Gundersen Tri-County Memorial Foundation contributes to future of rural healthcare

The Gundersen Tri-County Memorial Foundation is supporting the future of rural healthcare with a donation to a high school course to train future nurses. 

The foundation, the fundraising arm of Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics, gifted $3,000 toward the new certified nursing assistant course offered this academic year at Arcadia High School. 

The course offers students an opportunity to complete the classroom learning, skills credentialing and testing required to earn their CNA license in the state of Wisconsin, according to Arcadia High School. 

As a nursing assistant, students will provide care to patients in hospital, long-term care or adult day care settings. The program includes a combination of classroom and laboratory activities and hands-on clinical experience in a long-term care facility. They will receive training in communication skills, both oral and written, personal care, basic nursing skills, assisting people in maintaining independence, promoting rehabilitation, and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, according to Arcadia High School. 

"The Gundersen Tri-County Memorial Foundation is committed to serving our communities and we seek collaborative opportunities to enhance and maintain patient care services, while actively supporting the well-being of the communities in our region," said Foundation Director Sue Zimmerman. "The donation to the program fits our mission and supports rural community healthcare now and into the future."