For the City Times

MARSHFIELD – Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan have announced recipients of the COVID-19 Community Support Fund, which include multiple local organizations.

The fund was made available to “help communities address a sharp increase in a wide range of needs arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.”

COVID-19 has created disruptions in employment, education, food, housing, and more. Funds were awarded to 45 communities in 17 counties to reduce the burden of these disruptions. In partnership with the awarded organizations, this funding ensures individuals and families have food and can make rent, that schools can teach, and that extra measures are taken to keep everyone safe.

“The COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for our communities and the organizations working to improve health within them,” said Jay Shrader, the Health System’s vice president of Community Health and Wellness. “There is virtually no part of life that has not been touched by this. These funds were made available to help organizations quickly respond to new needs and a new way of operating.”

Local recipients are: American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Marshfield; Columbus Catholic Schools, Marshfield; CREATE Portage County, Stevens Point; Feeding Our Communities with United Services (FOCUS), Wisconsin Rapids; Marshfield Area United Way, Marshfield; Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA, Marshfield; Marshfield Community Hopeline, Marshfield; Nekoosa Public Schools, Nekoosa; North Central Community Action Program, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids; Owen Withee School District, Owen; Pittsville Police Department, Pittsville; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield, Marshfield; School District of Marshfield, Marshfield; Soup or Socks Inc., Marshfield; St. Vincent de Paul Outreach, Marshfield; Stevens Point Area YMCA, Stevens Point; Three Bridges Recovery Wisconsin Inc., Wisconsin Rapids; and Wood County Health Department, Wisconsin Rapids.