Pictured (l to r): Melanie Kempf and Ann Slechta, 712 Women on a Mission Co-chairs, Deb Burnett, Director of Mental Health Services, Dr. Amy Canuso, Psychiatrist, Karol Dammann, Clinical Supervisor and Trish Roberts, Development Director
At the end of November, a local group made a generous donation to the St. Anthony Regional Hospital (SARH) Behavioral Health Unit. The 712 Women on a Mission charitable organization presented a check for $4,500 on Monday for use in supporting patient activities and needs, such as videos, books, playing cards, clothing, gas cards and more. The primary mission of the behavioral health unit is the provision of comprehensive acute psychiatric care to the community, according to SARH Psychiatrist, Dr. Amy Canuso. “We very much appreciate the generous donation made by the 712 Women on a Mission,” she says. “The funds will provide essential learning tools for patients to use while in the hospital. Patients can take these items home, so to continue practicing the new coping mechanisms and cognitive behavioral techniques that they learned while they were hospitalized.” Canuso adds that recreational resources are important as laughter is good for mental health and these help foster human interaction while working as a team. The 712 Women on a Mission was modeled after the 100+ Women Who Care initiative, but was broadened to go beyond the Carroll borders. “We welcome surrounding communities to get involved and nominate their favorite charity,” says co-chair, Ann Schlecta. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve 100 or more local women contributing $100 each quarter. Donations can still be made to the Behavioral Health Unit with details on how to do so included below. Contact information for joining can also be found there. This year, the charitable group has donated $20,100 to four 501(c)3 projects in the Carroll area, including those at the Family Resource Center, Community of Concern Food Pantry and the Carroll Area Child Care Center.
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To make a donation toward the SARH Behavioral Health Unit, checks can be made out to the St. Anthony Foundation. Put BHU in the memo portion and mail to:
712 Women on a Mission
P.O. Box 294
Carroll, IA 51401
For more information on becoming a member of the 712 Women on a Mission, call Ann Schlecta at 712-301-4308