Mayo Clinic Health System backs mental health initiative during Red Kettle Campaign
December 12, 2019
Contact:
Alex Riley
The Salvation Army of La Crosse County
(608) 782-6126 x226
alex.riley@usc.salvationarmy.org
Teri Wildt
Mayo Clinic Health System
(608) 392-2767
wildt.teri@mayo.edu
Mayo Clinic Health System backs mental health initiative during Red Kettle Campaign
Event Details:
Mayo Clinic Health System Match Day
Saturday, December 21, 2019
10:00am-8:00pm
La Crosse County kettle sites
LA CROSSE – Mayo Clinic Health System is partnering once again with The Salvation Army to raise awareness and funding for crucial mental health programming in the La Crosse area.
On Saturday, December 21st, Mayo Clinic Health System will match up to $15,000 raised at all kettle sites throughout La Crosse County. Dollars raised, including Mayo’s contribution, will go toward funding The Salvation Army of La Crosse County’s psychiatric and mental health services.
For years, The Salvation Army has paid for a contracted psychiatrist to meet and work with emergency shelter residents during limited appointment times. These appointments, lasting an hour in time, are set out to offer diagnosis to patients, possible prescription recommendations, and referrals to long term care facilities such as local hospitals.
“This is a needed service for the population we serve,” said Major Jeff Richardson of The Salvation Army. “Mental and physical health services are big initiatives for The Salvation Army in La Crosse moving forward. We cannot expect those we serve to get better if we are not helping them through struggles in their bodies and minds.”
Mayo Clinic Health System is a large employer with a 135-year history in Southwestern Wisconsin. They are committed to maintaining the region as a great place to live, work, learn and raise families.
“This is a unique opportunity to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Teri Wildt, director of community engagement for Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. “Our first match day in 2018 generated enough funds to support mental health services at the emergency shelter for an entire year. On December 21, many Mayo Clinic Health System employees will be ringing bells. With the community’s help, we hope to achieve a similar result this year.”
Mayo Clinic Health System Match Day falls on the final Saturday of the bell ringing season, which ends on Tuesday, December 24th. To volunteer for bell ringing, visit www.RegisterToRing.com. For more information on The Salvation Army and its Red Kettle Campaign, visit www.SAlacrosse.org.
The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser throughout the year and accounts for approximately one-third of the annual budget. Campaign contributions help fund various day-to-day services provided by The Salvation Army including the Emergency Shelter and Meal Program. Red Kettle Campaign dollars are raised through bell ringing, non-bell ringing donations, and mail appeal.
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