Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has given a $9,680 gift to support the purchase of reclinable draw chairs for SSM Health Laboratories in Fond du Lac, enhancing patient safety and comfort during outpatient blood draws.

The funding will provide four extra-wide reclinable draw chairs for the phlebotomy area, allowing staff to safely recline patients who feel lightheaded or faint during venipuncture. The new chairs will help reduce the risk of patient injury and improve the overall patient experience for patients served annually by the laboratory.

“Patient safety and dignity are at the heart of everything we support,” according to Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director. “These reclinable draw chairs give caregivers the ability to respond quickly and safely when patients feel faint, reducing the risk of injury while creating a more comfortable and reassuring experience for patients and their families.”

With limited room for patients to fully recline, the outpatient lab benefits from equipment that offers greater flexibility. The new reclinable chairs help patients remain comfortable and secure during their visit, while supporting smoother workflows and continued focus on patient care.

“This investment is a great example of how philanthropy directly supports frontline caregivers,” Gravelle adds. “By providing practical equipment that meets a real clinical need, team members can help make care safer, more efficient, and more compassionate.”

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation is grateful to its donors for making this improvement possible and for their continued commitment to advancing high-quality care across SSM Health ministries.

Rachel Koerner, SSM Health Laboratories phlebotomy supervisor, demonstrates new reclinable draw chairs with Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director. The new chairs will enhance patient safety and comfort during outpatient blood draws.

Date posted: July 6, 2026