Gundersen Health System donates to Coulee Council on Addictions

Coulee Council on Addictions, Inc. (CCA) is another step closer to their fundraising goal toward a new recovery center, thanks to a $100,000 donation from Gundersen Health System.

In October of this year, CCA held an official ceremony to break ground at their new location, 921 Ferry Street in La Crosse. During that announcement, Board members and staff members talked openly about the challenge of raising $2.9 million dollars for the project, but more importantly they talked about the community need for addiction services. The campaign goal was later increased to $3.1 million to cover additional expense.

"We believe the new Coulee Recovery Center sends a positive message to the many individuals and their families struggling with addiction," says Scott Rathgaber, MD, CEO, Gundersen Health System. "By showing our support through a significant financial donation, we believe it simply illustrates that we care. We care about those going through addiction, we care about their families and we care about their future."

Construction on the building began in November and will replace CCA's facility at the corner of West Avenue and Jackson Street. “We really needed additional space,” adds Cheryl Hancock, executive director, Coulee Council on Addictions, Inc. “Early intervention programs, alcohol assessments, sober social activities and peer support groups were all in the space of about 6,000 square feet.”

Hancock says CCA has already raised more than $3 million for the campaign which includes an endowment to help offset the increased costs of operating a building almost twice the size of their current facility. She believes the Gundersen Health System donation will spur others in the community to donate and could help them meet their goal soon. "We are edging closer, we have more work to do, but I am excited about a day where we can say that we have met the community need."

The new Coulee Recovery Center is scheduled to be complete by early summer of 2018. To make a donation to CCA you can go directly to their website.

CCA is a non-profit agency which provides education, treatment and support for physical and mental addictions.