Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital- Milwaukee Campus, 2023 Community Benefits

Making Healthy Foods and Health Care More Accessible

Ascension Wisconsin parish nurse, Julia Means, tests the blood pressure of a patient at the Ascension Ebenezer Resource Center and Food Pantry in Milwaukee.
The Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center and Food Pantry has been a fixture in the Milwaukee community for many years providing access to needed health care services, health education, health screenings and healthy food for vulnerable and at-risk individuals.
 
Through Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee Campus, the Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center provides access to highly experienced registered nurses, nurse practitioners and community health workers dedicated to caring for high-risk senior citizens, moms-to-be and diabetic patients. Additional services include:
 
  • Health screenings focused on diabetes prevention
  • Management of high blood pressure and referral to primary care
  • Cooking demonstrations and diet knowledge
  • Alzheimer’s and cancer support groups
  • Navigation to other community resources and Ascension wellness programs
In addition to a unique infant needs pantry where moms can get formula and diapers, the Ascension Ebenezer Food Pantry, provides access to the city’s only diabetic-friendly food pantry where people are able to choose low-sodium foods, low-carbohydrate foods, fresh fruits and vegetables.
 
While many food pantries closed in the city during the pandemic, the Ascension Ebenezer Food Pantry expanded its hours of operation serving more than 6,000 individuals in 2020. Today, the pantry serves 500 individuals a month, 55% of whom have a family member with high blood pressure and 31% have a family member with diabetes.
 
Community members who visit the Ascension Ebenezer Health Resource Center and Food Pantry can expect care that treats the whole person—body, mind and spirit, with a focus on listening with compassion and offering hope along with prevention and wellness programs.