Local couple donates $25,000 to Mile Bluff’s Capital Campaign

Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation has received a $25,000 donation from local residents and business owners, Jeff and Melanie Gray, to support Mile Bluff’s Gateway Center and Emergency Department expansion project.

When Jeff and Melaine learned about this expansion project, they saw that the plans would support the growing healthcare needs of Juneau County residents and visitors. “When people have good access to healthcare, they are more likely to receive the care they need to live long, healthy lives,” said Melanie Gray. “With easy access, people are encouraged to receive regular check-ups and timely treatment, preventing minor health issues from escalating into more serious conditions. Having healthcare services available locally, helps our community be healthier and more productive.”

Mile Bluff has been transforming the former Mauston Shopko building as part of a two-phased expansion project. Now referred to as the ‘Gateway Center,’ the 26,000 square foot building will serve as the new location for Mile Bluff’s Mauston dialysis unit, urgent care clinic, and retail pharmacy. Once urgent care services are relocated, Mile Bluff will embark on the second phase of this $17.5 million building project by remodeling the current Emergency Department. These new spaces will improve efficiency, accessibility, privacy, safety and the overall experience for both patients and staff members.

To support this expansion initiative, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation is leading a capital fundraising campaign – For You. With You. – with the goal of raising $5 million. The campaign is an opportunity for individuals and businesses, like the Grays, to help strengthen local healthcare for the community.

“We wanted to donate to this campaign because we have received quality healthcare from Mile Bluff Medical Center our whole lives. Mile Bluff has been a resource for us over the years, but it has also provided services for our children, our parents, our grandparents, our great-grandparents, as well as many other family and friends,” said Melanie.

“We have experienced a range of significant life events at the facility, from joyous occasions like births to challenging times such as emergency visits and surgeries. Because of this, we wanted to give back and ensure that the community continues to receive ‘big hospital care’ despite being in a small town,” affirmed Melanie. “With our gift, we hope to secure quality healthcare for future generations in our community, ensuring that others can benefit from the same level of care we have received over the decades.”

The medical center and the foundation would like to thank Jeff and Melanie for choosing to support the Gateway Center and Emergency Department Expansion project. Their decision truly embodies the spirit of philanthropy and demonstrates their desire to promote the welfare of others and to improve the community overall.

Investing in rural healthcare is essential to keeping our communities strong for years to come. If you would like to join Jeff and Melanie in supporting this expansion project, Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation welcomes contributions of any size and offers the option to make a financial commitment over time. In addition, for those who wish to honor a loved one or to create a legacy, naming opportunities are available.

For more information about Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation and the For You. With You. campaign, please visit the project site or call 608-847-2735.