Richland Center, WI – The work to eradicate cancer is nationally funded due to the efforts of many established organizations operating on a world-wide scale. But in Richland County, support comes from a local source, one with over 20 years dedicated to making a difference: Greater Richland Area Cancer Elimination, Inc., or GRACE.

This volunteer organization remains, “100% committed to helping our neighbors and friends,” says Board President, Eileen Stevens. GRACE was started in 2004 as a way to keep the money raised here where it matters most. “People and businesses know when they donate to GRACE, the money goes where we say it goes,” says Stevens. In fact, 58% directly helps eligible applicants with food, gas, utilities, and more; 25% is given to UW Carbone Cancer Center and Gundersen Health for cancer research. “10% supports the medical communities within the Richland County service area, 5% is used for cancer prevention events and education, and just 2% is used to cover operating costs,” explains Stevens. The results are telling. GRACE has raised and dispersed more than $4 million since its inception.

GRACE’s commitment to rural medicine was felt by The Richland Hospital and Clinics when the hospital’s foundation accepted a $40,251 gift to fund a gastroscope, a vital tool used in the early detection of certain types of cancer. This critical access hospital employs around 420 people and operates from its main location in Richland Center, with additional clinics in Muscoda (Muscoda Health Center) and Spring Green (Spring Green Medical Center). “Supporting the work of The Richland Hospital and Clinics along with other health care facilities in our service area is vital. Doing what we can to allow people to stay local for pre-screening or treatment is simply better all the way around,” says Stevens.

The Richland Hospital and Clinics gives patients access to colonoscopies, along with other cancer screenings, with procedures usually scheduled within a few weeks of referral. “The quality of care we’re able to provide for patients close to home is outstanding,” says Angie Coenen, Director of The Richland Hospital Foundation. “Community and corporate donations are important to our work in supporting rural health care. The Richland Hospital Foundation is grateful for the support from GRACE. Consider the lives we are saving with GRACE donations and the talented caregivers who advocate for our health. It takes all of us to keep rural health care thriving in our community,” she says. “Health Care Here” is the focus of Coenen’s fall fundraising campaign.

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Pictured: Eileen Stevens, President, G.R.A.C.E Board of Directors (center), presents $40,251 check to Angie Coenen, The Richland Hospital Foundation Director (right), and Bruce Roesler, CEO, The Richland Hospital and Clinics (left).

About The Richland Hospital and Clinics:
The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. Providing compassionate care for over 100 years to residents of the greater Richland County area, TRHC operates in three locations, including rural health clinics in Muscoda and Spring Green, with a clinic, pharmacy, and critical care available from its primary health center in Richland Center, WI.

About GRACE: Greater Richland Area Cancer Elimination, Inc. works to fund cancer research, education, and to assist cancer patients. The operation base is located in Richland Center, Wisconsin, with an inclusive service area of Richland, Vernon, Sauk, Iowa, Crawford, and Grant counties.

About The Richland Hospital Foundation: The Richland Hospital Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization. Their mission is to support The Richland Hospital and Clinics to enhance exceptional health care throughout the surrounding communities.