Community Report 2020
Welcome
In 2020, a year dominated by a global pandemic and a resurgence of civil unrest, perhaps more than ever, we are keenly aware of being a part of history. It’s been a year that tested our resilience and ability to plan, adapt and improvise. Throughout, our mission to care for our community remained our focus and driving force.
In our 126th year, we were reminded yet again of the strength of this community, the community inside and outside our walls. The community we support and who also supports this organization of caregivers and staff.
In review, 2020 was a year of challenges, heartache, inspiration and strength.
Thank you to all who encouraged, inspired, supported or expressed their gratitude. Your kind words and actions make a difference to us all.
Mission, Vision and Values
Our staff is committed to Winona Health’s unwavering mission, established by its founders in 1894. Now in its 126th year of service to our community, Winona Health remains devoted to improving the health and well-being of our family, friends and neighbors… all who are a part of communities throughout our service area. Learn more…
Messages
Message from Rachelle
How can one possibly capture the lived experience of 2020? I could reflect on the healthcare experience, which was the initial focus until the reach of the pandemic disrupted schools, businesses, churches, and all of society. A year later, the pandemic continues to reshape all we have known.
Life’s experiences, whatever they are, provide us with choices and test our resolve. The pandemic had an early effect of bringing us all together. We certainly experienced that at Winona Health with so many individuals and businesses providing supplies, support, meals, and notes of encouragement (which remain posted all around our buildings). These acts are a remarkable show of community for which we are deeply grateful.
In turn, Winona Health recognized the hardship the pandemic caused area businesses and community members. As a community-owned healthcare system, Winona Health dedicates its resources to providing care and service to our patients and community, pandemic or no. Our providers and staff rapidly adjusted and adapted to the strains of the pandemic – to be clear, this was not easy, but we had a collective understanding and everyone stepped up. Adversities such as we have all gone through, bring out tensions and deep connections that strengthen our resolve and unleash our creativity. I continue to be blessed and grateful to work with people whose hearts beat with care and compassion.
The pandemic played a different role as well. As a catalyst – a spark to ignite change. Healthcare needs to change. The pandemic underscored the importance of our community healthcare system, but it also required new and different processes, which we embraced. Our transformation work these past years has been steady with great results. We have reduced the cost of care and ensured high quality care year over year. The injection of change by the pandemic simply accelerated this work. Breaking out of old systems, creating new systems, and achieving our mission is hard work, but we are really good at doing this.
Our relationship with our community goes deep. This relationship encompasses more than a century of lived experience, words do not do it justice. That said, on behalf of everyone at Winona Health, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your trust in us.
Rachelle H. Schultz, Ed.D. President/CEO
Rachelle Schultz, EdD President/CEO Winona Health
A year of lasting memories
Everyone who was watching TV when the Times Square ball dropped on New Year’s Eve was probably glad to see 2020 come to an end. It was a year most will never forget. For me, a lasting memory will almost certainly be how divided and angry people in our country were on so many issues.
The pandemic caused conflicting views on lockdowns versus keeping things open and mask requirements versus freedom of choice. People had strong opinions regarding defunding versus backing police. And of course, there was Trump versus Biden. Disagreements were short on civility and sometimes turned violent.
In contrast to this, one group of people stood out for their collegiality and unanimity of purpose: healthcare workers.
The pandemic brought great disruption to their lives and the lives of their loved ones, and it brought very high risk to their personal health and well-being. Yet they answered the call, working long and stressful hours, showing great compassion to patients and patients’ family members.
I can’t recall a single Winona Health Board discussion about the pandemic where there weren’t remarks in praise of the skill and dedication of our staff in fighting this battle. That’s the other memory, a much fonder memory, that will stick with me when the difficult year that was 2020 fades into history.
Ken Mogren Chairman of the Board
Ken Mogren Chairman of the Board Retired President Winona Agency, Inc.
Preparation and dedication crucial in 2020
Prior to COVID-19 being declared a world-wide pandemic, leadership at Winona Health was planning for the possibility of this virus affecting our community. Through our incident command structure and our COVID-19 taskforce (made up of physicians, other healthcare providers and administrative leaders) we were forward-thinking, organized and well ahead of the curve in our COVID-19 preparation and response.
We developed a five-phase plan, including the ability to rapidly expand our capacity to care for a mass outbreak. The plan would more than quadruple the number of hospital beds and negative airflow rooms available within our facility and redeploy staff to critical areas. We were ready in the event that there might a catastrophic outbreak. Fortunately, we haven’t needed to advance beyond phase one.
Our COVID-19 taskforce and medical staff stayed on top of all the latest medical research so we could immediately implement the best practices for both ambulatory and hospital care and treatment of COVID-19. We acquired and were using convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies, Remdesivir, and other new therapies here in Winona.
We took steps to preserve our personal protective equipment to ensure we’d be able to weather the world-wide shortage and provide care for those who needed it when they needed it. This included temporarily putting a hold on some screening procedures and surgeries so we could allocate scarce resources to the highest priority needs—our number one goal being to protect patients and staff.
We developed and implemented an exceptional testing system and protocols throughout our organization and in our assisted living and long-term care residences. Winona Health became a regional testing center with people coming from bordering states to get tested.
When our first outbreak did occur within one of our community’s long-term care residences, we provided a safety net by deploying a plan to house and care for the residents who had not yet been infected in order to keep them safe.
We worked with local long-term care and congregate care communities and tested all residents well before the state mandated and attempted mass testing in long-term care facilities. We also provided guidance on infection control practices. I think this helped to delay outbreaks, giving us more time to gain an understanding of the virus and how to treat it and gave us early detection of outbreaks within care communities.
Our planning and protocols have ensured that It has always been safe to come to Winona Health for care and that continues to be the case. What’s more, COVID-19 created an opportunity to further expand healthcare delivery methods that don’t require face-to-face appointments. To some extent, we already had been using telemedicine and smart visits (Winona Health SmartExam) to make care more convenient and affordable for patients. But because of COVID-19, there were changes to the regulatory environment that helped us explore and expand access to additional healthcare options such as virtual/video visits. Our talented information technology team ensured we had the tools in place to expedite that method of care delivery. We were among the first health care organizations to integrate virtual visits throughout our clinics. These options continue to benefit our community today.
Although at this writing, the pandemic is still with us and life is not the same as it was before; Something that is still the same: We live our mission and values every day…Winona Health is here to improve the health and well-being of our community. We do this with humble integrity, providing service with heart. We have an enduring loyalty to our community and each other, and we have a passion for excellence in healthcare. Winona Health is committed to caring for each person as an individual and to our community as a whole.
E. Allen Beguin, MD Chief of Medical Staff
E. Allen Beguin, MD Chief of Medical Staff Winona Health
2020 in Review
Highlights, Milestones & Stories
Highlights
Grateful for our generous community
So many businesses, organizations and individuals have been reaching out in support of Winona Health and our front-line staff during the pandemic. With the added health risk of the COVID-19 pandemic during flu season, our board of directors has allocated funds from the Winona Health Foundation to ensure everyone in our community can be protected from the flu. This is also a way for us to say thank you, and to keep the ripples of generosity and kindness flowing throughout our community. And what community couldn’t use more kindness?
Milestones
Nearly 120 staff members celebrate service milestones in 2020
Each year, Winona Health celebrates staff who have reached service milestones in five-year increments. The annual event, traditionally held in May, like other gatherings this year, had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winona Health President and CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, said, “The service award celebration is always a meaningful event as we share memories and have an opportunity to relax and laugh with our coworkers across the organization. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to celebrate in person this year. We are grateful for the compassion, talent and expertise each of our coworkers contributes, and each of them adds value to Winona Health and the community we serve.”
Nearly 120 staff members celebrate service milestones in 2020
Each year, Winona Health celebrates staff who have reached service milestones in five-year increments. The annual event, traditionally held in May, like other gatherings this year, had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winona Health President and CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD, said, “The service award celebration is always a meaningful event as we share memories and have an opportunity to relax and laugh with our coworkers across the organization. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to celebrate in person this year. We are grateful for the compassion, talent and expertise each of our coworkers contributes, and each of them adds value to Winona Health and the community we serve.”
In all, 112 people celebrated five-year milestones.
• 43 celebrated 5 years • 18 celebrated 10 years • 15 celebrated 15 years • 5 celebrated 20 years • 10 celebrated 25 years • 4 celebrated 30 years • 4 celebrated 35 years • 7 celebrated 40 years • 3 celebrated 45 years • 3 celebrated 50 years
Winona Health was founded in 1894 by a small but committed group of physicians and community members. Today, Winona Health is one of the nation’s Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals. Together, its staff carries out Winona Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the community it serves.
For more information about Winona Health including employment opportunities, visit winonahealth.org/careers.
2020 Service Award Honorees
Jeffery Banner Tracy Barum Melinda Bieber Kyann Brown Alexis Campos Dr. Charlotte Clark Autumn Cole, CNP Dr. Bethany Corliss Da Rocha Michelle Donahue Stephanie Erickson Jennifer Foster Cynthia Fuerstneau Natalie Garrison Stephen Gillespie Christina Glenzinski Katie Halder, CNP Dragana Jurkovic Dr. Joseph Kaiya Maggie Kalis April Klug Amy Koehler Jerry Kramer Susan Kronebusch Carly Austin Kukowski Ashton Lorenz Kelly Lynch Cheryl Macdonald Nicole Mcrae Gail Modjeski Donald Ott Chloe Quinn Jessica Remington Stephanie Schultz Dr. Hans Serleth Moses Simon Jennifer Subart Dr. Tyler Ulbrich Philip Von Ruden Janelle Weaver Kara Witzke Youa Xiong Dr. Ian Young Austin Zumach
Lucas Barbknecht Annette Calteaux Heidi Carrier Maribeth Devorak James Dufseth Patsy Eide Jill Ender Elizabeth Gappa Leah Hanson Virginia Kerns Robyn Knox Dr. Nicholas Modjeski Cheryl Nintemann Karen Resch Lori Stanislawski Lisa Thomas Dr. Amarjit Virdi Mary Sheffer
Dr. Al Beguin Rebecca Cleland Larry Converse Donna Hoffman Nancy Kaehler Linda Kuhn Anne Larson Erica Ping Kim Pflughoeft Benjamin Repaal Dr. Troy Shelton Karen Sibenaller Peter Smith Michele Voelker Tina Wenzel
Tanya Johnson Gina Mcrae Ryan Meech Jennifer Schultz Dr. Brett Whyte
Kristine Barry Margaret Bensel Lynne Clarke Kathryn Jereczek Cheryl Krage Teresa Lee Diane Montgomery Ione Ringler Suzanne Roberts Sheila Skeels
Maureen Boland-Nebeck Marti Gabel Julie Grier Debra Kahoun
Sara Gabrick Diane Gottschalk Traci Morken, CNP Nancy Slaby
Carol Berg Roxanne Borkowski Robin Courrier Roxanne Foegen Anne Kramer Jannette Pflughoeft Marybeth Polus
Judith Bunke Sandra Herold Mary Volkart
Dr. Andrew Edin Nancy Scovil Nola Skappel
Stories
The last love letter
As shared by Amanda Hubley, RN
I was caring for a patient who was declining and becoming less tolerant to his treatment. His wife came to visit him, and was teary-eyed when she left, telling me that he had asked her to go home for the day; he wanted to get some rest.
Later on, one of his monitors started alarming, and I went to the room to check on him. He had taken off his BiPAP mask and pulled the IV out of his arm. He looked at me and said very clearly, “I want to die. Let me die.”
As a new graduate nurse, I called Kara, the nurse who was orientating me, over, and explained what had happened. As I wrapped the patient’s arm where his IV had been, Kara went to bring in our care coordinator. When they came back, our patient explained that he didn’t know how to tell his wife that he wanted to be through with all the treatments. He was afraid of how she would react, and what she might do after he was gone. We helped him choose comfort care, a type of care plan that focuses solely on symptom management and pain relief.
While waiting for his wife to come back to the hospital, we took turns sitting with him, holding his hands and talking with him about his life—his favorite drinks, how he and his wife first met, mistakes he made, and something that was very important to him: his faith. At some point, he asked if I could help him write something on the iPad he had brought with him from home. He wanted to send his wife a love letter in case he went too quickly and couldn’t see her again. He dictated and I typed.
He recounted the years they were married. He talked about trips they took together, the children they raised, and how much he loved her. He made the comment to just me, “How can I fit all of our years into one little message?” then, as a side note: “Put that in there too.” We ended the message with a simple “I love you.” I was fighting back tears.
Although this was an emotional moment, and even difficult for me to recount now, I knew I had to put my feelings aside and be there for my patient, and, just as important, his family. To me, this is what nursing is all about. We are able to be there at the best times in our patients’ lives as well as the worst, and provide holistic care through it all.
His wife returned with a family friend and they spent the next few hours talking and laughing and saying their goodbyes. They knew he had anywhere from hours to weeks left. My shift was over at 7 p.m., and when I came back in the morning, I was just in time to be with him as he took his last breaths.
I am a new nurse. This was the first patient who died in my care. I am grateful we were able to bring him and his family some peace and comfort in his last days. Thanks to this patient’s decision to go on comfort care, and the support from the staff involved, I know his family will remember his smile, his laugh, and the memories he shared on that last day.
Breaking new ground in community healthcare
Main Street Clinic opened to the community June 8 providing price transparency and a low-cost, cash-based option for many commonly needed healthcare services.
Breaking new ground in community healthcare
Main street clinic, located at the corner of 4th & main, downtown winona.
Wednesday, July 22, the ribbon was cut on a new addition to downtown Winona and a new option for healthcare in our community. Main Street Clinic opened to the community June 8 providing price transparency and a low-cost, cash-based option for many commonly needed healthcare services.
Learn more about how this option is unique.
The meaning of community
When our first verified positive case of COVID-19 was identified in Winona on March 26, 2020, we had already been preparing.
The meaning of community
When our first verified positive case of COVID-19 was identified in Winona on March 26, 2020, we had already been preparing. One of the outcomes of the pandemic has been an opportunity to appreciate over and over again the true meaning of community.
Reflect on the meaning of community during the early days of the pandemic.
Making the best of it…
Window visits were a common sight when visitor restrictions were in effect during the pandemic. When the weather was nice (and sometimes even when the weather was iffy), visitors made plans to pop up outside residents window or at the windows of common areas to share a wave, a smile and conversation by phone.
A dose of hope arrives
Our first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine arrived Thursday, December 17. After undergoing specific training about the COVID-19 vaccine, our staff was the first in the area to began administering it to prioritized staff according to CDC and MDH guidelines.
A dose of hope arrives
Our first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine arrived Thursday morning, December 17.
After undergoing specific training about the COVID-19 vaccine, our staff was the first in the area to began administering it to prioritized staff according to CDC and MDH guidelines.
Friday, December 18, 2020, at 10 a.m., Dr. Joseph Kaiya, one of our hospitalists, was the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Winona Health.
Winona Health president and CEO, Rachelle Schultz said, “As devastating as this virus has been, and it is not over yet, the fact that within one year of a global pandemic, a 90 to 95% effective vaccine has been created and distributed is truly remarkable,”
Read more about this dose of hope and a moment of gratitude.
A dream realized for Rehabilitation Services team and patients
Winona Health Rehabilitation Services and Sports Therapy opened in the new Winona Family Y next to Winona Health on December 14.
“The entire staff has done a fantastic job planning and designing the space. They’ve been preparing for this move for a long time, and they are excited about how it will enhance the therapy services we provide.”
Ruby demonstrates how to wear a mask
Winona Health nurse Stephanie Rothering’s dog, Ruby, demonstrates the proper way to wear a mask. Do YOU know which photo is correct? (If you said D, you’re correct!)
Honors
A Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital for fourth consecutive year!
Winona Health was named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States for the fourth consecutive year by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
“Earning a Top 100 spot for the fourth consecutive year reflects the amazing work of our entire staff. No matter their role in our organization, each person can be proud of the care provided to our community, around the clock, 365 days a year,” said Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD. “The current COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the skill and talent of the healthcare workers across Winona Health. Their ability to be proactive, innovative and focused to care for our patients and the community is outstanding, and that is with or without a pandemic.”
Winona Health CEO honored with Grassroots Champion Award
Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz, Ed.D., was honored with The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award.
The AHA Grassroots Champion Award honors exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of the missions of hospitals and health systems.
“As someone who works closely with Rachelle, I know that she cares deeply about improving access to healthcare for all people, and she works tirelessly to ensure Winona Health can remain devoted to its mission of serving our community,” said Rebecca Lamberty, Winona Health chief administrative officer. “We’re grateful to have a dedicated and involved leader to keep issues related to community health in the forefront and that AHA chose to recognize Rachelle with this honor.”
Achieving top results in healthcare effectiveness
Winona health received recognition for improving the health of ucare members.
Winona Health received recognition from UCare for improving the health of UCare members enrolled in Prepaid Medical Assistant Program (PMAP)/ MinnesotaCare plans.
“We are always focused on how we can improve healthcare for our community. From quality and safety to affordability and accessibility, everything centers around our mission to improve the health and well-being of each community member–and, ultimately, our community as a whole,” said Robin Hoeg, RN, MSHA, chief operating officer, hospital and primary care services at Winona Health.
Winona Community HUB honored as a Trailblazer
The Winona Community HUB has been recognized as a Trailblazer by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in Spring of 2020! The annual Trailblazer tour recognizes Minnesota organizations for their noteworthy innovation and collaboration that improves the health of communities they serve. These initiatives are generating real discussions to accelerate the pace of better health.
“This prevention/early intervention model is where I would love to see our community invest its resources and time to be able to keep people out of those deeper end services,” says Karen Sanness, Winona County Health and Human Services Director. “It’s going to be less expensive, it’s better for our families and it’s less traumatic for the kids within our community.”
Winona Community HUB honored as a Trailblazer
The Winona Community HUB has been recognized as a Trailblazer by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in Spring of 2020! The annual Trailblazer tour recognizes Minnesota organizations for their noteworthy innovation and collaboration that improves the health of communities they serve. These initiatives are generating real discussions to accelerate the pace of better health.
The HUB is an evidence-based model of community care coordination that focuses on addressing the social determinant of health (SDOH) risk factors in the Winona-area population. The HUB addresses the complex needs of families and individuals experiencing food, housing, and financial insecurity. The HUB ensures that they have the resources they need to achieve the best health outcomes possible. The HUB is governed by the Winona Wellbeing Collaborative, a collection of public, private, and non-profit community partners committed to improving the lives of Winona area residents.
“This prevention/early intervention model is where I would love to see our community invest its resources and time to be able to keep people out of those deeper end services,” says Karen Sanness, Winona County Health and Human Services Director. “It’s going to be less expensive, it’s better for our families and it’s less traumatic for the kids within our community.”
Winona Health is a partner in the Winona Wellbeing Collaborative.
Learn more and watch a video about how the HUB has improved the lives of one area family.
New Providers
During 2020, we welcomed these new healthcare providers. They chose Winona Health—and our community. (Click on their photo or name to learn more.)
Sonya Rice Thompson, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Eichenberg, PA-C Emergency Medicine
David Quelle, CRNA Anesthesiology
Care Options
Keeping everyone safe and healthy is our priority. With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching our community in March, our team worked quickly to ensure you had options for safely receiving the healthcare services you wanted and needed. These options remain available and demonstrate how Winona Health continues to transform community healthcare, making it more convenient and affordable to all.
For a comprehensive list of services available at Winona Health, click here. This list is not all inclusive, so please contact your healthcare provider or call Winona Health to ask about services you may not see listed. 507.454.3650.
Caring. Serving. Giving. And in 2020… Improvising!
During a year that was difficult for everyone, the Winona Health Volunteers did whatever they could to make it a little better for our patients and staff.
Mask makers, mask makers — thank you for the masks!
Please know we are deeply touched by this generosity!
Although handmade masks could not be used as personal protective equipment for healthcare providers, we were so grateful to have them available to help protect our non-clinical staff and our community.
We are grateful for all the community members who have connected with us to offer support to our healthcare providers and staff. It’s good to know we are here for you and you are here for us.
Our boundless gratitude for an abundance of generosity!
Caring, serving, giving: Winona Health Volunteers receive awards–with a twist
Rachelle Schultz, Kris Walters and Mary Breza surprised Cherre Pye, second from right, in the hospital’s Glady D. Miller Gift Shop with one of two Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The Winona Health Volunteers recognition celebration, like almost everything else in 2020 was affected by COVID-19. That didn’t prevent a small, masked, physically distanced recognition of one of two Volunteers of the Year in the Robinson Healing Garden at Winona Health on July 8.
Winona Health Volunteers President, Nancy Prodzinski, Volunteer Manager, Kris Walters, Winona Health CEO Rachelle Schultz, and along with several volunteers and staff, were on hand to present the awards. The “twist” came after Walters introduced Prodzinski.
Find out about the twist and the award recipients.
A parade of appreciation and support!
Click the image above to watch the parade.
Even though there were months that our Volunteers couldn’t be on site in their usual roles due to COVID-19 precautions, they were never out of mind. And they showed our staff that we weren’t out of mind either. They expressed their continued support and appreciation with a parade around the Winona Health campus! What a fun and unique way to brighten the day of healthcare providers, staff, Lake Winona Manor residents and patients who could look out their windows at the procession.
We’re grateful for our Winona Health Volunteers, not only for the service they provide patients, families and staff, but also because they are wonderful people whose presence we enjoy!
Volunteers to hospice families: We’re thinking of you and we care!
That’s the message our Hospice volunteers and staff wanted to convey with their unique drive thru event. Hospice volunteers decided to honor and connect with families of former hospice patients by inviting those who had lost someone within the past 18 months to “drive thru” and receive a gift bag.
Volunteers to hospice families: We’re thinking of you and we care!
That’s the message our Hospice volunteers and staff wanted to convey with their unique drive thru event. During “normal” years, Hospice volunteers host quarterly bereavement gatherings with seasonal activities. However, due to COVID-19, the summer and fall events were canceled in 2020. Hospice volunteers decided to honor and connect with families of former hospice patients by inviting those who had lost someone within the past 18 months to “drive thru” and receive a gift bag. More than 100 responded to this invitation. The beautiful gift bags were thoughtfully filled with gifts including a book, a candle light and an ornament. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers, and may our hospice families find peace and glimmers of joy in this season.
Telecare can feel like a lifeline
In 2020, the Winona Health Volunteers’ free Telecare service was even more important than ever for some families. For those who live alone and may be feeling more isolated or lonely than ever because of the pandemic, Telecare can feel like a lifeline. Telecare volunteers provide a friendly daily check in by phone—every day.
Telecare can feel like a lifeline
In 2020, the Winona Health Volunteers’ free Telecare service was even more important than ever for some families.
For those who live alone and may be feeling more isolated or lonely than ever because of the pandemic, Telecare can feel like a lifeline. Telecare volunteers provide a friendly daily check in by phone—every day.
“We are so grateful to our team of volunteers who ensure that every Telecare client get a daily call to ensure they’re ok and see how they’re doing,” said Kris Walters, Volunteer Manager. “Telecare provides peace of mind and an important connection to those who may appreciate it most.
Winona Health Volunteers have provided this service, every day, since 1973. Read more about Telecare.
Holiday Happiness – even during the pandemic
The Winona Health Volunteers’ annual Holiday Happiness, like most things, looked a little different in 2020. Holiday Happiness took place exclusively in the Glad D. Miller Gift Shop and hospital lobby. Masking and physical distancing guidelines were followed and the number of shoppers in the gift shop at any one time was limited. Screening procedures were also in place as required by the Minnesota Department of Health. Our resilient volunteers made it happen.
Golf outing takes a “drop” due to the pandemic
This year was the Ben & Adith Miller Classic’s 30th anniversary and would have been held at Cedar Valley Golf Course, but due to precautions for the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event transitioned into a fundraiser by mail for the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund.
Thanks to the continued support of many sponsors and participants, along with the generous support of Hugh and Vera Miller and RTP Company, the 2020 Ben & Adith Miller Golf Classic fundraiser by mail resulted in nearly $110,000 raised for the Patient Care Fund.
This year was the Ben & Adith Miller Classic’s 30th anniversary and would have been held at Cedar Valley Golf Course, but due to precautions for the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event transitioned into a fundraiser by mail for the Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund.
Thanks to the continued support of many sponsors and participants, along with the generous support of Hugh and Vera Miller and RTP Company, the 2020 Ben & Adith Miller Golf Classic fundraiser by mail resulted in nearly $110,000 raised for the Patient Care Fund.
“We’re grateful that even though we couldn’t gather for our event, we still have so many generous supporters who care,” said Rebecca Lamberty, chief administrative officer at Winona Health. “It’s the many organizations and individuals who usually participate in or sponsor the event who “showed up” virtually with sponsorship gifts to make this fundraiser so special.”
Nearly 9,000 received flu vaccinations funded by the Winona Health Foundation
With the circumstances everyone was facing during a pandemic, our board of directors allocated funding from the Winona Health Foundation to make it as easy as possible for people to get their vaccination in October. Not only was this a good way to encourage people to get their vaccine, but it was also a way for us to say thank you to our community.
Nearly 9,000 received flu vaccinations funded by the Winona Health Foundation
With the circumstances everyone was facing during a pandemic, our board of directors allocated funding from the Winona Health Foundation to make it as easy as possible for people to get their vaccination in October. Not only was this a good way to encourage people to get their vaccine, but it was also a way for us to say thank you to our community.
“So many individuals, organizations and businesses have shown appreciation and support for our staff through the many challenges COVID-19 presents. It is truly uplifting,” said Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz.
“The free community vaccination clinics are an example of the Winona Health Foundation’s purpose,” said Katrice Sisson, community and donor relations manager. “We are here to support Winona Health in its mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, and we are grateful for all those who contribute to the Winona Health Foundation to make this possible.”
Read more about the Free Community Flu Vaccination Clinics in collaboration with Winona County Public Health and the City of Winona.
Winona Health Foundation Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute honorees: Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss
Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss received the Winona Health Foundation Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute. Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health president/CEO, presented the award Monday, August 10 in the Robinson Healing Garden on the Winona Health main campus.
In presenting the award, Winona Health CEO, Rachelle Schultz, noted that although, due to the pandemic, the traditional Tribute recognition dinner had to be cancelled, it’s important to acknowledge the many contributions Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss have made.
Winona Health Foundation Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute honors Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss
Rachelle schultz, winona health president/ceo, presented the winona health foundation ben & adith miller community service tribute award to jerry and patricia papenfuss on monday, august 10 in the robinson healing garden on the winona health main campus.
Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss received the Winona Health Foundation Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute. Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health president/CEO, presented the award Monday, August 10 in the Robinson Healing Garden on the Winona Health main campus.
In presenting the award, Winona Health CEO, Rachelle Schultz, noted that although, due to the pandemic, the traditional Tribute recognition dinner had to be cancelled, it’s important to acknowledge the many contributions Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss have made and continue to make to the Winona Community. “There are probably not many areas in our community you haven’t touched,” she said.
Hugh and Vera Miller and RTP Company generously gave $25,000 to the Winona Health Foundation’s Ben & Adith Miller Patient Care Fund in Jerry and Patricia Papenfuss’s honor. The Patient Care Fund helps community members in need with their medical bills. This is the 31st consecutive year that the Miller family has sponsored the Ben & Adith Miller Community Service Tribute.
Grateful for community support through Trees of Light
During a year dominated by a global pandemic, the Winona-area community lit it up during the Winona Health Foundation’s annual Trees of Light tradition.
During the 2020 Trees of Light campaign, 771 people gave a total of $54,331 to support the Winona Health Foundation’s mission. This is an increase over 2019, when 655 contributed a total of $38,445. This year, the majority of contributors by far, directed their gift to the area of greatest need. One of the benefits this fund made possible in 2020 is the free community flu vaccination clinics held throughout October, making flu vaccine easily accessible for all community members.
Support
Show your support
If you are interested in supporting Winona Health and community-focused healthcare services, please visit winonahealth.org/foundation or direct your gift to the Winona Health Foundation, PO Box 5600, 855 Mankato Avenue, Winona, MN 55987.
Learn more about the Winona Health Foundation, how it benefits our community, and how your gift can make a difference.
Thank you!
for reviewing our 2020 Community Report
Comments? Questions? Stories? Please send them our way! info@winonahealth.org.
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