In this season of gratitude and giving, let’s be thankful

As we enter the season of gratitude and giving, I’ll begin with what I am thankful for these days. I am deeply thankful to be a part of an outstanding rural community healthcare organization – Winona Health – right here in our community. A locally owned healthcare system focused on its community and its needs, as it has done for over 130 years.

Here are just a few things I’m thankful for that really affect all of us – so I wanted to share.

Let’s be thankful for the talented physicians, clinicians, support staff, leaders, volunteers and board members who are committed to a high standard of care reinforced by their genuine expression of compassion, care and connection. Winona Health affords all of our talented caregivers the space and environment to practice, apply their skills, and contribute in a manner not generally offered in large health systems. One only need view our Mission, Vision, Values and our Manifesto to understand this. We are Winona, and we live this every day.

Let’s be thankful for the state legislators and members of Congress who are better understanding the critical importance of rural hospitals to our communities and our country. The aftereffects of COVID-19 have created a shifting-sands landscape and a lot of unrest. While workforce challenges are top of mind, there are a host of other challenges including inflation; shifting demographics (more elders); tons of unfunded mandates that are rolling out over the next few years; competition in a field that does not have a level playing field and is spurred by fear; reduced capacity for specialists as well as hospital beds; closed rural hospitals and nursing homes; and the list goes on. All that said, at independent rural hospitals like Winona Health, we believe that our community is better served when the focus and decision making serves the local community. We are innovative, agile, and deeply committed because we are of this community.

Let’s be thankful for powerful and applicable technology. Technology is a key part of the future state of our industry. AI (artificial intelligence) reminds me of the magic of a smart phone. Before smart phones we had no idea that we could carry the computing power of NASA in our pockets! Applying similar thinking to the healthcare industry is game changing for both clinical care and operational processes. Appropriate and well-designed technology can free up our caregivers to spend more time directly caring for patients – face to face. While this technology feels magical it’s very real and will help will move backstage work where it belongs. We will all make the shift and experience how this works in the healthcare arena. It will take intention and learning but it is timely and exciting. And we will all be thankful for these advancements.

Let’s be thankful that we have each other. I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our community. Our ability to continue to financially help people with their healthcare expenses through our Patient Care Fund is a gift that flows from our community through Winona Health to individuals in need. In effect, you are part of the healing process. And many of those who are helped by the Patient Care Fund pay it forward. Winona Health is so much more than a hospital, clinics or senior care. Winona Health is Winona – and the virtuous cycle of caring for our own, supporting our local community hospital, and caring for those in need in our rural regional community is more important than ever.

Rachelle Schultz, EdD President/CEO

Through this digital column, I hope to shine a light on what we’re working on both internally and beyond our walls in collaboration with other community-focused organizations.