Aspirus | Aspire | Spring 2018

ASPIRUS has partnered with North Central Health Care to offer a different approach to recovery for those facing the challenges of addiction. Initially funded by Aspirus Wausau Hospital, “Rise Up” in Marathon County offers expression through art to help bridge the connection between people and the community. The goal is to reduce the stigma around those in recovery. Adeeperconnection Patients in recovery collaborate with local artists in workshops that allow them to learn more about painting and connect with other people in recovery. Eventually, they will use their new skills to create two large wall murals—one that will be displayed in Aspirus Wausau Hospital and one at another location in Wausau. Murals in other communities have transformed building facades and revitalized neighborhoods. “The program allows patients to connect on a nonverbal level,” said Tara Draeger, Aspirus manager of community health programs. “Some people are great at communicating verbally while others are not. This program combats addiction through a different outlet.” The collaborative murals are planned to be completed sometime in the summer of 2018. PROJECT SEARCH is a business-led collaboration that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through job training and career exploration. Participants rotate through three 10-week internships at their host business and also receive classroom training to help them with interviewing, job etiquette and other employability skills. Aspirus Riverview Hospital has partnered with Project SEARCH since 2014 to affect the lives of young adults in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Now, Aspirus is expanding its involvement in Project SEARCH to provide opportunities for young adults in the Wausau area at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. At Aspirus, Project SEARCH students have the opportunity to work in medical office positions, maintenance, food service and several other positions. Tara Draeger Justice Vetrone, a 2017–2018 Project SEARCH intern, works on the Medical/Surgical Unit at Aspirus Riverview Hospital inWisconsin Rapids. “Project SEARCH is an incredible program that provides young people with disabilities the opportunity to discover skills and interests they may not realize they have,” said Todd Burch, Aspirus Riverview CEO. “We see our interns grow as they progress through their assignments. They join us as students and leave as capable, dependable, employable citizens; but as much as they gain from their time with us, we gain much more.” Students and their teams meet monthly for progress reports and to refine their career goals and determine the next steps to achieving their goals. Managers from the host business work with teachers and job coaches to support the interns every step of the way. An intern’s ultimate goal upon graduation from the Project SEARCH program is employment at either the host business or another business in the community. Gainingimportant life, careerskills Project SEARCH at Aspirus Programto helppeople ‘RiseUp’ Todd Burch Recognition for efforts in Taylor County Aspirus is also helping young adults with disabilities in Taylor County, Wisconsin. Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics was presented with a Business Recognition Award recently by theWisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, the Medford School District’s SOAR (Students Open to Achieving Reality) Programand Wisconsin Employment First. The award was in recognition of Aspirus’ continued support of employees with disabilities and efforts to promote amore diverse, inclusive workforce. aspirus.org 11