Essentia Health Supports Track Restoration In Fosston
Essentia Health is proud to partner with the First Care Medical Services Foundation, a local organization that supports hospital projects and community initiatives, to resurface the track at Thompson Field in Fosston.
As the local track and field coach and a physical therapist at Essentia Health-Fosston, Jacob Vossler is intimately aware of the need to get the track in better condition.
“It’s important to restore the facility so that it’s once again a viable option for all those who want to use it, whether that be the school, athletic teams or the community,” said Vossler.
The $10,000 grant from Essentia will pay for agrilime, or crushed limestone, to resurface the track and picnic tables.
“During the summer track program last year, there were over 120 children and their families who utilized the track to the best of its ability,” explained Vossler. “This program could grow with an updated and more inviting track.”
Every three years, Essentia hospitals complete a community health care needs assessment (CHNA). This process results in an extensive report that builds on the work of the previous assessment and identifies new priority community health needs.
In November 2021, Essentia Health-Fosston’s CHNA committee identified mental well-being and physical activity as its priority needs.
“The track here in Fosston is an asset to the entire community, because it provides a space for youth to be active,” said Katie Poppler, community health specialist at Essentia. “Our recent community health survey noted the need for more opportunities to encourage physical activity. We’re excited to be able to invest in the restoration of the track because it provides a central venue for people to get out and be active; this is an investment that brings the entire community together. At Essentia, we’re called to make a healthy difference in people’s lives, and this investment is a testament to the communities we’re privileged to serve.”
On Monday, June 26, volunteers from Essentia Health gathered to begin the process of spreading the agrilime.
The track and its new agrilime will be ready for their debut as part of the Fosston High School All-School Reunion’s 5K and 1K walk and run scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 7. Proceeds from this event will help fund additional restoration efforts.