MARSHFIELD – In response to the challenges presented by the coronavirus, Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan have established the Marshfield Clinic Health System/Security Health Plan COVID-19 Community Support Fund.

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial resources quickly and easily to local community organizations who can help “flatten the curve” by addressing local needs and issues associated with coronavirus.

As part of our support of the communities we serve, the Community Support Fund will distribute up to $400,000 to initiate or sustain efforts focused on addressing community needs associated with food insecurity, childcare, elder care, emergency transportation or other challenges due to the statewide public health emergency. Eligible organizations include 501(c) non-profits, local government agencies, public health departments and school districts. Non-501c organizations may partner with another 501c to apply for funding.

Additional eligibility and funding information, along with the application can be found at https://marshfieldclinic.smapply.org/prog/COVID-19.

“This rapid response funding is just one way we are trying to help support our communities and community organization address local needs associated with COVID-19, such as social distancing measures, assuring continued access to needed basic services and so forth,” said Jay Shrader, vice president of Marshfield Clinic Health System’s Center for Community Health Advancement.

Slowing the spread of coronavirus is key in reducing the number of ill individuals who may need medical care in the office or hospital. All community members should be exercising caution and following public health guidelines. We encourage everyone to seek coronavirus information from reliable health care resources, including:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/Covid-19.htm

World Health Organization – www.who.int/coronavirus

Marshfield Clinic Health System – https://marshfieldclinic.org/