Winona Health’s Community Engagement Department recently received a Gold award for the 2012 community report: Stories of Generosity in the national Healthcare Advertising Award competition sponsored by the Healthcare Marketing Report. This is the competition’s 30th year.

There were nearly 4,000 entries overall, Winona Health won a Gold award in the ‘hospitals under 299 bed’ category. A national panel of marketing experts judged the entries based on quality, creativity and message effectiveness. This is the third consecutive year Winona Health has received an award.

“This was completely a team effort,” said Betsy Midthun, Winona Health vice president of Community Engagement. “The nature of these generosity stories reminds us all that we are part of a truly giving community with individuals who want to make life better for others. Our publication focused on people who gave their time, spirit or monetary contributions to improve the lives of our patients, residents and staff.”

Winona Health’s senior graphic designer, Annette Calteaux, said, “It is rewarding to be recognized for good design and copywriting. Many of the publications we’re judged against are developed by design agencies.”

Winona Health’s 2012 annual report, Stories of Generosity, incorporated rich colors and graphics with short, high-impact stories highlighting generosity in its many forms. The Marketing/Communications Department recently merged with the Foundation/Volunteer Services Department to create the Community Engagement Department. Led by Midthun, Winona Health’s Community Engagement Department includes Carol Byrne, Annette Calteaux, Hayley Fast, Marie Fidler, Janel Miller, Karen Sibenaller and Kris Walters. Local photographer, Blake Darst, with Vision Design, provided several photographs.

The community report was delivered to area households earlier this year. The publication also can be viewed here.

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Andrea Branson, CNP
Internal Medicine

Andrea Branson, CNP, joined the Winona Health staff and will see adults in the Internal Medicine Department.

Branson said she was drawn to Winona Health for several reasons. “I live in La Crosse, and I’ve heard good things about Winona Health,” said Branson. “I like the size of Winona Health rather than being part of a large system. I also appreciate Winona Health’s focus on quality, patient satisfaction and continuous improvement.”

Branson earned her Master of Science in Nursing-Adult Nurse Practitioner from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Prior to joining Winona Health, Branson cared for patients at Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse, Wis. She has a special interest in oncology and has administered chemotherapy treatment. In addition, she is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Association.

Branson and her husband live in La Crosse and have two young children.

Branson will work closely with Internal Medicine physicians and other healthcare providers in the Internal Medicine Department as part of a patient care team with Richard Ferris, MD.

To schedule an appointment to see Branson, please call the Winona Health Internal Medicine Department at 507.507.7622.

Learn more about healthcare providers  at Winona Health

Dean McClenathan with Tanya Meyer, 2013 recipient of the Phyllis A. McClenathan Nursing Scholarship.

The Winona Health Foundation selected Tanya Meyer to receive the Phyllis A. McClenathan Nursing Scholarship.

Meyer attends Winona State University and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with plans to become a registered nurse and, eventually, a nurse practitioner. She currently is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Winona Health Adith Miller Manor.

Dean McClenathan established the scholarship after his wife, Phyllis, a long-time nurse in Winona Health’s Family Birth Center, passed away after a long fight with cancer. In establishing this scholarship, Dean wanted to honor his wife by encouraging and helping others in their efforts to become devoted, effective and compassionate caregivers.

The McClenathan family directed memorials to the scholarship fund and hopes that others will contribute so that the fund will grow and continue in perpetuity. Gifts to the Phyllis McClenathan Nursing Scholarship may be made to the Winona Health Foundation, 855 Mankato Avenue, Winona, Minnesota, 55987. Questions may be directed to 507.457.4342.

Save the date! Saturday, June 1: Winona Health Healthy Kids Club with area Scouts

Winona Health Healthy Kids Club invites kids ages 6 to 11 and their families to register for Step into Summer with area scouts, Saturday, June 1 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. This free family event features a geo cache walk with some extra fun along the way. This Healthy Kids Club event is presented in conjunction with area Scouts.

The geo cache walk begins promptly at 12:30 p.m. at the bike path near Lake Winona Manor on the Winona Health campus. Families will have an opportunity to search for geo cache markers and participate in activities along their route.

Those who complete the geo cache walk are invited to enjoy additional activities including a water balloon toss, rain gutter regatta, bike rodeo, ambulance and fire truck tours, fishing with MinnAqua and more.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, but please leave your skateboards, rollerblades and pets at home. Bikes are welcome for the bike rodeo only; remember your helmet.

The event is free but RSVP is required by Wednesday, May 29. Call 507.457.4161 or RSVP online here.

National Nurses’ Day, May 6, is an opportunity to show appreciation for local nurses and recognize the important role they play in caring for their communities.

Winona Health salutes the 336 nurses who provide comfort, care and clinical excellence during clinic visits, surgery and hospital stays, and through home care, assisted living, memory care, long-term care and hospice.

Individuals who would like to express appreciation to a Winona Health nurse are invited to send a message online  here.

Winona Health Healthy Kids Club is joining Live Well Winona for their first ever “Open Streets” event. Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Winona. The event is free and open to community members of all ages.

Open Streets events typically involve the temporary closing of selected streets to motor vehicle traffic, making them available to all non-motorized transportation and people of all abilities.

Schedule:

10 a.m. – opening words and ceremonial opening of the streets to human-powered traffic

10:30 a.m. – Bike Rodeo with Officer Kevin Kearney

10:30 a.m. – Activities

• Get Healthy with Winona Health, Healthy Kids Club

• Dance fitness with Z Studio

• Bounce Castle with Back to Health Chiropractic

• The Bird Feeder Game with Project Go

• GaGa Pit Ball with the Y

• Picnic Games with Winona Parks and Recreation

The event is free and no reservations are required. If it’s raining, the event will be cancelled.

If you have questions, call: Live Well Winona, 507.474.9825

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About Healthy Kids Club:

Healthy Kids Club is a collaborative effort between Winona Health and other area organizations designed to improve the health and well-being of children ages 6 to 11. To learn more about this Healthy Kids Club, visit winonahealth.org/HKC or call 507.457.4161.