Fremont Health Foundation: Garden Party Gives Behavioral Health Services a Boost

More than 300 guests attended the event at Midland University’s Wikert Event Center to support the foundation and honor Tom and Sheryl Thomsen and the Rupert Dunklau Foundation, the 2019 recipients of the Spirit of the Fremont Health Foundation Award.

The funds raised at this year’s event will support Behavioral Health services at Methodist Fremont Health.

“We have grown significantly since opening our inpatient behavioral health unit in late 2015, and we are continually looking for ways to enhance services for those we care for,” said Dr. John Franzen, medical director of Behavioral Health services at Methodist Fremont Health. “We are working on ways to offer more support for patients we care for by increasing access to services and reducing barriers to treatment for those who need it.”

Funds will be used to support professional development for providers, recruitment efforts, and advanced mental health and chemical dependency certifications for inpatient and outpatient services.

“We are so grateful for all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers who helped us raise nearly $100,000,” said Jennifer Benson, Fremont Health Foundation board president. “One in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness, so there’s a good chance every one of us knows someone suffering from some sort of mental health disorder. There’s no shame in seeking help, and I’m so proud to be a part of an organization and community that see the importance of what we’re doing and support Methodist Fremont Health’s mission.”