Bronson Hospital Foundation
The Bronson Hospital Foundation took a significant leap of faith about five years ago when its CEO, Bob Doud brought a consultant from Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids to speak to their Board about a model for addressing the health needs of low income children by working with schools throughout the County. Bob listened to KCIS’s growing body of concern that children’s physical health was surfacing as an equal priority to their social, emotional and behavioral needs and sought out expert advice on a model that could be replicated in Kalamazoo. The Bronson Foundation provided half the funding for a school nurse pilot at Milwood Elementary for two years. When changes at Pfizer resulted in the elimination of their shared funding, the Bronson Foundation remain committed to addressing this need and they have funded 80% of the cost for the past two years. As a result, students, parents and teachers have benefited from the expert care and compassion of “Nurse Linda” for four years. When the children learned of her retirement, here is what a couple of them had to say:
“Dear Nurse Linda, I don’t think you should retire yet. You look way too young to retire. You help a lot around here. If you leave, who will hold our medicine, who will give us ice packs, who will keep us company at school while we are sick, who will be our favorite nurse ever without you around? I will miss you a whole lot so make sure you come visit us next year, every week or every other week, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday---no other days. Make sure you stop and see Mrs. Phillips class a super duper super duper lot. I will really need it and if you don’t do that you call me at (phone #). I will miss you all the time.”
“Dear Nurse Linda, You are an awesome nurse and I do not know what we will do without you. Who is going to check our temperature and hold our medicine and inhalers and take care of us and giving us ice packs and information.
The commitment of the Bronson Hospital Foundation to school based health has increased student attendance, improved their behavior, enhanced their sense of safety and well-being and told them their community cares. The commitment of the Bronson Hospital Foundation has reassured teachers that they don’t have to be nurses, that they are not alone in caring for children and that their community cares about them too.
Congratulations Bronson Hospital Foundation, on your 2008 Champ Award!