Community

Caring for Our Community

At Vernon Health, our impact goes far beyond the care we provide within our hospital, clinics, and pharmacies. We are deeply committed to improving the overall health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Through partnerships with local schools, community agencies, and organizations, we work to address health and social challenges while promoting lifelong wellness. Our outreach includes educational programs, health screenings, support groups, and other initiatives that help strengthen the region we proudly call home.

Vernon Health Foundation

The Vernon Health Foundation connects generous donors with opportunities to make a lasting difference in our community. Every contribution supports projects and programs that enhance access to care, improve facilities, and strengthen the health and wellbeing of the people we serve.

Through community partnerships and donor support, the Foundation helps Vernon Health continue its mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care—close to home.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play an important role in supporting the mission of Vernon Health, contributing thousands of hours of service each year. More than 180 students (ages 14 and older) and adults share their time and talents across nearly every department and service area.

How to Become a Volunteer

Prospective volunteers begin by completing an application process that includes a health history, TB screening, background check, interview, orientation, and position-specific training.
New volunteers are also encouraged to shadow current volunteers in one or more areas before choosing a placement.

Our volunteers are an essential part of our care team. They receive recognition for their service, are invited to social and educational events, and find purpose in helping others.
Volunteers come from all walks of life—retirees, homemakers, business professionals, and students—and are placed in areas that match their interests and strengths.

For questions or assistance, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 608-637-4374.

Friends of VMH

The Friends of VMH is a dedicated volunteer group that supports the mission and vision of our organization. With more than 70 active members, the group raises and donates thousands of dollars each year to fund new equipment, enhance services, and support community health programs.

The Friends also sponsor an annual healthcare scholarship program and organize popular events such as the geranium sale, craft fairs, bake sales, and other community fundraisers.

To learn more or join the Friends of VMH, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 608-637-4410 or JCisneros@vmh.org.

Helping Others Through Vernon Health

Giving back makes a lasting impact. Explore the ways you can support others, share kindness, and help improve community health with Vernon Health.

Make a Gift

A donation to the Vernon Health Foundation is a meaningful way to celebrate life’s joys, express gratitude, or honor someone you love—while making a lasting difference in our community.

The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing access to quality healthcare for the people and families served by Vernon Health. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Mail your gift to:
Vernon Health Foundation, Inc.
507 S. Main Street
Viroqua, WI 54665

For more information, call 608-637-4374 or email NLoeffelholz@vmh.org.

Tissue Donation

Make the decision to Donate Life by becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor. The need for these types of donors remains high.

A legal document of consent, such as a driver’s license, is required upon your death, so make sure to sign and date the back of your license and also inform your family that you would like to be a donor.

New Wisconsin laws may affect the consent process in the future. Your Power of Attorney (POA) or legal next-of-kin will be asked to participate in an interview involving your past medical and social lifestyle history in order to ensure the safety of the gifts you are giving. Your gifts will be shared with recipients who need life-saving or life-enhancing surgical procedures.

Blood Drives

We partner with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin for the majority of our blood needs and regularly recruit volunteer donors by hosting blood drives in our community rooms.

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin provides life-saving blood products to 54 community hospitals throughout the state, plus all blood for VMH patients and area hospitals. Nearly 800 daily donors are needed to maintain the supply to local hospitals it serves, which is why VMH hosts several blood drives throughout the year.

VMH also offers a special program in which qualified patients donate their own blood ahead of time for planned surgical procedures, called autologous donation.

Scholarships

Students pursuing healthcare careers are encouraged to apply for scholarships offered through the Vernon Health Foundation and affiliated organizations.
Applicants need to complete only one application to be considered for all scholarship opportunities.

Jens Fuhr Scholarship Fund

Established by Jens Fuhr, a former Vernon County resident, this scholarship honors his gratitude for the exceptional care he received at Vernon Health.
Originally created to support the children and grandchildren of his friends, the fund now provides scholarships—under the care of the Vernon Health Foundation—for students pursuing education in medical and healthcare-related fields.

Palmer Hovde Scholarship Fund

Palmer I. Hovde, a farmer from the Westby area, made a generous bequest to help local students pursue healthcare careers.
The interest earned from this investment continues to fund scholarships, managed by the Vernon Health Foundation, supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Friends of VMH Health Career Scholarship Fund

The Friends of VMH provide scholarships to students pursuing nursing and healthcare careers through proceeds from the Gift Shop and community fundraising events.
This program, established in 1951, continues to encourage young people to enter the healthcare profession and serve their communities.

Nurse’s Club Scholarship

Established in 1991 by Thor Thorson and Bill Reed in memory of their mothers, Inga Thorson and Jesse Reed, this scholarship honors those legacies through memorial contributions.
Funds may be awarded to one recipient or divided among several, helping local students pursue nursing and related healthcare careers.

Additional Scholarship Details

Previous recipients and applicants are welcome to reapply. Preference is given to candidates from the Vernon Health service area who intend to pursue healthcare careers within the region.

No applicant will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, arrest record, conviction record, or military service status.

Community Health Needs Assessment

Every three years, Vernon Health collaborates with Great Rivers United Way, area healthcare organizations, and local county health departments across a five-county region to conduct a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment.

The resulting report—called Compass Now—compiles data from community surveys, focus groups, socioeconomic research, and an inventory of local resources. Each assessment helps identify the most pressing health issues affecting our region and guides coordinated efforts to address them.

2024 Key Findings for Vernon County

The most recent CHNA, completed in 2024, identified the following priority health issues for Vernon County:

Mental Health
Social & Economic Issues
Healthcare Access
Aging & Disability

Full CHNA Reports

The Compass Now reports are created every three years by and for our communities. Each report highlights key data and insights to guide local health initiatives.

Implementation Plans

Following each CHNA, Vernon Health develops an Implementation Plan outlining the strategies and actions that will be taken to address the identified priorities. These plans are updated every three years in partnership with community stakeholders.

Sponsorships

Vernon Health is proud to support community organizations, events, and programs that align with our mission of improving health and wellbeing across the region. Through monetary and in-kind donations, we partner with local groups working to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

Make a Request

Vernon Health accepts sponsorship requests from eligible organizations, including those with 501(c)(3) status. Each request is carefully reviewed to ensure it aligns with our community focus areas and supports initiatives that promote health and wellness.

To learn more or request an application, email info@vmh.org or download the Sponsorship Request Form to begin your submission.

Sponsorship Request Form