A yearlong fundraising event at Tomah Health will help needy Monroe County residents get essential medications and support patients in need at Tomah Health. Hospital officials donated $2,975 to both the St. Clare Health Mission of Monroe County and to the Tomah Health Lend a Hand program Jan. 21 as part of the 2025 Tomah Health Jeans & Scrubs for Charity program.
Hospital Human Resources generalist Samantha Wolff said the $5,950 was raised by staff who made a small donation to wear jeans or their favorite scrubs on Fridays throughout the year. “Week after week staff show up not only for our patients, but for our community. Their willingness to donate to wear jeans or a fun scrub top reflects a workplace culture deeply rooted in kindness, generosity and genuine care for others,” said Wolff. “Together we’re proving that the simplest acts can create a powerful impact for the communities we serve.”
St. Clare Health Mission of Monroe County medical director Michael Saunders, M.D. said the donation will be used to purchase pharmaceuticals at the Sparta clinic. “Patients who come to us, who meet our eligibility, receive their prescriptions at no cost,” said Saunders. “I think economically more people are struggling. We’re anticipating a probable significant increase in volume in the coming year because of the cutbacks in the Medicaid funding.”
This past year, 257 patients visited the clinic which is open the first and third Tuesdays of each month. “The ripple effect of what our clinic does quietly and efficiently has a profound impact that we don’t even really understand,” said clinic coordinator Annie Berendes. “We’ve been in operation for almost 29 years, and I think it’s one of those quiet, but firm structures within the community that really is impactful for those people that are marginalized, not really seen. It means a lot for a structure of a community that cares for each other,” said Berendes.
Tomah Health Social Services director Amanda Burkhalter said the hospital’s Lend a Hand program was started in 2018 when hospital officials recognized a growing need to assist those who had no resources. She said that the program has helped take some burden off patients and their families by providing urgent needs like transportation, medications, meals and clothing. “Sometimes the greatest care we give is simply lending a hand when someone needs it most. With this program, we have been able to support our patients through small acts that make a meaningful difference in their care experience with us,” said Burkhalter. In 2025, the program assisted more than 130 patients.
Tomah Health started the Jeans / Scrubs program in 2005. Hospital staff recently voted to support Tomah’s Neighborhood for Neighborhood Food Pantry and the hospital’s Lend a Hand program from funds collected during this year’s program.