This fall the foundation board approved grant awards totaling $562,829 for local Providence ministries.  The requests surpassed $922,000. Grant proposals come from Providence St. Peter Hospital, Providence Mother Joseph Care Center, and Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice.   The foundation started grant cycles in 1990 and since that time have awarded more $9 million to support these ministries so that they may better serve our community.   Charitable funds support equipment needs, program services, educational opportunities for staff and special capital projects.

A sampling of the fall grants are noted below. One of the larger awards will help make vital renovation improvements to the PSPH Emergency Center's triage and advance treatment areas.  Last year the center had more than 68,000 visits, and patient volumes have continued to rise. With ever rising volumes, the need for efficient triaging of patients is critical.

"This remodel to the Emergency Center allows us to provide the highest quality of care to our patients while increasing patient satisfaction and decreasing waiting times" said Jackie Brown, Senior Director of Emergency Services.  "We also anticipate that the remodel will decrease the number of patients leaving the EC without being seen by one of our staff members."  The new renovated triage area will offer three "advance treatment" rooms that will be used to address more minor medical issues and procedures, freeing up acute care beds for patients with more urgent medical needs.  The renovation is expected to be completed in November.

Sampling of fall grants:

St. Peter Hospital

- Clothing for Emergency Center patients being discharged

- No One Dies Alone Program (volunteer coordinator)

- Nursing Education Grants and Classes for RNs to obtain higher degrees

- Vital Sign Machines for post surgical patient unit
- Chemical Dependency Center facility improvements                              

- Oncology/Cancer Health Talk Books

- Providence Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy program

- Patient Lifts                         

Mother Joseph Care Center                                           

- Resident Room Light Fixtures

SoundHomeCare and Hospice       

- Hospice Respite Care
- Comfort Care Therapies