FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT
talk about — it’s deeply embedded in who we are and what we do. ” MEDICA IN THE COMMUNITY “ Our social mission isn’t something we just
MEDICA FOUNDATION AWARDS 64 RURAL HEALTH GRANTS R ural areas have di erent health care needs than people in more urban areas. For
— John Naylor, Medica President & CEO
How Does This All Tie Together? The Medica Foundation works to improve health and remove barriers to health care services. In 2019, the Foundation awarded 137 grants to nonprofit organizations totaling $1.81 million. Medica is a Game Changer! In 2019, Medica received the Game Changer Award from the Twin Cities Corporate Volunteerism Council. This award honors an employee-driven corporate initiative or program that promotes volunteerism, demonstrates innovation, and impacts company culture and strategy. Employee Volunteerism Medica encourages employees to give back to the communities in which they live and work. Medica employees receive 16 hours of volunteer paid time o each year and since 2013, more than 40,000 hours of volunteer time have been logged. Medica Volunteer Recognition includes: • Dollars for Doers – Medica makes a $200 charitable contribution to non-profit organizations, recognizing employees who volunteer 30 or more hours at the organization. Medica has contributed more than $75,000 on behalf of employee volunteers since 2013. • Compassion Award – Each year, Medica recognizes one employee for their significant commitment to volunteerism and community service. The award, and a $500 donation to a non-profit organization, goes to an employee who has volunteered 100 or more hours in a year.
• Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers in Baxter, MN, provides transportation and home modifications for seniors. Their grant money helps low-income seniors and persons with disabilities continue to live safe and independent lives in their own homes. • Two Rivers Public Health in Holdrege, NE, received funding to increase dental access in rural Nebraska, with sta traveling to health clinics to provide dental services and education. • Benson County Transportation in Maddock, ND, will use its grant funding to provide vouchers for older adults and people with disabilities for transportation to get to their medical appointments. • Catholic Social Services in Rapid City, SD, provides mental health and other services for people experiencing poverty, including a large Native American population. • The BRICK Ministries, in Ashland, WI, partners with local grocers to stock food pantries for seniors in multiple rural locations.
instance, it can take longer for rural residents to get emergency care. And, access to services such as respite care, specialty providers, transportation to medical appointments and even healthy food may be more di cult for people in rural areas — especially for seniors who don’t drive. The specific health needs of a rural area are understood best by those within the community. That’s why the Medica Foundation aims to support community-led solutions to health concerns with nonprofits in those areas. In 2019, the Medica Foundation awarded Rural Health Grants of up to $5,000 to 64 organizations in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin. Here are a few examples of the Foundation’s grantee partners doing amazing work in their local communities: • Northwoods Care Partners in Ely, MN, received support for its Alzheimer’s program to help with caregiver support, volunteer recruitment and management, and community education on aging issues.
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MEDICA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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