FOR THE COMMUNITY. Community Haven House in Eau Claire is among the recent recipients of Mayo Clinic Health System grants.

Mayo Clinic Health System has awarded $375,000 in funding to several local school districts and nonprofit organizations across Northwest Wisconsin, some based right in the Chippewa Valley. The selected school districts and nonprofits are gaining financial support from the Supporting Our Schools Award and the Hometown Health Grant program.

This year’s Supporting Our Schools Award and Hometown Health Grant program sought applicants with innovative efforts aligning with Mayo Clinic Health System’s 2023 priorities to improve mental health, prevent obesity and reduce chronic disease, prevent alcohol misuse and substance abuse, champion equity, diversity, and inclusion; and support social determinants of health efforts.

“We are excited to be able to champion innovation in overall community health and support recipients whose goals closely align with Mayo Clinic Health System's commitment to addressing community health priorities in mental health, obesity, chronic disease, alcohol misuse, and substance abuse, health equity, and health care workforce development.” 

BROOK BERG

MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN NORTHWEST WISCONSIN'S DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Supporting Our Schools Awards were granted support of $1,000-$8,000 to be used during the 2023-24 school year. Hometown Health Grant awardees were granted support of $5,000-$30,000 to be used between July 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.

“This year’s Supporting Our Schools award recipients include programs that address establishing and stocking in-school food pantries and clothes closets, purchasing a hydroponic unit to teach students how to grow lettuce, buying food for student backpack programs, building a greenhouse and creating outdoor learning spaces,” a media release stated.

Several approved projects addressed mental and emotional well-being as well, including creating peace paths for students, implementing the “Conscious Discipline” program, supporting the “Student Connections” program, and advancing social and emotional learning curriculums. Other projects include targeted mentoring and at-risk youth programming, the media release stated.

Mayo Clinic Health System will also award $1,000 scholarships to 25 graduating seniors pursuing postsecondary education in a health-care-related field.

Recipients to receive Hometown Health Grant money:

• Chippewa Valley Free Clinic
• Community Haven House
• Dunn County DHHS Birth to 3 Program
• Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley
• Feed My People Food Bank
• Hope Gospel Mission
• Menomonie Police Department
• Rice Lake Area Free Clinic
• Ruby’s Pantry – Cameron
• Spring Valley Seniors Staying Put Inc.
• West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency Inc.
• Western Dairyland EOC

“These awards represent Mayo Clinic Health System's continued commitment to investing in our communities as we work together to enrich the well-being of all who live in Northwest Wisconsin," says Brook Berg, director of community engagement for Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin. "We are excited to be able to champion innovation in overall community health and support recipients whose goals closely align with Mayo Clinic Health System's commitment to addressing community health priorities in mental health, obesity, chronic disease, alcohol misuse, and substance abuse, health equity, and health care workforce development.”

Learn more about Mayo Health Clinic System’s Community Engagement efforts online.