GHC-SCW is excited to announce a new two-episode series partnership with Pogie the Yogie, a locally produced children’s show that combines movement, mindfulness and meaningful life lessons in a fun and engaging format for kids and families. This collaboration will consist of a two-episode series highlighting the shared values of wellness, health care and community connection.

What is Pogie the Yogie?

Created by Madison-based parents Corrina and Patrick Cunningham, Pogie the Yogie is a kids’ show that blends yoga-inspired movement, mindfulness practices and real-world adventures to help children build healthy bodies and curious minds.

Each episode begins with Pogie setting off on an exciting local adventure in Madison. Whether visiting a community organization like the Madison Fire Department or exploring a local small business, Pogie meets real people doing real work and learns about their roles and values. These interactions are playful and educational, helping kids understand how different community members contribute in meaningful ways.

Each 10-minute episode ends with Pogie returning his knowledge to the yoga mat. Using storytelling and movement, he guides children through a yoga sequence inspired by the day’s adventure. If the episode featured a visit to a farm, the yoga practice might include animal poses. This integration of real-world learning and mindful movement keeps kids engaged and helps them reflect on what they’ve seen and learned that day in an empowering way.

Many describe Pogie the Yogie as “Madison’s own Blippi—with a mindful twist” or a modern-day Mr. Rogers infused with yoga and community spirit. It’s thoughtful and adventurous, making it just as enjoyable for parents as it is for children. 

The GHC-SCW Partnership

GHC-SCW is partnering with Pogie the Yogie for two custom episodes that encourage kids and families to embrace wellness as a fun part of everyday life. These episodes highlight key themes that align closely with GHC-SCW’s mission, including:

• Mindful movement as a lifelong habit for physical and emotional well-being
• Breathing and self-regulation tools that help children manage their emotions and develop resilience
• Community exploration to foster curiosity, empathy and a sense of belonging
• Healthy living habits delivered through engaging, family-friendly storytelling

In the first episode, titled Well Check with Dr. Vash, Pogie visits a GHC-SCW clinic to learn about what happens during a wellness visit. Greeted by GHC staff Kate and Dr. Vash, Pogie gets his height and weight checked, learns about measuring temperature and blood pressure and even gets his eyes and ears examined. Dr. Vash takes time to explain each step, ensuring Pogie understands how doctors care for the whole body, including emotional well-being. This episode helps children feel empowered by normalizing questions, showing them they can ask for help and making the idea of a doctor’s visit less intimidating.

The second episode, Labs with Jana and Kristen, takes Pogie through another part of the clinic experience: lab tests and X-rays. With guidance from the GHC-SCW team, Pogie explores what happens when you need a urine or blood test and learns how an X-ray works. Children learn that their bodies tell important stories, and tests like these help doctors understand how to keep them healthy and strong. The episode teaches bravery through breathing exercises, encourages empowerment through small choices (such as picking a comfort item) and highlights the friendly, helpful roles of lab technicians and radiologists.

Together, these episodes bring health care into the world of children in a way that feels warm, welcoming and fun.

Why GHC-SCW & Pogie the Yogie Are a Great Match

GHC-SCW and Pogie the Yogie are deeply rooted in Madison and passionate about serving local families. GHC-SCW has always supported community wellness through education, prevention and access to care. Partnering with this children’s program, which promotes mindfulness and movement, is a natural fit with GHC-SCW’s mission.

Pogie the Yogie teaches children to love themselves, their neighbors and their communities, just like GHC-SCW aims to support the health and well-being of everyone it serves. Both organizations hope to inspire the next generation of happy, healthy citizens by bringing health and mindfulness into a child’s everyday life.

What’s Next?

Subscribe to Pogie the Yogie on YouTube to get free, family-friendly episodes that blend movement, mindfulness and fun:

youtube.com/@pogietheyogie

After subscribing, click the bell icon to turn on notifications, so you can be notified when a new episode is released. Stay tuned for the release of the two GHC-SCW-sponsored episodes, Well Check with Dr. Vash and Labs with Jana and Kristen, coming soon to PogieTheYogie.com and social media. Whether your child is a seasoned yogi or trying downward dog for the first time, these episodes are a joyful way to build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

As athletes, runners know that proper nutrition is just as essential as training in achieving peak performance. Whether you’re preparing for a marathon, a 5k or just hitting the trails, how you fuel your body can impact your energy, endurance and recovery. At GHC-SCW, we recognize that nutrition is not only essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle but also plays a crucial role in achieving optimal performance on race day. From pre-race meals to hydration and snacks, here’s what you need to know to fuel your runs effectively.

Pre-Race Meals: Setting Yourself Up for Success

What you eat before a race can make a significant difference in your performance. The goal of a pre-race meal is to top off glycogen stores, which are the primary energy source for endurance activities like running. However, you want to avoid foods that could cause discomfort, bloating or fatigue.

Timing is key:
Try to eat your pre-race meal about 2-3 hours before your race starts. This allows your body time to digest and absorb nutrients. For longer races, consider eating a slightly larger meal, while shorter races might benefit from a smaller portion.

What to eat:
Focus on carbohydrate-rich foods that are easy to digest, moderate in protein and low in fat and fiber. Carbohydrates provide the quick energy your muscles need during the run, while protein helps to stabilize blood sugar and repair muscle. Here are some examples:

• Oatmeal with a banana – A simple and easy-to-digest meal that provides complex carbs.
• Bagel with peanut butter or almond butter – The bagel gives you quick-digesting carbs, while the nut butter provides a small amount of healthy fats and protein.
• Rice with lean chicken – For a savory option, this delivers complex carbs and lean protein.
• Smoothie with yogurt, berries and spinach – A lighter option packed with carbs, protein and micronutrients to boost energy.

Hydration: The Foundation of Performance

Staying hydrated is crucial for any runner, but it’s especially important on race day when you will be exerting yourself for long periods. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, cramps and reduced performance. Here are some hydration guidelines to follow:

Pre-race hydration:
Start hydrating in the days before your race with 8-10 cups of water daily. On race morning, drink 8-16 ounces 1-2 hours before the start. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of liquid immediately before the race, as this can lead to discomfort.

During the race:
For races longer than an hour, electrolyte replacement becomes important. Water is great for hydration, but you’ll also need to replace electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium to prevent cramping and maintain fluid balance. Many races provide sports drinks, but if you’re running solo, consider carrying an electrolyte-enhanced drink or electrolyte tablets.

Post-race:
After the race, continue hydrating with water or an electrolyte drink to replenish lost fluids. If your race was particularly long or intense, a recovery drink containing carbohydrates and protein can help support muscle repair and replenish glycogen stores.

Snacks: Quick and Effective Fueling

Snacking during training and on race day is an effective way to keep your energy levels stable. Depending on the length of your run, you may need to refuel mid-run or after the race.

Pre-training snacks:
If you’re heading out for a run and haven’t had time for a full meal, a small, easily digestible snack 30-60 minutes before can give you the energy boost you need. Some great pre-run snacks include:

• Banana with peanut butter – A good balance of quick carbs and healthy fats.
• Energy bar – Choose one with a balance of carbs, protein and fiber for sustained energy.
• Half a granola bar or a slice of bread with honey – Low in fiber and easy to digest.

Mid-run snacks:
If you’re running for longer than 60-90 minutes, portable, easy-to-carry options are best. Try:

• Gels or chews – Fast-digesting carbohydrate sources designed for endurance athletes.
• Sports drinks – In addition to hydration, they provide quick energy and electrolytes.
• Small pieces of fruit – If you’re running a race with aid stations, opt for fruits like oranges or bananas.

Post-run snacks:
Refueling after a run is crucial for muscle recovery. Ideally, consume a snack within 30 minutes of completing your run to support muscle repair and replenish glycogen stores. Good options include:

• Chocolate milk – A balance of protein, carbs and electrolytes.
• Greek yogurt with fruit – Packed with protein and carbohydrates to support recovery.
• Trail mix – Nuts, dried fruits and seeds provides healthy fats, carbs and protein.

At GHC-SCW, we are not only committed to helping runners achieve their best performance, but we also provide comprehensive services to meet athletes’ diverse needs. From personalized nutrition education to sports medicine, physical therapy and occupational therapy, we are here to support your journey every step of the way. Our experienced professionals work with you to design nutrition plans tailored to your specific athletic goals, ensuring that you get the most out of your training, performance and recovery.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply looking to improve your run, proper nutrition, hydration and fueling are the keys to success. Let us help you unlock your potential and achieve your personal best.

For more information or personalized nutrition coaching, visit ghcscw.com.

On May 5 and May 12, groups of Behavioral Health and Primary Care providers from GHC-SCW gathered at Max Creek Outdoors in Oregon, Wisconsin, for a unique firearm safety training session facilitated by shop owner Steve D’Orazio and UW Health Family Medicine Physician James Bigham. These hands-on training sessions provided a crucial opportunity for healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of firearm ownership, use and storage and build trust with patients, strengthen their role in suicide prevention efforts and develop clinical skills for discussing firearm injury prevention.

The first half of the session consisted of a show-and-tell demonstration covering firearm basics, safety and securing options, the purchasing process and more. This gave the providers a great opportunity to share their relationship with firearms and ask questions in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

For many providers, this was their first time interacting with firearms in a controlled and educational setting. This experience allowed them to engage thoughtfully in a topic that often carries weight, especially in the context of mental health. Understanding the practical aspects of firearm ownership, including safety features and storage solutions, help clinicians have more informed and respectful conversations with patients who own guns.

“Lock them up” was a consistent theme during the morning as the main topic was how we can protect our communities and, most importantly, our children. GHC-SCW Behavioral Health providers offer free gun locks to patients who need them.

The training also emphasized how clinicians can play a key role in firearm injury prevention. By learning how to approach the topic of firearm safety in nonjudgmental ways, providers are better equipped to screen for risk factors like access to unsecured firearms in households where someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit the range and participate in a supervised shooting experience with guidance from the shop’s owner.

This optional range component offered participants a chance to experience firearm use firsthand, building comfort and confidence in discussing firearm-related topics with patients. This experiential learning helped demystify the subject for many, making future patient conversations more empathetic and practical.

Max Creek is involved in a program where someone in a behavioral health crisis can drop off their firearms or the firearms of a loved one at the store free of charge with no questions asked, for as long as they need. Max Creek will store them in locked safes until the owner is cleared with a background check and can return to retrieve their firearm.

This secure storage option is a powerful tool for suicide prevention, offering families and individuals in crisis a non-stigmatizing way to reduce immediate risk. Programs like this can serve as a model for how communities, clinicians and gun shop owners can collaborate for public safety and mental health.

Why This Matters

This training reflects a growing recognition that firearm safety is a public health issue, and that effective prevention starts with understanding. By participating in these sessions, providers increase their clinical knowledge and strengthen their connection to the communities they serve. This kind of cultural competency is essential for effective, compassionate care in rural and urban areas.

As these training sessions continue, one clear message echoes: “Lock them up.” Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, suicides and unauthorized access, especially by children or individuals in crisis. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to share this message with patients and families in a supportive, respectful way and rooted in care.

The more we normalize conversations about secure storage, the more lives we can protect. Through education, collaboration and continued outreach, we can ensure that this critical message reaches every home in every community.

 

With sadness, we share that Steve D’Orazio passed away on May 14, 2025. We are grateful for his contributions to GHC-SCW and the broader community. His commitment to firearm safety education, including training medical professionals, made a lasting impact and will be remembered.

This year marks a special milestone for Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) — 20 years of partnership and community connection through the Madison Public Schools Foundation’s Adopt-A-School program.

In 2005, GHC-SCW became the first organization to embrace the mission of supporting Madison’s public schools through the program. Founder and former GHC-SCW Chief Executive Officer Larry Zanoni participated in a Principal for a Day at Crestwood Elementary School. Zanoni’s experience inspired him to look for an opportunity for GHC-SCW to be a resource for schools with health and service needs.

Collaborative planning efforts with Leopold Elementary staff and the Madison Public Schools Foundation led to GHC-SCW establishing an Adopt-a-School partnership with Leopold. This marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to enhance education, enrich student experiences and help create brighter futures – one classroom at a time, as GHC-SCW expanded to forming additional Adopt-a-School partnerships.

Now, 20 years later, GHC-SCW is being honored at this year’s Adopt-A-School celebration, recognized for their longevity in the program and the meaningful relationships they’ve nurtured with five local schools. These schools include:

• Anana Elementary School
• Badger Rock Middle School
• Leopold Elementary School
• Lori Mann Carey Elementary School
• Sandburg Elementary School
• Thoreau Elementary School

A few ways that GHC-SCW staff have been involved in Adopt-A-School over the past 20 years include:

• Provided a medical home and access to free services to uninsured Leopold children.
• Participated in crock pot cooking classes with students and families.
• Donated medical supplies for nurse’s offices.
• Assembled winter break boxes, which consisted of food, games, household items, warm clothing and toys for the students.
• Provided language line access (ways for students and families to communicate with others when they don’t speak the same language) and provided Spanish interpreters or member liaisons for families.
• Donated healthy snacks and fitness devices for physical activities.

In 2010, the Adopt-A-School program expanded to include the Primary Access for Kids program. GHC-SCW worked with the Dane County Health Council to expand the program model to ensure that all children in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) had access to quality health care. They began partnering with additional local healthcare partners and providers for all 50 MMSD schools, giving access to preventative and primary care for all uninsured children at no cost.

In 2017, GHC-SCW employees started an initiative to ease the burden on local families during the holidays. Employees bought gifts from the families’ wish lists and delivered them directly to the Adopt-a-School partner schools in time for school social workers to distribute to families before the holidays. This program continues today, bringing joy and relief to families in need during the holiday season and strengthening the cooperative spirit within the GHC-SCW community.

As we look back on 20 years with the Adopt-A-School program, this partnership has become something truly special. What started as a simple idea — to support local schools — has turned into two decades of connection, care, and community. Along the way, we’ve built lasting relationships with students, families and educators who continue to inspire us.

We’re incredibly proud of the work that’s been done — but more than anything, we’re excited about what’s still to come. Because when we support our schools, we’re supporting the future of our community. And after 20 years, we’re just getting started.

 

As part of our recognition and celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to announce a special partnership with the Madison Children’s Museum to offer free Sensory-Friendly Nights open to the public, a series of events aimed at providing a welcoming and supportive environment for children with autism and their families.

A Shared Mission of Acceptance

With April being Autism Acceptance Month, these two local organizations are coming together to promote understanding, inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. While these differences can pose challenges, they also offer perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.

What to Expect at Sensory-Friendly Nights

Sensory –Friendly Nights, designed specifically for individuals who experience sensory differences, will feature a range of calming and engaging activities in a fun environment. These events are part of the continued efforts by both organizations to foster inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of neurodiverse individuals within the Madison community. The first Sensory-Friendly Night kicks off on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at the Madison Children’s Museum

Here’s what families can look forward to:

• Special programming and sensory-friendly activities tailored to accommodate various needs
• Quiet spaces for families to relax and recharge
• Take away items for kids to use and learn from at home enhancing their sensory development
• A fun environment for all attendees, with engaging activities that promote inclusivity and joy for children of all abilities

2025 Free Sensory-Friendly Night Schedule:

• Friday, April 25, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 25, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 24, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Pre-registration for the event is recommended but not required. Register here. 

Supporting Families Beyond the Museum

GHC-SCW’s involvement in this partnership is rooted in its ongoing commitment to supporting families of children with autism — not just during Autism Acceptance Month, but all year long.

Through the GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program, families can access services that provide education, tools and personalized support. The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program provides neuroaffirming and inclusive evidence-based services to children diagnosed with ASD aged 4-16 years and their parents/caregivers. Services are offered in a 1 to1 or group setting. The program provides opportunities for children and their parents/caregivers to learn about social skills and emotion regulation. Children work with a therapist to learn a new skill each week. Parents learn how to support their children’s development, coaching them to practice and generalize their skills.

To learn more about GHC-SCW’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Program and how it supports families in our community, visit: ghcscw.com/autism

What is Neurodiversity? 

Neurodiversity describes the variety of ways in which human brains can function and process information. It includes neurological and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and more[1]. Neurodiversity promotes the idea that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a natural form of human diversity.

Neurodivergent people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. Neurodivergence can present challenges, bringing strengths and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.

 

Celebrating Neurodiversity

The neurodiversity movement advocates for the accepting and including neurodivergent people in all areas of society. It challenges the idea that neurodivergent traits are negative or need to be cured or fixed. Instead, it emphasizes the value of diverse ways of thinking and the importance of creating environments that accommodate different needs. GHC-SCW’s beliefs and values [3] align easily with the neurodiversity movement. We believe that embracing and valuing our differences will make everyone stronger.

 

The Group Health Cooperative Autism Spectrum Disorder Program

The Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) offers a specialized Autism Spectrum Disorder Program to support Autistic children and their families. This program is for children aged 4 to 16 who need support in social interactions and emotional regulation. Further, this program continuously expands, so look for additional services soon.

 

Program Overview

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Program at GHC-SCW is built on evidence-based techniques and focuses on providing support to Autistic children. This approach ensures that children can learn and practice new skills in a familiar and supportive environment.

Key Features of the Program:

• Weekly Appointments: The program includes appointments for several months, allowing for consistent support and progress tracking.
• Skill Development: Each session focuses on teaching children new strategies and providing opportunities for practice with the guidance of trained staff.
• Parental Involvement: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the program. They receive guidance on supporting their child’s development and are involved in coaching their children as they practice new strategies. 
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Treatment Program embraces neurodiversity. Input from neurodivergent staff and community members helps ensure the program represents neurodivergent individuals. The program strives to support individuals through their challenges, make accommodations for their needs and build on their strengths.

 

Getting Started

To join the Autism Spectrum Treatment Program, families must meet certain requirements:

• The child must have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• The child must be able to communicate in complete sentences (augmentative and alternative communication included).

• For in-home services, the family must reside in Dane County

• An active GHC-SCW or Quartz HMO insurance plan is required.

 

Parents/caregivers interested in enrolling their child in the program should speak with their child’s primary care provider to get a referral and make sure they meet the requirements to participate.

 

[1]: Understood [2]: Group Health Cooperative Autism Program [3]: About Us – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin

We are thrilled to announce that in April 2025, GHC-SCW will be opening a brand-new, larger Behavioral Health clinic on Olin Avenue in Madison. This new location will replace our current Capitol Regent Behavioral Health Clinic and is set to open on April 8, 2025. During the transition, our dedicated behavioral health providers will continue to offer services remotely, with some in-person appointments available at other clinics.

A New Space for Growth and Care

The new Olin Clinic promises to be an impressive and more accommodating space for our patients and staff. This building will feature 24 individual offices, two group therapy rooms, a multi-person office for program assistants and an occupational therapy gym. We’re incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of our new Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology services for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program this summer, which will further enhance our service offerings.

As for our staff, all team members from the Capitol Regent Clinic, including Outpatient, Behavioral Health Therapy, Psychiatry, Behavioral Health Triage & Crisis team and SPARC (the Strategies to Promote Attention and Resilience Clinic) will be making the move to the Olin Clinic. Over time, we plan to expand the team as the entire department grows and demand increases.

Why the Move?

The Capitol Regent Clinic has been the heart of our downtown behavioral health services for years. Still, as the department expanded, it became clear that a larger space was necessary to serve our growing patient base better. In the search for the ideal location, we prioritized several key factors:

• Accessibility: We carefully selected a convenient location in Madison for our patients, ensuring easy access for all.
• Adaptability: The Olin Avenue building offered a “blank space” that could be transformed to meet our specific needs, allowing us to design a clinic that aligns with our vision for quality care.
• Affordability: Our goal was to maintain a similar annual expense as our previous location, ensuring we could provide exceptional services without a significant increase in operational costs.
• Safety and Security: The safety of our patients and employees is always a priority. The new location features ample and accessible parking.

Honoring the Memory of LuAnne Rosa, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

The opening of our new clinic brings an opportunity to honor the memory of a respected and beloved past GHC-SCW employee. LuAnne Rosa, Psychiatric Nurse Practioner, retired from GHC in 2019 and unexpectedly died in October of 2022. Her colleagues remember her as a warm, compassionate, skilled provider who was an empathetic listener and an advocate for the most vulnerable among us. She will always be missed as a colleague and as a friend.

In her memory, GHC-SCW has dedicated one of the Olin Clinic group rooms to LuAnne. Her legacy will continue in this new space, and we are honored to keep her spirit alive in our work.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Behavioral Health

Expanding into the new Olin Clinic is a significant milestone for GHC-SCW and the Madison community. With increased capacity and improved amenities, we’re excited to be even better equipped to meet our area’s growing demand for mental health and ASD services.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our patients, families and staff, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all those in need. The new Olin Clinic will be a place of healing, growth and community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through its doors.

Every year, on the second Wednesday of March, we celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day to recognize the vital role that Dietitian Nutritionists play in promoting health, wellness and nutrition. These experts take the science of nutrition and make it accessible, offering practical guidance on food and nutrition choices. They work in almost every field, including health care, education, fitness and the food industry, to improve the physical well-being of the public. From providing personalized advice to advocating for healthier food systems, RDNs are essential in helping people make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. Today and every day, we honor the incredible work of GHC-SCW nutrition experts who guide us toward healthier living.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are licensed health professionals who have completed extensive education and training in nutrition science, with a background that includes completing a graduate degree in nutrition or a related field, followed by a supervised internship (often referred to as a dietetic internship) and passing a national board exam to become licensed or credentialed. RDNs are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to offer evidence-based guidance on food and nutrition. Whether working in hospitals, private practices, schools or community settings, RDNs empower individuals and communities to make informed food choices for better health outcomes.

RDN Day is an essential reminder of nutrition’s impact on overall health and well-being. It’s a time to shine a spotlight on the expertise and dedication of RDNs who work tirelessly to help individuals improve their health, manage chronic conditions and prevent disease. Beyond individual care, RDNs also play a critical role in public health, advocating for nutrition policies that support healthier communities.

As we celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the invaluable role that our RDNs play in promoting healthier lives. Whether helping you manage a health condition, offering meal planning advice or advocating for better nutrition policies, RDNs are our allies in the journey toward better health. Let’s continue to support and celebrate their work, not just on this special day, but every day!

Talk with your primary care provider about meeting with a GHC-SCW Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

At Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), we are dedicated to providing inclusive health care services that meet the diverse needs of our members. We understand that accessibility is a fundamental aspect of patient care, and we are committed to offering a range of language services and technological tools that ensure all individuals, regardless of language or communication barriers, receive the care they need. From translation services to visually impaired accessibility services to website accessibility, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our members.

Language Services and Document Translation: At GHC-SCW, we work to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to provide meaningful accessibility to all services for members with limited English proficiency (LEP).

The use of qualified interpreters is required when communicating with members who have limited English proficiency. GHC-SCW provides on-site certified Medical and health care interpreters for Spanish, Hmong and Laotian-speaking members. Additionally, document translation services are available in all languages upon request.

As well as our staff interpreters, we contract with freelance interpreters to ensure our members have an in-person interpreter as often as possible. GHC-SCW contracts with five agencies to provide 24-hour telephone, in-person and video remote interpretation services in all languages our members and patients speak, including American Sign Language. These agencies include Language Line Solutions, also known as Pacific Interpreters, Alta Language Services, Propio, Professional Interpreting Enterprise (PIE) and Purple.

 

Video Visit Interpreters: GHC-SCW offers video visits with interpreters for more than 300 languages through GHCMyChart^SM. Based on the patient’s preferred language, the interpreter can be requested on-demand or scheduled in advance for languages of lesser diffusion.

 

Hearing or Speech Impaired Accessibility Services: GHC-SCW members who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech difficulty may call our GHC-SCW clinics using WI Relay, by dialing 711 or calling (800) 947-3529 or (608) 828-4815. This relay service allows English and Spanish communications through text telephone/teletypewriter (TTY). The relay operator reads aloud the message a patient typed to the other party and types the other party’s spoken message and background sounds, if any, back to the patient.

GHC-SCW members may also call our GHC-SCW clinics using the P3 Mobile app by Purple Communications, which is a video relay service (VRS) app that allows members to communicate with hearing people through a video interpreter using American Sign Language on their smartphone or other devices. We also offer American Sign Language interpreter services for in-person appointments when requested.

iPads are available at each GHC-SCW clinic for video remote and audio interpreting via our Pacific Interpreters/Language Line Solutions, Alta and Purple partners.

 

Visually Impaired Accessibility Services: GHC-SCW understands that patients who have a visual impairment should have written information read to them. Our medical record software allows for permanent comments regarding preferences for auxiliary aids, and members can request their documents and correspondence in large font through our Member Services and Language Services Departments.

 

GHC-SCW Website Accessibility Tools: Recently, GHC-SCW redesigned our

member-facing website to provide a more user-friendly experience. This redesign prioritized ease of navigation, improved content organization and expanded accessibility for members. As part of these efforts, we launched a new online provider search tool, which offers significant enhancements to usability and functionality. The updated tool allows members to filter providers more effectively, ensuring they can quickly find the proper care based on the member’s specific needs.

To better serve our members with accessibility needs, the website features an integrated auto-translation tool, offering translated content in 12 languages. This tool ensures that those members can access information in their preferred language. Our website also allows any existing Spanish and Hmong-translated documents to be automatically linked. When members change the website to Spanish or Hmong, it will automatically display a PDF document if it’s already been translated. The website also allows visually impaired users to seamlessly adjust font size, enabling them to consume content better and easily navigate the site.

It is a priority for GHC-SCW to ensure our website meets the 508 accessibility standards, and these digital improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to improving member interactions with our digital properties, offering tools and resources that are modern, efficient and inclusive.

 

Meds on Cue Tool: This pharmacy services tool uses QR code technology to offer patient-friendly, prescription-specific medication education on demand in English and Spanish. The information won’t provide just written medication information but educational videos explaining usage, benefits and potential side effects. The program ensures members and patients understand how to take their medications safely and limit avoidable reactions, but it also helps GHC-SCW take steps to go green.

 

For more information, visit our website at Language Assistance – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin

 

 

As a clinical pharmacist, every day is centered around ensuring patients receive the best possible care through safe and effective medication management. Unlike traditional pharmacists, who may spend their day filling prescriptions, clinical pharmacists are deeply involved in patient care teams, working closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to optimize treatment plans. Clinical Pharmacists spend more time meeting with patients and discussing their medication, building connections to better understand their patients and working very closely with Primary Care Providers.  Each day is filled with opportunities to make a real difference in patients’ lives.

In this blog, we’ll take you through a typical day as a clinical pharmacist, offering a glimpse into the critical work behind the scenes in a clinic and pharmacy.

At GHC-SCW, Clinical Pharmacists and Retail Pharmacists rotate between roles. Retail Pharmacists are the people you’d typically see behind the pharmacy counter, filling prescriptions and having quick discussions with patients about their prescriptions. Clinical Pharmacists, on the other hand, meet directly with patients in a clinic setting.

Each day begins with a team huddle to discuss who is on staff that day, go through any changes, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Then the day begins.

No day is the same for Clinical Pharmacists. Still, the work is consistently filled with responding to messages, reaching out to patients with new medications, scheduling appointments and meeting with patients face to face.

The heart of a clinical pharmacist’s role lies in these interactions—listening to patients and ensuring that the prescribed treatments are effective and safe. Appointments throughout the day consist of teaching patients how to use blood pressure monitors, Diabetes Focus Visits, appropriate monitoring and dosage of statin medications and educating patients about their medications.

Diabetes Focus Visits

These one-hour appointments are for patients with type 2 diabetes. This is where the clinical pharmacist ensures they get the preventative care they need, including regular exams, making any necessary lifestyle changes, educating patients on injectable medications, and teaching them how to use their glucose monitors. These visits are crucial to these patients and give them the one-on-one time they need to ask questions and get acquainted with their treatment plans.

 

GHC-SCW has been staffing Clinical Pharmacists for 10 years and was the first healthcare organization in the area to move Pharmacists to a clinical setting. The benefits have been significant, improving patient care with more time to educate patients on health care treatments such as hypertension and diabetes management. Having in-clinic pharmacists has also freed up access to Primary Care Providers, giving them more time to see patients for other healthcare appointments.

GHC-SCW has one Clinical Pharmacist staffed at each clinic location, Monday – Friday, 8:30-5:00, with one Pharmacy Tech supporting the Pharmacists.

Visit the Pharmacy page on our website for more information about our clinics, Pharmacists and to schedule an appointment.