionals can facilitate vital conversations and chart a path for both rural and urban communities.

Dr. Charles’s journey underscores an important lesson—one extending beyond hospital walls. To effect real change, he connects with communities and addressed health disparities’ root causes. By collaborating with community groups and healthcare professionals, Dr. Charles demonstrated the power of these connections, showing our reach extends beyond hospital confines.

It begins with understanding how social factors shape lives, affirming shared values, and committing to improving lives beyond the walls of Vernon Memorial Healthcare. United on this path, Dr. Charles and VMH aim to protect communities for future generations, knowing every effort contributes to a healthier, more equitable world.

Bachelor’s Degree: University of WisconsinMadison, Medical Degree: University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Joel Charles Residency: Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, Diploma in Mountain Medicine Candidate: Wilderness Medical Society Dr. Joel Charles is a dedicated family medicine doctor with a remarkable background that underscores his commitment to both individual patient care and public health initiatives. Holding both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, Dr. Charles exemplifies a unique blend of medical expertise and a broader, community-focused perspective.

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Partners in Philanthropy

THE SPOTLIGHT

Your Generosity at Work

Here are some recent examples of items that VMH Foundation has funded through the generosity of our donors!

Education Funding Supports Staff Aspirations

VMH Foundation funded education for the following staff at VMH:

Hello Friends!

At VMH Foundation, we are grateful each day for the generous donors who share in our vision to care for the community, enhance quality care, and educate our future. In this VMH Foundation section, we highlight the examples of impact made possible through philanthropy, share ways to get involved, and recognize our generous donors who provide opportunities for innovative healthcare, close to home.

VMH Foundation connects people in our region to a mission we can all get behind – enhancing access to quality healthcare and wellness for people in the communities served

by VMH. Our donors strengthen the incredible care that our team at VMH provides every day, through funding special programs & services, education, and enhanced equipment and technology.

Thank you for your support – we are proud to be your partners in enriching lives and making a positive impact in our community!

With gratitude, Nicole Hall Development Manager

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Nurses who had a desire to learn ambulatory & perioperative mastery skills

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The Environmental Services Manager to receive her Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician certification and instill a train-the-trainer program at VMH

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A Physical Therapist to take courses to deepen her knowledge in Pelvic Health specialization

Over $10,000 was provided from our Greatest Needs fund.

Not only do our staff benefit from these opportunities, but our community benefit as well from the expanded knowledge of our team.

Upper Body Ergometer Benefits Patients & Staff VMH Foundation funded an Upper Body Ergometer for the Cardiopulmonary Department through our Cardiac Rehab fund.

The machine is a welcome update to the Cardiac Rehab staff, who previously had just one ergometer. Due to high volumes of patients who could benefit from this equipment, the addition of a second bike has assisted the Cardiac Rehab staff in caring for their many patients, and supports our patients in getting quality care in a timely manner.

Hospital & Clinic Labs Outfitted with New Microscopes

VMH Foundation provided a new microscope for the Hospital Laboratory through a generous donation from the James P. Bigley Foundation, and a new microscope for each of the four clinics, through a grant from Compeer Financial. $35,000 was provided for these advanced microscopes, which feature new technology to expands our testing and diagnostic capabilities.

The hospital microscope also features a special attachment which allows two people to look at the same slide and discuss findings, and it better enables us to educate students in the lab.

Scholarships Support Students Together, VMH Foundation and the Friends of VMH each awarded $13,500 to students pursuing a degree in healthcare, for a total of $27,000 awarded. This year’s recipients are:

Claire Anderson Shawna Andolsek Brianna Connelly Chelsea Daines-Raasch Lydia Evenstad Hannah Falkers

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FALL/WINTER 2023 | vmh.org

The Center for Special Children:

Illuminating Minds and Fostering Support In the serene heart of rural La Farge, Wisconsin, there exists a place where remarkable transformations unfold daily – the Center for Special Children, a program of Vernon Memorial Healthcare. More than just a healthcare facility, it’s a source of inspiration for our community.

Imagine the challenges parents face when they discover that their child is dealing with a rare, mysterious genetic disorder. It’s the beginning of a journey marked by countless doctor’s visits, complex medical terminology, and often, a sense of isolation. This is the reality for many families in our plain community and beyond. But amid the uncertainty, the Center for Special Children stands as a guiding presence.

At the core of this center lies an extraordinary partnership between

Now through the end of the year, your donations can make DOUBLE the impact!

Organic Valley is thrilled to announce our special donation matching campaign. For every dollar you donate, we’ll match it dollar for dollar, up to a total of

$30,000.

Anneliese Haas Gia Hailu Megan Hasell Hyeonjin Kim Melissa Knutson McKenna Manske

Dayna McGuire Chelsea Olson Shelly Powell Jessica Schmidt Jillian Weston

dedicated medical professionals, researchers, and a compassionate community. Through collaboration with experts from UW-Madison and researchers in Exeter, England, the center helps identify rare genetic conditions. It’s a testament to the power of unity in healthcare. Together, we are not just unraveling medical puzzles; we are shaping a brighter future for these children.

Education is at the heart of our mission.

Through early identification and intervention, we empower families with knowledge and optimism. Every child deserves the chance for a brighter future, unburdened by their genetic condition. The work being done at the Center for Special Children is more than science; it’s a lifeline for these families.

Here, we’ve served over 590 patients annually, managing 117 known genetic disorders. The Center identifies new disease-causing genetic variants each year, providing essential answers for families.

At La Farge Medical Clinic - VMH, the Center for Special Children is more than a healthcare institution; it’s a symbol of resilience and unity. It demonstrates what can be achieved when a community rallies behind its most

vulnerable members. These children are not on their journey alone; they have countless others supporting them.

Your support of this program can change lives, bringing light to the most challenging aspects of genetic disorders. Through donations or support, your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of these patients and their families.

The Center for Special Children is more than a place; it’s a testament to the enduring impact of education, unity, and support. It’s a reminder that when a community comes together, incredible transformations can occur.

Let’s continue to support this beacon of progress because together, we can illuminate minds and nurture support for a brighter, healthier future for all our children.

I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the Friends of VMH and VMH Foundation Scholarship Program! I am deeply appreciative of your support. This generous scholarship will help ease the financial burden of PA school, and allow me to continue to follow my dream of becoming a healthcare provider in our rural area! I begin my clinical this year in August, and I am excited to have my first rotations at VMH! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

— 2023/24 Scholarship Recipient

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THE SPOTLIGHT

THANK YOU DONORS

Over the past two years, we have been excited to grow by 187 new donors, and our donations have increased by 418%! Thank you to each of the below donors for helping us to continue enrich healthcare and wellness for our community!

Rhoda R. Abts Jessica Addington Advanced Multimedia Solutions Dr. Ben Agar & Mrs. Julee Caspers Agar Joseph Ahler American Solutions for Business Victoria & Richard Anderson Jennifer Anderson David & Susan Anderson Shawna Andolsek Gail & John Anich Animal Tracks Veterinary Services Anonymous (multiple) Cheryl Arentz Vivian Arttus Mona Bader Terence Baier June Baker Rachael & Richard Baker John Banicki Vicki & Geoff Banta Sharon & Scott Barnhart Rebecca Baumgartner Cathi Baus Bill & Donna Beranek Dr. Paul Bergquist & Carole Austin James Bernard Robert & Ann Birdd Hank & Pat Bieniecki Jolene Birkelo Sheri Bohland-Hammond Marilyn Breza Gary & Jacquie Brunslik Martha & Brian Buening Jeff & Anita Burckhardt Maryann & Sean Burckhardt Portia & Jody Burckhardt Lamar & Elaine Burckholder Roger & Rita Byrnes C&A Fox Farms Earline & Michael Capps Jena & Fred Casper Certified Recovery Heather & Roman Chestelson Marcus Christianson Janelle & James Cisneros Citizens First Bank Susan Clancy Jane Clark Irene Clausen ClearScript Compeer Financial Connection Creative Planning Marlene Crowe Dairy Queen Angie Dahl Dairy Queen of Viroqua Dr. James & Ann DeLine Bernadine Dillon Robert Dillon Dave & Jana Dregne Drs. Jeffrey & Lisa Drexler Melonie & Tim Driese Driftless Studios Robert & Donna Dugan Howard Dunnum Jeffrey Dunnum Edward Jones of Viroqua & Westby Karen Ekern Phyllis Eklov Richard & Janice Endicott David & Lois Erickson Amy Evenstad

Lynn Farrell Fidelity Charitable Therma Fitzgerald Thomas & Mary Fortney Fowler & Hammer Teri Fuentes Deb Gallagher Hannah Garrett Denise Gengler Don Gilles Givio Charitable Laurie Glass GoMacro Mary R. Green Tiffany Green Grimm Tails Veterinary Clinic Ole & Judy Gulbrandsen Tracy Gullickson Gundersen Health System Ashley Hagen Anita Hagen LaMont & Shirley Hagen Nicole Hall Kirby & Verla Hamilton Pamela Hammond Mari Harger David & Anne Hartberg Phillip & Ruth Hartmann Susan & Darlene Haser Rebecca Havlik Laura & Kim Hay Jerome & Elaine Heebink Romelle Heisel Harry & Marla Heisz De Ann Hemesath Heather Hiles John Hirschfield Martha & Palmer Hoffland Hollie & Scott Hoffland Mandy Holtz Ironside Human Resources James P. Bigley Foundation Priscilla Jackson Sheila Jennings Fredrick & Shirley Johnson Kristina Johnson Amy Jones Marcy Jones Roderick Jorgenson & Connie Peterson Jorgenson Dr. Michael & Mrs. Pam Kalinosky Maris & Phyllis Kalnins Jaclyn Kane Dan & Sheila Kanis Dr. Martha Karlstad Dr. Murry L. & Susan Katcher Robert Kerska Kickapoo Creekside Kickapoo Homes Leroy Kinsey Roger & Jean Klousia Andrea Knight Anna Mae Krause Staci & Scott Kring Viola Krogsgaard Elizabeth & George Kruck Jackie Krueger Kunkel & Associates Kwik Trip Ashley & Jason Lagerquist Paul & Ann Larsen Jams & Rebecca Larson Steven & Evelyn Larson Dr. Jeff & Mrs. Angie Lawrence

Amanda Lee Scott & Cyndi Leckey Rick Lester Madison Gas & Electric Marvin G. and Margaret A. Lewis Kim Littel Rob & Kim Lovejoy Catherine & Dennis Lund James & Mary Lusk Dr. Rolando & Mrs. Gigi Macasaet Karen Mack Lawrence Maestas Avanelle Major Leroy & Ann Manke William & Jo Ellen Mapp Market & Johnson Inc. William & Sandra Marohl John & Esther Martin Roger & Patricia Martin Jeff & Lori May Robert & Ruth McClurg Roseanna McCullick Brian & Lori McCulloh Jerome McGeorge & Susan Nesbit Steven Michaels Michigan Public Health Institute Calvin & Ruth Miller Jonas & Martha Miller Andrea Modlin Glenn & Charlotte Monroe Ginny Moore Gena & Stewart Muller Nelson Agri-Center Ace Hardware Andrew Nelson Andres Nelson Dan & Donna Nelson Marcus & Sharon Nelson Jacquelyn Nelson Tony & Angela Nemes Isaac & Susan Nolt Marvin Nolt North American Mechanical Solutions Inc. Al & Doris Odegard Ronald O’Donnell Eleanor & Kent Oftedahl Alicia Olson Sarah & Bill Olson Fred & Irene Olson Martha & Fred Olson Organic Valley Nancy Ostrander Cindy & Mark Ostrem Gary Ostrem Winston & Cheryl Ostrow Otto Bremer Trust Paula & Larry Owen Alice Parker Dale & Lola Parker Aric & Jen Pedersen Dorothy Pederson Peoples State Bank Per Mar Security Services Ilana Pestcoe Jennifer Peterson Kay Peterson Mary Petrowitz LaVerne & Alice Phillips Allison Pierce George & Delores Piper Poellinger Electric Quarles Quillin’s Market & Floral Elaine Raaum Radiographic Services Inc.

Valetta Radloff Bonnie & Jack Rath Eva Rebarchek Violet Reetz Anna & Myron Richard Royal Bank RPS Imaging Dave & Barb Sarnowski Schlicht Insurance Agency Laura & Paul Schmidt Labecca Schott Schwab Charitable Seland’s Karpetland Christine & Laird Seroogy Deanna & Kerry Severson Ann & Kevin Sherry Erin Sime Kermit & Kathleen Sime Cathi & Larry Skolos Sleepy Hollow Auto Marty & Kari Snustead Richard & Debra Solverson Bob & Barb Solverson Special Children’s Fund Garith & Julie Steiner Brad & Carolyn Steinmetz Beth & Gerald Stempinski Phil & Kristine Strand Larry & Marianne Stokke Christine Strait Kathryn Sutton-Anderson & Joel Anderson Harriet & Dennis Swangstu Rosa Thill Thorson-Popp Funeral Home Angela Tjaden Marilyn Torgerson Sarah Turben University of Wisconsin Madison Gary Unseth & Joyce Carlson Unseth Eugene Valentini Valley Fudge & Candy Paul & Bette Vandersteen Nick & Ashley Veglahn Vernon Communications Coop Viroqua Dental Center Viroqua Family Restaurant Viroqua Heritage Inn Boutique Hotel JoAnn & Darin Von Ruden Von Ruden’s Flooring David & Kay Vosseteig Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory Michael Waldenberger Barb Webb Peter & Julie Weber Susanne Wedwick Cassandra Weibel Mariane & Doug Weidenbach Tom & Danelle Weston JoDean Wendorf Christina White Dale & Eileen Widner Sara Wilson Windows of Hope Project Wipfli LLP Steve Wolters, Miron Construction Janelle & Robert Wood Dr. Brian & Mrs. Susan Woody Wright Insurance Agency LLC Shirley Wuensch Carol Young Linda Ziegler Mark & Louella Zimmerman

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Year End Giving Gifts of Commemoration

Throughout the year, gifts are made to VMH Foundation to express their gratitude for a staff member or department for whose care they are grateful.

Donors also choose this method of giving to celebrate individuals on special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries.

In response to these gifts, VMH Foundation sends a letter to the honored individual, and we are always happy to pass along a special note from you to them.

Additionally, we include their names on our lobby TV monitors in the Viroqua Clinic and Hospital lobbies. Specific gift amounts are confidential. Individuals who were honored between November 1, 2022 and May 1, 2023 are listed.

Bland Clinic Staff Cardiopulmonary Rehab Staff Emergency Room Staff Bernadette Adams, NP Sarah Albrecht, PA Balaji Srinivasan, MD Rachel Bassett, MD William Calkins, MD David Chakoian, MD Joel Charles, MD Alexa Colburn, FNP Bonnie Davidson, MD James DeLine, MD Tim Devitt, MD & Emily Devitt, RN Phoebe Devitt, MD Joann Fouts, DO

Deb Gallagher, FNP Roxane Holm, PMHNP Beth Honeyman, PA-C Martha Karlstad, MD William Kumprey, MD Jeffrey Lawrence, MD Andrew Lehman, MD Brian Lyle, MD Anthony Macasaet, MD, FACEP Andrew Manspeaker, MD Morgan Miller, PA-C Tamsen Morgan, PA-C Shayna Pankratz, FNP Tammy Pedretti, PA-C Craig Pierce, PA-C

John Porter, DO Deborah Prior, MD Jacqueline Redmer, MD Ricardo Rivera, APNP Elizabeth Roberts, MD, MPH Kelly Scheder, FNP Shawn Sedgwick, MD Ann Sherry, PA-C Whitney Sinclair, DO Brendan Sotomayor, MD Erin Swiggum, APNP Katie Williams, MD Mitchell Winter, PA-C Brian Woody, MD

Gifts of Remembrance

At VMH Foundation, our mission is to develop and support programs and services which enhance accessibility to quality healthcare and wellness for people served

by VMH. We are grateful for the generous donors who further this mission. We hope you have found these examples of impact inspiring, and we invite you to make a gift to VMH Foundation to be a part of this great work!

Now is a great time to make a donation to VMH Foundation, as gifts made before the end of the year can be used in your 2023 tax deductions. Your donation today will help us enrich lives of people in our community by providing special programs and services, education, and enhanced equipment.

Gifts can be made using the enclosed envelope, on our website vmh.org/community/foundation, or using the QR code below. Just as there are many reasons to give, there are many ways to give! Visit our website for a full list of giving options or call Nicole Hall to learn more at 608-637-4374.

VMH Foundation is honored to receive special gifts made in memory of those who are no longer with us. These gifts celebrate the memory of the person who has passed, while also enhancing the quality of care for people in our region.

When we receive a memorial, VMH Foundation a letter is sent to the family of the individual being memorialized. We also include the name of the person being remembered on our lobby TV monitors in the Viroqua Clinic and Hospital lobbies.

Specific gift amounts are confidential. Individuals who were memorialized between November 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023 are listed.

Marilyn Aasen Sandra Anderson Rodney Buck Verle Erickson Roger Farrell Lyndal Glass Jean Hage

Marcellus “Marcie” Hagen Denver Duane Heal Lucille Krause Jan Kvamme Chet Lee Darlene “Mae” O’Connor Betty Hope Peck

Sandy McGregor Eunice “Micki” Simonson Wayne Stuber Sandy Thayer Jon & Jan Torkelson

A gift from your IRA, DAF or trust can support our mission and provide you with tax savings.

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID VIROQUA WI PERMIT NO 102

Vernon Memorial Hospital 507 South Main Street Viroqua, WI 54665 General Info: (608) 637-2101 Emergency Line: (608) 637-4261