GRAND ISLAND — This morning, CHI Health St. Francis Foundation awarded $101,900 to 12 local fire and rescue departments and Project Xcite2. The majority of the grant funding was made possible by the Foundation’s annual premier fundraiser–Ticket to Win.
The following first responders received grants totaling $48,900 for the purchase of emergency lifesaving equipment and/or training expenses.
• Alda Volunteer Fire Department (Vehicle Extraction Project) $6,000
• Aurora Volunteer Fire Department (Personal Protective Turnout Gear) $2,500
• Cairo Volunteer Fire Department (Upgrade PPE) $4,000
• Chapman Fire & Rescue (Stryker Power Load) $5,000
• Dannebrog / Boelus Rescue Squad (Atlas Simulator) $5,000
• GI Fire Department (Lucas Device) $6,000
• GI Rural Fire Department (Wildland Comm. Equipment) $4,500
• Giltner Rural Fire Department (K-12 Rescue Saw) $2,650
• Hampton Fire & Rescue (Replacement Helmets & Lights) $2,000
• Palmer Volunteer Fire Department (Radio & Compressor Improv.) $3,500
• St. Libory EMS (AED Sustainment Program) $4,000
• Wood River Fire & Rescue (Stop the Bleed and Burn Kits) $3,750
The hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit received a $53,000 grant for Project Xcite2. The new electrical muscle stimulation technology promotes recovery of the nervous system and improved health and independence for stroke, brain and spinal cord injury patients, including those with Parkinsons and multiple sclerosis.
Since 2017, the CHI Health St. Francis Foundation has awarded over $296,900 in total to local fire and rescue departments for emergency lifesaving equipment and training expenses. Emergency first responders in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and Greeley counties are eligible to apply for Ticket to Win grant funding.
“Our community is very fortunate to have dedicated first responders whose actions save lives. Making sure these emergency response workers have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs and serve our communities is one of the ways we give back,” says Foundation Director Melissa Griffith.
To learn more about the Ticket to Win fundraiser and grant opportunities offered to local fire and rescue departments, contact the Foundation at (308) 398-5400.
Brad Bell, Foundation Chairman and Melissa Griffith, CHI Health Foundation Director, present Hampton Fire and Rescue representative Dane Schafer a check for $2,000 for replacement helmets and lights, (CHI St. Francis, Courtesy)
