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Deck The Halls with Samantha Peck
Rural Hospitals & Clinics Program Manager
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As we near the end of 2025, I’ve had the opportunity (or obligation!) to reflect on the breadth and depth of your incredible work this year. While putting together our annual report for the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, I read so many stories that went beyond the measures. Stories of enhanced patient care, improved processes, good catches, innovation and dedication. Stories about inspiring youth to follow healthcare careers, about peers supporting one another. What shone through was the immense passion and hard work that goes into making rural Wisconsin a great place to receive care.
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Looking ahead, there are a lot of opportunities under the Flexmas tree to unwrap in 2026! Be sure to visit our website for Round 2 of the Direct-To-Hospital grants, now open for applications, and learn about joining the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
Sailing into the new year, our SHIP 2026-27 webinar is coming up on January 7th (register here) and hospital applications due on January 21st.
At this time of year, while we all rush into the festive season, I hope you each get a chance to pause and reflect on the immense learning, improvements, and achievements of 2025 and look ahead with renewed excitement and hope for the year to come.
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Upcoming SHIP Grant Timeline
ASAP:
- Sign SHIP Agreements for current year 2025-26.
Wednesday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21
- Application for SHIP 2026-27 due via Qualtrics form.
SHIP Expenses Reminder
Hospitals that selected the direct funding option for 2025-26 must use their funds for purchasing HCAHPS first. Any leftover funding can be used for other approved expenses that must be approved by Samantha Peck in writing.
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Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
- Critical Access Hospitals are invited to participate in a Flex-funded Antimicrobial Stewardship Program designed to support data-driven quality improvement.
- Using the program’s interactive dashboard, hospitals can efficiently review prescribing data, identify trends, and pinpoint opportunities to strengthen antimicrobial practices.
- Watch the webinar recording for a full demonstration of the platform and information about the program.
- Email Samantha Peck and Andrea Fraser to express interest in the program.
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Direct-to-Hospital Grants
- Wisconsin received Federal workplan approval for additional Flex funding this year, and we want to pass that funding directly to Critical Access Hospitals!
- These Direct-to-Hospital Grants will be for:
- HCAHPS Improvement and Engagement
- EDTC Improvement
- Finance Improvement
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Photo Features
Send us your pictures of rural Wisconsin life to be featured in Rural Health Radar! We'd love to see a variety of healthcare, community, lifestyle, landscape, etc.
Email pictures to Megan and include a brief description, where the photo was taken, and the name of the photographer.
| | Pictured: Sunrise on the lake behind Emplify Health by Gundersen – Hillsboro taken by Jackie Jarabek, Physical Therapist. | | |
Walmart Foundation Spark Good Local Grants
- Amount: $250 - $5,000.
- Application due date: Quarterly, the next deadline is December 31.
- Who can apply: Organizations with 501(c)(3) or 509(a) status, government agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations
- Description: Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where Walmart and Sam’s Club operate. Organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits in order to apply.
New! CATCH Planning and Implementation Grants - American Academy of Pediatrics
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Amount: $10,000.
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Application due date: January 20.
- Who can apply: Community organizations led by a pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist, working on initiatives that increase children’s access to optimal health or well-being are eligible to apply.
- Description: AAP will award planning and implementation grants to organizations to build broad-based community partnerships to address unmet child health needs.
New! Rural Scholarships - National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation
- Amount: $8,000 scholarships.
- Application Due Date: January 31.
- Who can apply: Students residing in rural areas who are currently enrolled in a master's level counseling program.
- Description: Scholarships are intended to increase the number of counselors serving people in rural areas. Students must commit to practicing in a rural community and have a graduation date between June 30, 2027 and December 31, 2029.
New! Youth Service Project Grants - Karma for Cara Foundation
- Amount: $250 - $1,000.
- Application Due Date: Quarterly: January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1.
- Who can apply: Students 18 years of age and under, or organizations that represent them, may apply for funds to complete service projects in their communities.
- Description: Service Project Grants provide financial support to young people to take their ideas and projects to the next, impactful level. Previously funded projects include nature trail construction, food pantry development, and school gardens.
| Please contact Kevin Jacobson, WORH Loan Assistance Program Manager, for help identifying grant opportunities to support your important work or go to the WORH website. | | The Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) compiled a 2025 Community Benefits Report to highlight how Wisconsin's Hospitals and health systems are community anchors, economic engines, and trusted partners on top of delivering high-quality health care. | | |
Looking for past issues of Rural Health Radar? Perhaps you saw something important, and need a reminder of the registration or application deadline? We've got your back. See past issues on our website near the newsletter sign-up section.
Your feedback on this newsletter and our overall communication efforts are always welcome, too.
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