Imagine being taken to a hospital by ambulance and then realizing you have no way to get back to your home after being treated. For some area patients, the situation is real. That’s why the Tomah Health Community Foundation has donated $1,000 to help fund the Lend a Hand program at Tomah Health.
“The foundation’s mission is to support organizations and services that help families through health and wellness programs, and the Lend a Hand program does that,” Foundation president Brian Eirschele said of the donation. “Helping families in time of need with things that are completely out of their control helps make a positive difference in the community and to people when they need help at a crucial point in their life,” added Eirschele.
This year’s donation marks the fourth year that the Foundation has supported the program which was started in 2018 when hospital officials recognized a growing need to assist those who had no resources. “This program helps patients on sometimes the worst day of their lives,” said Tomah Health Risk, Compliance & Patient Experience director Shelly Egstad. “Whether it’s a visit to the emergency room and they’re without transportation, and their clothing and wallet are in a vehicle that’s not at the hospital, we can help them get food and clothing on a short-term basis.”
Before the Lend a Program was in place, Egstad said hospital staff would pool money to help patients in need. “The Foundation’s support is crucial to the program. Without that, patients may have to wait in our lobby. They may be in a hospital gown without a jacket or coat. They may not be able to get their medication, so it is vital to help our patients.”
Egstad said this past year more than 120 patients treated at Tomah Health needed some type of additional assistance.