MERRILL — The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health will present Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital in Merrill with an award recognizing its contributions to rural health in a ceremony on Nov. 1.
Good Samaritan will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Rural Health Award in recognition of the hospital’s innovative approach to help those in its rural community, according to the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. Two of the hospital’s programs are highlighted for its contribution to rural health. The Community Paramedic Program is a partnership with the City of Merrill Fire Department Paramedics in which local paramedics provide free follow-up visits for recently discharged patients who suffer from particular medical conditions. The Tooth Fairy Fund financially assists those who present with tooth pain at the emergency department to receive treatment at a local federally qualified dental clinic nearby.
Ascension Good Samaritan was nominated for the award by the Lincoln County Health Department.
“AGSH provides our rural community with passion, dedication and leadership to make the city of Merrill and Lincoln County a healthier place to live,” said Shelley Hersil, health officer with the Lincoln County Health Department, in a news release. “Good Samaritan has been invaluable when working with their patients, stakeholders and organizations in the community.”
The awards also recognize the hospital’s efforts in addressing health priorities in its community, igniting community coalitions on oral health, nutrition, mental health and substance abuse.
The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the Outpatient Surgery Waiting Area at Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital, 601 S. Center Ave. in Merrill.
