Support of Marshfield Clinic patient-focused initiatives has grown in recent years. More and more individuals, businesses and organizations have inquired about ways to help others through Clinic programs designed to assist cancer patients, children with severe medical issues, families in need financially due to a health-related crisis, and the list goes on.
The following are the top funding priorities for patient-care initiatives as identified by the Board of Directors of Marshfield Clinic. For more information about specific needs or how to provide support in your local area, please contact the MCHS Foundation.
Ambulatory Infusion Pumps in Oncology
Many cancer treatment plans require a constant supply (infusion) of medication. Ambulatory infusion pumps are a device patients wear that gives them the freedom to receive this continual supply of medication while they are at home instead of needing to be at a hospital or clinic. Standardizing ambulatory infusion pumps is an important priority for Marshfield Clinic as it reduces complexity for patients and staff, and increases patient safety by reducing the possibility of programming errors. Approximately 180 ambulatory infusion pumps are needed to complete this standardization project.
Ambulatory Surgery Needs
Recliners for Ambulatory Surgery Patients
Ambulatory surgery refers to any type of surgical procedure that doesn't require an overnight stay. While patients can return home that same day, they still need time at the Clinic to recuperate from their surgery. Recliners specially designed for ambulatory recovery rooms are one of the keys to a successful recovery. The Ambulatory Surgery Centers throughout the Marshfield Clinic System are in need of approximately 23 recliners to ensure patients are comfortable and safe as they begin recovery. To meet the special requirements of some patients, 5 additional bariatric recliners are needed.
Waiting Room Furniture for Patient Sponsors
After a day of surgery, seeing a loved one with a smile on their face can make a big difference for a patient. Many times, these dedicated individuals have been waiting for hours. Providing a comfortable and inviting waiting area for these family members and friends can help reduce stress during a difficult time.
Cancer Patient Care Needs Fund
Support of our local cancer centers ensures we can provide patients with the best possible care. Gifts support equipment, laptops/tablets for patient use, comfort items, education and support groups. Marshfield Clinic has established funds at each of its cancer care centers in Marshfield, Eau Claire, Northwoods (Minocqua & Rhinelander), Rice Lake, Stevens Point, Wausau, Weston and Wisconsin Rapids. Gifts can be designated locally.
Cancer Survivorship / WINGS Fund
The goal of the WINGS (We Inspire, Nurture and Give Support) program is to nurture healthy cancer survivorship through education and resources that enhance medical care and quality of life. The program defines survivorship as the experience of living with, through and beyond cancer for patients and the people in their lives who are impacted by the diagnosis. WINGS provides resources for patients and families, including health and wellness programs, support groups and educational materials.
Child Life Program
Child life specialists create a positive experience for children undergoing difficult procedures or receiving ongoing care such as chemotherapy. The Child Life Program minimizes the stress and anxiety of children, adolescents and their families in the Clinic setting by enhancing, coping and understanding of medical procedures through preparation, medical play and support. In many cases, the use of sedation can be avoided because child life specialists can put a child at ease. The demand for services to support or pediatricians and pediatric specialists is so high a third position has been created to meet the needs of our families.
Mobile Services Fund (Mammography/Health)
Each year Marshfield Clinic's three digital mobile mammography units travel over 110,000 miles in Wisconsin bringing breast cancer screening to more than 10,000 women at locations such as factories, migrant farms, businesses and rural sites. Mammography can detect lumps and abnormalities up to two years before they can be felt by self-exam. When found early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 96%.
Patient Care Needs Fund
Patient care funds support Marshfield Clinic's mission to enhance the patient experience. Gifts support small equipment needs, comfort items such as blanket warmers, distraction items for children, support groups and other emerging needs. Gifts can be designated locally at; Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Minocqua, Rhinelander, Eagle River, Mercer, Merrill, Wausau, Weston, Mosinee, Wittenberg, Ladysmith, Rice Lake, Stevens Point.
Pediatric Cancer Angel Fund Endowment
This endowment supports to the Krause Family Pediatric Cancer Angel Fund which serves Marshfield Clinic pediatric oncology patients and their families by providing financial support for non-medical expenses such as lodging, groceries, transportation needs, meals, and many other costs families incur throughout their child's treatment. This fund provides hope and support to families to support their child's recovery and quality of life, so parents can focus on the most important thing - helping their child through this difficult time. The first $50,000 in gifts to this endowment will be matched. The endowment may be named with a gift of $100,000.
Pediatric Needs Fund
The Pediatric Needs Fund supports patient comfort, education and other needs for our pediatric patients. Gifts to this fund provide distraction and comfort items to children going through long or difficult procedures; equipment for our specialists; patient education or resource materials; other items necessary to help pediatricians, nurses and staff provide comfortable care to the children they serve.
Oncology Navigation Priorities
Research shows navigation results in more timely, and appropriate access and coordination - from screening, to diagnosis, to treatment and follow-up care – leading to better outcomes. A coordinated navigation program will help ensure a higher rate of follow-up. Utilizing a software program to help create a network of care to yield better, more consistent care, and help move patients more quickly and efficiently through the continuum of care. Beginning with breast cancer navigation, plans are to place dedicated and accredited breast care navigators at each of the five primary oncology sites across the Clinic system. Support is needed to purchase software and develop infrastructure and supportive resources to help facilitate system-wide integration and coordination. The navigation program and support will be expanded to support patients with other forms of cancer.
For more information about ways you can support medical research, education, and patient care initiatives, contact our Foundation staff or contact the Foundation at:
