November 5, 2008

Supporters of the Good Samaritan Health Center Foundation gathered on Saturday, October 11 at T.B. Scott Library in Merrill for the 13th Annual Wine and Cheese Social.

“This event is very important because it allows us to say thank you to the donors who support our efforts throughout the year and pay tribute to community organizations dedicated to improving the health of the Merrill community,” said Kathy Brecke, foundation director.

Attendees sampled more than 25 varieties of wine and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres while enjoying music by Violinist Karen Allen and Cellist Ann R. Johnson.

“We are also grateful to the staff of TB Scott Library for allowing us to have this event in their wonderful facility,” added Brecke. “It provided the perfect location for our friends to enjoy good wine, food, music and hear first hand how their generosity is making a positive impact in our community.”

Community programs recognized at the Wine and Cheese Social included:

• Haven, Inc: $5,000 for installation of a security system. This funding will provide a state of the art security system for Haven’s new building at 903 Popular Street in Merrill. The system will feature an eight plex monitor with alarms for glass breakage, sound and movement. In 2006, HAVEN provided 860 nights of shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Family Counseling Services: $6,000 to fund start-up costs for the CHOICES program in Merrill. Family Counseling Services has been operating CHOICES, an intensive outpatient/aftercare treatment program for adolescents with alcohol/drug abuse problems and their families for the past six years. As the result of this funding, they will be expanding the program to the Merrill area.
• Saint Vincent De Paul Free Clinic: $5,000 to support the purchase of medications for patients. The Saint Vincent DePaul Free Clinic serves residents of Lincoln County that are either underinsured or have no insurance.
• Comunidad Hispana: $2,800 for support funding for their programs to educate and improve the quality of life of low-income Latinos in the Merrill community. These funds will allow Comunidad Hispana to expand an outreach coordinator position and provide education materials and supplies for programs on women’s health, smoking, healthy lifestyles, alcohol and other important health issues.
• Good Samaritan Health Center Community Health and Wellness: $1,000 for funding of the Heart Health Risk Assessment screening provided at “Be Healthy Day” on April 19.
• Compassionate Care Fund: $1,000 to assist patients who need help with transportation, food, telephone cards, clothing, and other basic needs at the time of discharge

A member of the Ministry Health Care System, Good Samaritan Health Center was founded in 1923 by the Holy Cross Sisters. It is a primary care hospital providing inpatient care and surgery, outpatient surgery, oncology services, obstetrics, pastoral care, extended care, a full range of therapy, radiology and laboratory services as well as respite, emergency, and walk-in clinic services.