The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation is honored to announce a generous $100,000 matching contribution from the Grainger Family to the Growing for You Campaign. At the initiation of Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Foundation’s Growing for You – Behavioral Health and Emergency Medicine Campaign, the SMH Foundation team worked to connect with passionate supporters of our rural, community hospital who share in our continued efforts to support excellent patient-centered care right here at home. Support of this campaign not only supports Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s investment in Behavioral Health, but the subsequent repurposing of space to better serve our patients in numerous departments throughout the hospital. Early on in campaign efforts, The Thomas and Elizabeth Grainger Family Charitable Fund committed to a $300,000 pledge, supporting the campaign and enhancement of behavioral health services available to the region. As we conclude our fundraising efforts, this challenge emphasizes the importance of this initiative and expresses a desire for others to recognize and support the meaningful impact it will have on rural Wyoming communities.
“This family has created a philanthropic legacy through their support of healthcare, and other initiatives, across the country,” shares Sheridan Memorial Hospital Chief Development Officer, Cody Sinclair. “From our first interactions, we immediately felt their passion to make a positive difference. Not only does this additional gift reinforce their support, but it is intended to help to inspire others to get involved and help to complete fundraising efforts for the Behavioral Health Unit.”
The Need for Behavioral Health in Wyoming
In rural communities like those in Sheridan and Johnson counties, wide-open spaces and long dirt roads can make help feel far away, but a new behavioral health outpatient clinic at Sheridan Memorial Hospital has spent its first year proving that care can be both close to home and deeply personal.
The current SMH behavioral health team is currently comprised of one psychiatrist, a licensed clinical social worker, medical administrative assistant and director. They have seen more than 400 patients and has served as a resource for inpatient teams caring for patients in other areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Department.
Support from over 800 contributors has allowed behavioral health care to become more readily available in our region and made it possible for our patients to receive excellent medical care – right here at home. It is because of this generosity, that our community will have better access to vital behavioral health care through all stages of their journey. The Behavioral Health facility at SMH will include four levels of care — an outpatient clinic, behavioral health urgent care, crisis stabilization and inpatient care.
Early Results Through Coordination and Collaboration
While data has shown the early successes of the program, the opening of a new Behavioral Health facility at SMH will further the efforts already underway.
Since opening in November 2024, the Behavioral Health Clinic at Sheridan Memorial Hospital has taken a systematic approach to breaking down barriers to mental health care. The clinic has helped clarify diagnoses, connect patients with community resources and reduce the number of involuntary holds related to mental health crises. These improvements are the result of specialized behavioral health expertise and strong partnerships with Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s primary care, emergency and hospitalist teams — alongside close collaboration with local mental health providers and law enforcement.
Early data suggests the team’s approach to caring for community members’ behavioral health needs is working. A review of the first year shows a 24 percent decrease in involuntary holds under Title 25 and a 46 percent decrease in the number of days behavioral health patients have been in the hospital at SMH. This data indicates individuals are receiving the right care at the right time to match their needs.
“Data and numbers are a pivotal part of my work every day,” Tom Grainger shares. “For these types of results, and quantitative data to exemplify success, it solidifies the need for these services, this unit and our investment in proactive mental and behavioral healthcare.” True to their word, the current $100,000 matching challenge is to help educate our community on the need and inspire others to give. “Collectively we can achieve more. By joining us in supporting these efforts at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we are not just saying we believe in this work, but showing up to make a difference.”
Unlocking the $100,000
Behavioral health challenges touch countless families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers in ways often unseen but deeply felt. When we come together, we create a stronger network of support that ensures people in need can access exceptional care close to home.
All funds raised toward the Growing for You Campaign will go toward the challenge match and support the hospital’s financial commitment to the project. This means any contributions to this campaign through pledges or end of year giving, no matter the size, are met dollar for dollar to ensure those struggling with mental health have “a place to go.”
We invite you to make a lasting difference, contribute to unlocking the generous $100,000 challenge made by the Grainger Family and help build the behavioral health resources our community deserves. Your gift today strengthens the safety net for those who might be silently struggling by offering hope, healing, and a path forward.
For more information on the Growing for You campaign, how you can support this vital expansion, or questions on how to maximize your gift this year, please visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation or calling The Foundation at 307.673.2418.