PARK RAPIDS, MN (January 24, 2024) – Lutheran Social Services and Kinship of the Park Rapids Area each received $10,000 from CHI St. Joseph’s Health, thanks to a unique program that supports the delivery of services vital to improving health and well-being, and improving health equity in the community.
“We are honored to support the important work of these two organizations,” said Ben Koppelman, CHI St. Joseph’s Health President. “It’s part of our mission and commitment to go beyond the walls of our hospital and partner with the nonprofits who are best positioned to address systemic challenges.”
This year, CHI St. Joseph’s Health joined CommonSpirit Health’s Community Health Improvement Grant Program. CHI St. Joseph’s Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, which was created in 2019 when Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health came together to create a national health system.
The Community Health Improvement Grant Program focuses specifically on significant needs identified in CHI St. Joseph’s Health’s most recent community health needs assessment (CHNA), which is conducted every three years to identify community partners and address the priority health and social needs faced by our region.
“We opened up requests for proposals that specifically address the priorities identified in our CHNA, which include mental health, substance abuse, a center for youth, community and recreation, and economic factors that influence wellness and obesity,” said Koppelman.
“Of the proposals received, the committee selected Lutheran Social Services and Kinship of the Park Rapids Area. Both of these organizations are tremendous assets to our community.”
The grants are just one aspect of CHI St. Joseph’s Health’s commitment to the community’s well-being. During fiscal year 2023, CHI St. Joseph’s Health provided $3,136,238 in total community benefit. These dollars go to patient financial assistance for those unable to afford medically necessary care, unreimbursed costs of Medicare/Medicaid, community health improvement services, and other community benefits.
“We strongly believe that together, we can do so much more. That’s why we are so proud to take a comprehensive approach to community health needs that includes these key partnerships,” said Koppelman.
“Our commitment goes beyond the inpatient, outpatient and emergency medical care we provide to also include a range of prevention and health improvement programs delivered alongside community partners, financial grants to nonprofit organizations and investments in efforts that address social determinants of health.”
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- Ben Koppelman (right), CHI St. Joseph’s Health President presenting Molly London (left), Executive Director for Kinship of the Park Rapids Area with a check for $10,000.
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- Ben Koppelman (right), CHI St. Joseph’s Health President presenting Darlene Morgenstern-Loch (left), Grant Manager for Lutheran Social Services Meals with a check for $10,000.