On hand to receive checks are Sandra Boone (85 HOPE) and Karen Newhouse (Mental Health America of Wabash County), seated. Back row, from left Bryce Lindsay, Chris Sloan and Clint Kugler (Be Well Wabash County), Keith Gillenwater (EDG), Cheryl Meyer (the LIFE Center) and PWB Community Health Improvement Manager Kerri Mattern. Not pictured, but also receiving funding, are Living Well of Wabash County and the Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition.
WABASH,Indiana — Parkview Wabash Hospital recently awarded grants to seven Wabash County organizations that share the hospital’s mission of improving health and well-being in the community. It is the first time PWB has awarded such grants, which are part of Parkview’s Community Health Improvement Program.
The organizations that received funds and their projects include:
• 85 HOPE – The County’s free healthcare clinic for uninsured adults will use funds for the ongoing mission of medical services and supplies.
• Be Well Wabash County – Funds have purchased a tool to analyze body composition. The group will then partner with Wabash Middle School to pilot a program in physical education classes to teach the connection between health seeking behaviors and overall wellness.
• Economic Development Group of Wabash County – EDG will use monies to promote economic development and increased marketing, which leads to additional business prospects and jobs and, in turn, increased use of and need for healthcare services.
• The LIFE Center – Expectant parents who successfully complete a series of parenting skills classes will receive a free car seat thanks to the funds received.
• Living Well in Wabash County – Living Well will use its funds to help support the Wabash County Public Transit program.
• Mental Health America of Wabash County –The group plans to use their grant to train two local professionals in “Mental Health First Aid.” One individual will be certified for adults, while other will be youth certified.
• The Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition – Wabash County students in 2nd and 5th grade will benefit from the funds granted to the Tobacco Free Coalition as they will provide a Youth Prevention Program in those classrooms.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to help fund such worthwhile programs that promote improved health and well-being in Wabash County,” PWB President Marilyn Custer-Mitchell said. “We consider ourselves fortunate to partner with local organizations that are doing wonderful things to better our community.”
PWB funds its Community Health Improvement Program through a tithe of the hospital’s net income. Applications for the 2017 grant cycle will be available in the fall.