(BERLIN)—When making your shopping list this holiday season, consider giving The Gift Of Health to your neighbors and friends.

The Community Health Network (CHN) Foundation has launched its first Annual Appeal to raise monies for local children and adults with serious medical needs – and promote the health and wellbeing of people in the communities it serves.

“Everybody deserves the best healthcare possible—despite his or her financial resources,” said Jennifer Kurczek, of the CHN Foundation. “The philosophy of the CHN Foundation is to help where it is needed most by giving grants that assist individuals experiencing the financial challenges that often accompany medical situations.”

Aside from assisting individuals one-on-one through the Lucille Schultz Caring For Kids and Sandy Tincher Trust Funds, the CHN Foundation will provide grant monies to local non-profit community groups starting in early 2004. In addition, the Ann Marie Frost Arb Memorial Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to a Berlin High School student pursuing a career in nursing or veterinary medicine.

“The Gift of Health” Giving Circles

Bronze Member– Up to $249

At the Bronze level, your donation may be used to help fund prescription co-payment costs.

Silver Member – $250-999

By participating in the Silver level, your gift may be used to help fund lodging and transportation costs for families who must travel for specialized healthcare.

Gold Member – $1,000-2,499

Your donation at the Gold level may help pay for deductibles and co-insurance for families requiring intensive medical care, such as surgery, transplants or chemotherapy.

Platinum Member – $2,500 and over

As a Platinum donor, your generosity may help families obtain specialized medical equipment, such as a power wheelchair, that is medically necessary but not covered by health insurance.

Because it is a 501 (c) (3) charitable giving organization, contributions made to the CHN Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Anyone wishing to give The Gift of Health may forward a donation to the CHN Foundation; 225 Memorial Drive; Berlin, WI 54923.

How to Apply For Grant Funding

For an individual to qualify for grant funding through the CHN Foundation, an applicant must:

· Reside within the CHN Service Area; and

· Be diagnosed with a medical, dental or mental health problem that is life threatening; long term; or temporary and the family lacks the financial resources to provide necessary corrective treatment.

Grants are provided in-kind and need not be paid back, and the recipient of funding is not required to be a CHN patient.

Applications for CHN Foundation grants to individuals and families are available on the CHN website and www.communityhealthnetwork.org, most schools and county health departments, or by calling Jennifer Kurczek, CHN Community Relations Director, at (920)361-5481.

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CHN Foundation Mission

To support and develop programs and services to promote the health and well being of all people in our service communities.