EmPATH unit reaches fundraising goal

EmPATH unit reaches fundraising goal

Thanks to an outpouring of community support, Gundersen Medical Foundationtoday announced that it has met its fundraising goal to establish the Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing Unit (EmPATH).

Scheduled to open early this year within the existing Behavioral Health Departmenton the Emplify Health by Gundersen La Crosse Hospital campus, EmPATH will function as a mental health urgent care unit, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding area. The first-of-its-kind in Wisconsin, EmPATH will help ensure access to behavioral health care closer to home.

In late November, the Foundation announced that it had $250,000 left to raise of its $5.2 million goal. "We are so thankful to be a part of such a generous community. They saw there was a need to enhance and expand behavioral health care and stepped up to meet that need by funding the EmPATH Unit," said Mandy Richardson, director of Philanthropy at Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Josh Court, clinical operations director for Behavioral Health, echoed that statement.

"I am truly amazed and deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community," he said. "Their generosity and commitment have made it possible to advance the mental health care our patients deserve. This collective effort reflects the compassion and strength of our community in caring for our patients, our friends and our neighbors."

While celebrating this milestone, Gundersen Medical Foundation continues to welcome funding for this project.

"Raising $5.2 million allows Emplify Health by Gundersen to open the doors of the EmPATH Unit to those who need it most," Richardson said, "but we know that needs will continue to exist as patient care is established. We welcome anyone who feels compelled to give to support this effort."

Interested donors may use this formto make their gift.

Click herefor more information about EmPATH and hereto learn more about Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health.