Norton Regional Health Foundation

Norton Regional Health Foundation

OUR PASSION: Sustaining health care and allowing our communities to have access to healthier options!

The Norton Regional Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on the importance of rural health and health care. The Foundation's mission is "to support the enhancement of quality health care for the residents of Norton County and surrounding counties by securing gifts and contributions for the support of the mission of Norton County Hospital.” The Foundation believes in the value of health care and healthy communities and just as it aims to support projects of the hospital and Norton Medical Clinic, it also aims to help make the healthy choice the easy choice among rural communities in the region, with the realization that “Health is wealth for our economy and our quality of life.”

The Foundation, started in 2016, is working to educate and motivate regional citizens of northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska to build an understanding of the relationships among health, health care and their environment, and have them serve as effective advocates for healthy living. Specifically, the Foundation looks to meet the health care needs of regional communities and support expansion/renovation/updating projects of the Norton County Hospital and Norton Medical Clinic, which will enable more opportunities for quality health care locally and economic stability/potential growth. The Foundation also works with the Live Well Norton wellness coalition, a local volunteer-driven coalition with a focus on sustainable community wellness projects.

Hospital project examples: Foundation-funded projects for the hospital have included a new fetal heart monitor, surgical power tools, emergency preparedness supplies and a BiPAP/CPAP machine. The Foundation also funds $6,000 or more in scholarships each year to nursing students and assists with physician recruitment activities.

Healthy living project examples: Just as it raises money for hospital equipment, the Foundation, along with Live Well Norton, have raised money to improve physical activity through a new trail along Norton’s Armory Drive and funds Norton Kids’ Café, a free summer meal program to provide nutrition for children. Local citizens can also take part in a fun health day each spring, where they can try out different forms of exercise and take part in various health screenings (blood pressure, hearing, vision, glucose, etc.) through the Lions' Club mobile unit and be eligible for prizes! Each fall, a candy take-back program allows people to donate leftover Halloween candy to Treats for Troops!

The Foundation purchased a new BiPAP/CPAP machine for Norton County Hospital in the summer of 2019.

Live Well Norton and the Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting in August 2018 for a new trail along Armory Drive, to make physical activity safer and more accessible, especially in close proximity to the elementary school.

Norton Kids' Cafe is a free summer meal program for anyone age 18 and younger. It takes place from June to August at the Norton First United Methodist Church. Kids' Cafe is committed to "fueling kids' summer energy!"