The GRHS-FMCH Community Health Foundation has pledged to provide up to
$1.5 million to Promoting Outdoor Recreational Trails (P.O.R.T.) of Fort
Madison for the construction of a trail connecting to Rodeo Park in Fort
Madison. The route will be determined after a survey is completed.
This announcement comes on the first anniversary of the affiliation agreement
between Fort Madison Community Hospital (FMCH) and Great River Health
System (GRHS). The GRHS-FMCH Community Health Foundation was created as
part of the agreement to provide funding for projects or initiatives that
help improve the health of communities served by the health system. Its
board of directors consists of three members from each organization. The
new foundation doesn’t replace the FMCH Foundation.
“Great River Health’s vision is to empower people, transform
lives and fulfill dreams,” said Matt Wenzel, president and chief
executive officer (CEO). “To do this, we must provide exceptional
health care and invest in the communities our patients call home, giving
them the tools necessary to live healthy lives.”
Great River Health consists of several entities. Besides Great River
Medical Center and Fort Madison Community Hospital, it includes more than
25 clinics, three outpatient pharmacies, two medical equipment and supplies
stores, and Universal Therapy Group, which joined the health system April
1. Having a shared vision will enable the health system to provide coordinated,
comprehensive care.
“Our goal is to make southeast Iowa a better place to live for employees,
residents and future residents. By collaborating with community partners
like P.O.R.T., we can make it happen,” said Jeremy Alexander, FMCH
CEO, and Great River Health Chief Financial Officer.
Construction of the connecting trail to Rodeo Park is expected to begin
in September 2020.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation,” said
Rachel Benda, chair, P.O.R.T committee. “It has been our goal to
connect our current P.O.R.T. trails to Rodeo Park. We never dreamed it
would happen so soon.”
P.O.R.T. of Fort Madison is a subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation
Board of the City of Fort Madison. Its mission is to promote active living
and improve recreational trails in Fort Madison and the surrounding area.