King's Daughters' Health

A Strong Foundation Aiming High The Healthy Communities Initiative earned the support of many local residents in its first year and worked toward improving the lives of community members. SINCE THE HEALTHY Communities Initiative (HCI) launched, more than 400 people have gotten involved in its core efforts, which have been laying the groundwork for programs designed to decrease substance abuse, improve mental health and promote a healthier lifestyle. To date, some of those programs include: • Mentors for Moms, a program that provides support for new mothers who are struggling with substance abuse, in an effort to create a healthier environment for both mothers and newborns addicted to substances • Road to Recovery, a transportation service for people overcoming substance abuse, that provides rides to and from out-of-town treatment facilities from drivers who are a positive influence • Zero Suicide Initiative, which includes training and awareness efforts for all community members in hopes of reducing Jefferson County's increasing suicide rate • Community health challenges and events that promote physical activity, encourage weight loss and educate residents about the benefits of smoking cessation, in order to reduce Jefferson County's obesity and chronic disease rates • Poverty simulation, a program HCI co-sponsored to teach community members about the health and economic challenges faced by people living in poverty and boost empathy and volunteerism in the area Moving Forward With continued support from the KDH Foundation and community team members, HCI looks to strengthen its impact in 2018 and beyond. "It takes all of us working together to effect change," says Carri Dirksen, Coordinator of HCI. "We welcome everyone's input, and everyone is welcome to participate." ■ ■ Visit www.facebook.com/HCJeffersonCounty or email Carri at dirksenc@kdhmadison.org to get connected. 2018 brings new events – and new goals – as the KDH Foundation continues its fundraising efforts to support King's Daughters' Health. EVERY YEAR, the KDH Foundation raises money that helps KDH provide vital services to our neighbors, such as purchasing new hospital equipment, funding community health events and programs, and setting up scholarships for KDH employees who want to continue their education. "We're very fortunate to have KDH and the quality of care they provide," says Madonna Wilson, KDH Foundation Coordinator. "The foundation supports the mission of the hospital and helps us continue to offer more services." An Exciting Year In 2017, the KDH Foundation Gala brought in more than $50,000, a $10,000 increase from the year before. The Golf Benefit alone brought in more than $24,000. There are big plans in store to continue that success in 2018. "We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Golf Benefit and the fifth anniversary of our Gala," Madonna says. "We're partnering with the Belterra Casino Resort and AssuredPartners for those events and others." Hosting the events at Belterra will provide a nice change of scenery as well as expanded activities for attendees, such as special "stay and play" packages for those interested in spending more time at the casino. ■ ■ Mark your calendars for the 20th anniversary Golf Benefit on June 8. Learn more about the foundation's work at www.kdhmadison.org. Vital Signs // a publication of King's Daughters' Health 7

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