Today, more than ever before, health care professionals more accept the idea that social needs impact health. But as a health care provider, how do hospitals address those needs? One way Aurora Medical Center – Grafton addresses social determinants of health is by providing support to community partners with strong programming.

Ozaukee Food Alliance (OFA) is a non-profit organization providing warm meals, groceries, school supplies and support to families in need across Ozaukee County. During their first month in 2012 they served 23 families. Now, OFA services over 400 families each month.

Aurora Medical Center – Grafton leadership services on the OFA board. The hospital also proudly supports OFA through financial donations to their annual backpack program, which provides new school supplies to children in the Port Washington-Saukville School District. In addition to the donation, hospital teammates donate time to sort and pack the backpacks for the students.

Outside of the annual back to school backpack program, the hospital’s community outreach nurse educator provides monthly education on food pantry evenings to OFA clients. Example educational topics include chronic disease, stroke prevention, heart health, cancer prevention, and healthy aging.

By providing financial and in-kind support as well as education, Aurora Medical Center – Grafton is doing everything we can to help Ozaukee Food Alliance achieve their mission.