STAPLES - Lakewood Health System's Choose Health program, along with Mary Theurer, Lakewood Board member, were honored by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) at its 31st annual awards ceremony on April 24.
Receiving the Community Benefit award, the Choose Health program was started on April 28, 2014, thanks to funding from Hunger-Free Minnesota, and in partnership with Todd County Human Services, Region 5 Development Commission, SPROUT, the University of Minnesota - Extension, Central Lakes College, Prairie Bay, EnSearch Inc. and the city of Staples. The pilot program provided a community-supported agriculture (CSA) share that included locally grown produce every other week during the growing season, an opportunity to participate in food demos, cooking classes and other education, as well as recipes to participants. Families were referred into the program based on a need identified by their Lakewood provider.
Throughout the six month study, participants completed pre- and post-program surveys, as well as pre, mid and post health evaluations, which enabled the collection of necessary data for program facilitators. Things like patient's body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, height and weight were taken before, during and after the study, to help study the benefits of the program.
Receiving the Trustee of the Year award was Mary Theurer, chairwoman of Lakewood's District Board and secretary of the system board. Theurer represents the board on numerous committees and councils, and is a certified trustee. Her direction and leadership have helped sustain Lakewood as a strong regional health care leader to ensure it can continue to serve and respond to the needs of its patients and community.
"Each day, all across the state, hospitals are working to strengthen the health of our communities," said MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa in a news release. "The women and men of these innovative, high-performing hospitals have set the bar high for patient care and for meeting the needs of their communities. Thanks to their innovation, diligence and commitment, Minnesota hospitals continue to be among the best in the nation."
