From the desk of EMH CEO, Laura Smith
Ellett Memorial Hospital and the Appleton City Rural Health Clinic aren't just places you go when you're sick - they're part of who we are as a community. The people who work here are your neighbors, friends, and sometimes even family. Our staff have deep roots in this town, and they care about you because they live here too. They show up every day with pride, compassion, and a genuine commitment to keeping high-quality care close to home. We take seriously our responsibility to provide these services well, and your feedback helps us grow, improve, and continue meeting the needs of the people we serve.
If you want to help keep these services in our community, the post powerful thing you can do is choose local care whenever it's appropriate - your lab work, your imaging, your checkups, your therapy. Every visit strengthens the hospital you rely on. Staying engaged in preventative care, participating in community health events, and sharing your experiences with others all make a difference. And when you speak up - whether it's praise or suggestions - you help us become better for everyone.
Your support, your voice, and your presence truly matter. Together, we ensure that Ellett Memorial Hospital and Appleton City Rural Health Clinic remain strong, sustainable, and here for generations to come. This is YOUR hospital, YOUR clinic, and YOUR community - and YOU play a vital role in helping it thrive.
How Patients and Business Can Help Keep Hospital Services in the Community
What Patients Can Do:
1. Use Local Services Whenever Possible - Choosing your local hospital for labs, imaging, therapy, and routine care keeps revenue in the community. Even small decisions, such as getting your bloodwork done locally, add up.
2. Show Up for Preventative Care - Regular checkups reduce emergency visits and help the hospital plan for future needs. Healthy communities create sustainable hospitals.
3. Share Your Voice - Participate in patient surveys and community health needs assessments. Provide constructive feedback so the hospital can improve and grow.
4. Support Hospital Events - Attend health fairs, fundraisers, and educational programs. Your presence shows that the hospital matters to the community.
5. Spread the Word - Share positive experiences with friends, neighbors, and online. Public trust helps attract staff, funding, and partnerships.
What Businesses Can Do:
1. Partner on Workplace Wellness - Offer employees wellness programs in collaboration with the hospital. This reduced preventable illness and strengthens the hospital's role in community health.
2. Support Hospital Fundraising - Sponsor events, donate equipment, or contribute to capital campaigns. Businesses that invest in healthcare invest in their workforce.
3. Encourage Employees to Use Local Care - Promote the hospital as a first choice for non-emergency services. This keeps healthcare dollars circulating locally.
4. Collaborate on Community Initiatives - Work with the hospital on health education, safety programs, or outreach events. Joint efforts amplify impact and visibility.
5. Adovcate Publicly - Use your platform to highlight the hospital's importance. Engage with local leaders to support policies that protect community healthcare.
Why this Matters
A hospital can't thrive on its own. It needs the community - patients, families, businesses, schools, and local leaders - to stand behind it. When people choose local care, participate in programs, and advocate for the hospital, they help ensure that essential services stay close to home.
