SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital has awarded a $10,000 community health gift to the Green Lake County Health Department to support programs that improve access to care, advance health education, and address priority public health needs throughout Green Lake County.
The Green Lake County Health Department serves more than 19,000 residents, and works with community partners to promote health, prevent disease, and create healthier communities through programs addressing communicable diseases, maternal and child health, environmental health, injury prevention, health disparities, and emergency preparedness.
Funding from SSM Health will support several community-focused initiatives, including a countywide health event, youth mental health awareness programs in local schools, substance use prevention efforts through Green Lake County United for Prevention, and the printing and distribution of the Green Lake County Healthy Living Guide.
The countywide health event will bring health care resources and community services together in one location, and is expected to include free sports physicals, vision screenings, haircuts, community meals, and other supportive services for families. The event is designed to connect underserved residents with health information, resources, and care.
A portion of the funding will also support youth-led mental health initiatives in local school districts, helping students increase awareness of mental health and suicide prevention resources while encouraging peer-to-peer support and connection to available services.
Additional funding will help strengthen the work of Green Lake County United for Prevention, a community coalition focused on addressing substance misuse through education, outreach, and stigma reduction efforts.
The gift will also assist with printing the Green Lake County Healthy Living Guide, a resource that connects residents with information about food assistance, transportation, employment services, substance use treatment and recovery resources, recreational opportunities, and other community supports. Printed guides will be distributed through libraries, senior centers, community events, and the health department.
“Strong communities are built through partnerships that address health needs before they become health crises,” according to Nicole Gill, vice president, clinical and operations administrator, SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital & Ripon Community Hospital. “We are proud to support Green Lake County Health Department’s efforts to increase access to services, strengthen mental health resources, address substance misuse and connect residents with the tools they need to live healthier lives.”
“We are grateful for SSM Health’s continued partnership and investment in the health of Green Lake County residents,” says Rachel Prellwitz, Green Lake County Health Department health officer. “These funds will help us expand programs that address some of our community’s most pressing health priorities while creating opportunities for residents to access resources, education and support.”
SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital presented a $10,000 community health gift to leaders of the Green Lake County Health Department during their substance use prevention coalition meeting, to support community health programming, youth mental health initiatives, substance use prevention efforts and the Healthy Living Guide. From Left to Right (Sarah Marie Vertegen Principal Princeton Schools, Keith Kiupelis Princeton Schools SRO/Princeton Police Department, Lauren Olson, Deputy Health Officer with the Green Lake County health Department, Lisa Schiessl Unit Manager with GLCDHHS Children and Family Services, Lisa Rollin Public Health Nurse Green Lake County Health Department, Sam Daun Secondary School Counselor for Green Lake School District, Rachel Prellwitz Deputy Health Officer Green Lake County Health department, Megan B Youth Advocacy and Prevention with Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services.
Date posted: October 19, 2026