The season of giving invites us to reflect on the importance of community and gratitude. At Door County Medical Center (DCMC), this spirit is a year-round endeavor. For over 80 years, DCMC has gone beyond delivering exceptional healthcare, working hand-in-hand with the people, organizations, and initiatives that make Door County stronger.

"Everything we do at DCMC is rooted in the community," said Brian Stephens, CEO of DCMC. "We are grateful for the partnerships and support that enable us to extend our reach and deepen our impact. It's through these connections that we can truly make a difference."

This year, DCMC elevated health and wellness both inside its clinics and across the community.

• Award Winning Patient Care: Newsweek and Statista have named DCMC one of America's Best-in-State Hospitals for 2024. DCMC stands out as the only Critical Access and rural hospital in Wisconsin's top 20, recognized among 700 leading hospitals nationwide. DCMC also holds a prestigious 5-star rating in Patient Experience from Medicare, placing it in the top 15% of hospitals nationally.

• Community Support: DCMC collaborates with local organizations to address the health needs of the community, living up to its mission to improve the health and well-being of all people, especially those with limited income. In 2024, over 150 organizations and initiatives received direct financial resources from DCMC– including silent sporting events, arts and music events, afterschool programs, and youth sports. DCMC also supports school nursing programs in local public schools, as well as occupational and physical therapy and sports medicine, and partners with local employers through occupational health services and the Personal Health Team Program.

• Workforce Development: This spring, our SPARC Program (Start the Path to a Rewarding Career) proudly celebrated its first nursing degree graduates, Martin Jauregui and Angela Perlewitz. SPARC is an on-the-job healthcare training initiative designed to assist aspiring healthcare professionals. Through a partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, SPARC blends academic coursework with clinical training at DCMC, providing financial assistance and facilitating the clinical hours needed for licensure and certification. By removing financial barriers and offering real-world training in a supportive environment, SPARC helps build the healthcare workforce of the future.

Innovation and Expanded Access

DCMC continues to enhance its services to bring world-class healthcare closer to home. That starts with prioritizing the technology and professionals needed to drive award winning care. "Our community's health isn't just about today—it's about building resilience and capacity for the future," said Stephens. "Investing in new technology, expanding access to care, and supporting healthcare education are key to sustaining that vision."

• Door County Medical Center continues to lead in rural healthcare through investments in cutting-edge technology like the Canon Aquilion Serve SP CT scanner and the Sysmex Analyzer CS-2500. The Canon CT scanner enhances patient safety and comfort by reducing radiation exposure while delivering high-quality, detailed imaging for faster, more accurate diagnoses.The Sysmex Analyzer streamlines laboratory services with unparalleled speed and precision, ensuring timely results for critical decisions.

• Door Orthopedic Center: We introduced new team members Dr. Brett Young and Amanda Kassner, PA-C, enhancing DCMC's capabilities in joint, bone, and muscle care.

• DCMC's Algoma Clinic staffing expanded with the inclusion of Cynthia LaLuzerne, APNP, broadening clinic services in northern Kewaunee County, and creating access to same day appointments.

• Family Medicine Services expanded with the addition of two providers: Taylor Kubicek, DNP, FNP-C; and Jeffrey Maurer, PA-C.

Bridging the Mental Health Gap

With a local provider-to-population ratio of 710:1—far below the state and national averages—Door County faces a critical shortage of mental health services. Recognizing the critical need for behavioral health services, DCMC has made significant progress. As of today, Door County Medical Center Foundation Behavioral Health Campaign has raised $4.2 million to expand behavioral health services.

"Mental health is an area where our community has shown incredible resolve and determination," Stephens said. "Our ability to care for the community is made possible by the community. From businesses to nonprofits to individual supporters, every partnership helps us amplify our efforts and meet the needs of Door County."

• Increased Capacity: Hired two new behavioral health therapists for a total of seven full-time therapists. DCMC will welcome psychiatrist Dr. Candace Cohen in early 2025.

• School-Based Counseling: DCMC has doubled weekly mental health support in local schools through the STRIDE program, funded by United Way. STRIDE provides on-site, one-on-one mental health counseling during school hours in all five Door County schools. Each school is matched with a community mental health provider, ensuring students have access to quality care without barriers.

• In partnership with Door County Health & Human Services we launched CredibleMind this year, a free, evidence-based online platform designed to promote mental well-being. Developed by UC Berkeley professor Dr. Deryk Van Brunt, CredibleMind offers expert-reviewed articles, videos, podcasts, and tools covering over 200 topics, from stress management to self-care. The platform's interactive assessments and personalized resources empower individuals to take control of their mental health, whether they seek prevention, intervention, or everyday support. The service is confidential and available 24/7 at no cost.

As 2024 comes to a close, DCMC remains deeply thankful for the trust and partnership of the Door County community. "This isn't something we do alone," Stephens said. "Every achievement, every milestone—it all happens because of the incredible support and collaboration we share with this community."

DCMC invites everyone to join in building a healthier, stronger Door County. To learn more about programs, services, or community support opportunities, visit www.dcmedical.org. Together, let's make an even greater impact in the year ahead.