ProHealth initiatives highlighted in Wisconsin Hospital Association report

ProHealth Care’s work to address substance abuse and promote safe medication practices, and provide young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a pathway to employment, is featured in the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s annual Community Benefits Report. The new report highlights programs and partnerships from across the state that demonstrate hospitals’ dedication to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

In 2024, hospitals in the southeastern region of Wisconsin provided nearly $1.1 billion in community benefit. ProHealth contributed nearly $27 million of community benefits and charity care in its last fiscal year as it worked to improve the health of our communities and make health services accessible to those who require care.

WHA’s report highlights ProHealth’s partnership with Waukesha County Health and Human Services and the Addiction Resource Council to address substance use and opioid deaths in Waukesha County. The partnership’s focus on prevention, harm reduction and community education has advanced innovative strategies, such as installing naloxone vending machines and creating additional distribution points in the community.

ProHealth’s partnership with Project SEARCH was also featured in the WHA report. ProHealth Care has been a host business for the Project SEARCH program for more than a decade. Each year, several young adults with disabilities spend nine months at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital as part of an immersive, on-site training and career development program. Each participant has the opportunity to intern in three departments and the blend of classroom work, hands-on training and workplace experience helps prepare program graduates for meaningful employment.

“We are proud of the work being done to help young adults see what’s possible for their future through Project SEARCH, and addressing substance abuse in Waukesha County,” said Sarah Butz, community benefit director. “ProHealth’s investment in community benefit and charity care reflects our commitment to improving health, expanding access to resources and responding to the needs of our community.”

Learn more about Project SEARCH on the TransCen website. TransCen coordinates the intership programs at local host businesses and provides all classroom instruction.