SSM Health Monroe

04/23/2026

Think perimenopause is just hot flashes? 🤔

There’s actually a lot more your body may be trying to tell you—from sleep changes and brain fog to mood shifts you might not expect.

If something feels “off,” it could be part of a very real and very common transition—and understanding it can make all the difference. SSM Health nurse practitioner and Menopause Society certified menopause practitioner Sarah Block breaks down the "weird" symptoms women in perimenopause experience on our blog:

Weird smells? Thinning hair? Tingling skin? Get to know the less common symptoms you may be experiencing.

04/23/2026

At SSM Health, we’re proud to join hospitals and health systems across Wisconsin in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve.

One example of that commitment: our post-birth alert bands. In 2025 our Wisconsin hospitals distributed 3,614 bands to help increase awareness and serve as a critical alert mechanism for identifying and responding to postpartum complications.

Learn more about how Wisconsin hospitals are delivering for their communities in the newly released WHA 2026 Q1 Quality Snapshot: https://www.wha.org/data-publications/reports/quality/2026

04/22/2026

We know that health care needs to fit your busy schedule.

SSM Health Express Virtual Care is now available for Wisconsin and Illinois residents, ages 2+.

Learn more about care options by visiting https://www.ssmhealth.com/access/need-care-now .

04/22/2026

The environment is a gift from God for us to enjoy and tend to.

To help make a difference this Earth Day, SSM Health Monroe team members cleaned up a stretch of road in Green County.

Together, they collected 13 bags of garbage - with items ranging from a driver's license to a cell phone and lots of bottles - that will now be disposed of properly.

Thank you for your hard work!

04/21/2026

*Volunteer Spotlight*

Laurie Schwarzenberger has called Monroe home for the past 19 years with her husband, Joe. She loves the community and feels called to give back whenever and wherever she can.

Q: How long have you volunteered, and why did you start?
A: I started volunteering at SSM Health Monroe Hospice Home when it first opened. My father was in a residential hospice home in Minneapolis before he passed away. I had never experienced such a warm, caring, and peaceful setting for end-of-life medical care. I knew that when I retired, I would pursue being involved in some type of hospice setting in order to give back and honor those who cared for him.

Q: What hospice services or programs do you participate in?
A: I was first involved as a “direct care” volunteer, visiting with families and residents, serving meals, and so forth. Now I am part of the Flower Team. We arrange floral vases for residents each week, and take responsibility for watering indoor and outdoor plants, pots, and baskets. I also decorate for holidays and seasonal changes. I also sew clothing protectors, create memory pillows and help with many other projects as needed.

Q: What do you enjoy about volunteering?
A: I love meeting residents, family members, staff, and other volunteers. The environment in and around the hospice home is peaceful, and hope that I make a difference in some small way.

Q: How has volunteering changed your life?
A: I believe that I have deepened my spiritual side. I feel blessed that God has used my small talents and gifts in some way to help others.

Q: What do you wish others knew about hospice?
A: I wish that people would learn more about hospice earlier on in their loved ones’ end-of-life journey. The beauty and peacefulness of the surroundings, as well as the loving and dedicated staff, is unparalleled and can be so comforting.

Q: What do you wish others knew about volunteering?
A: Volunteering can happen in so many ways. You should reach out to see how you can get involved.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t volunteering?
A: I enjoy sewing, crafting, flower gardening, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, and traveling. I also love spending time with my family in Minneapolis and Milwaukee.

Thank you for all you do, Laurie.

Happy Volunteer Week!

04/20/2026

SSM Health Monroe Hospital recently welcomed 8th grade students for another exciting Club Scrub activity!

Students were able to step inside the operating room for hands-on experiences they won’t soon forget — like using the Da Vinci robot, exploring laparoscopic surgery, donning sterile PPE, working with a cautery instrument, and even learning the basics of suturing.

Our teams are proud to support learning, curiosity, and career exploration in our community.

04/20/2026

SSM Health Monroe Hospital, SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group, and SSM Health Monroe Hospice are privileged to receive support from a team of dedicated volunteers.

National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) offers the perfect opportunity to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to express heartfelt gratitude to these exceptional community members who lend their talents and time in support of our Mission.

We will be celebrating our volunteers throughout the week with a variety of activities. Our teams appreciate all you do!

04/19/2026

On Friday, April 17, Lena, Illinois was impacted by a strong tornado that left widespread damage.

SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group in Lena sustained relatively minor damage. Thanks to our team and contractors for their prompt response, we are ready to serve the community, beginning tomorrow.

As cleanup continues, we’ve seen the strength, kindness, and resilience that make the community so special! Our prayers are with everyone impacted.

We will resume normal operations, Monday, April 20th from 7:30 AM- 5:00 PM.

04/19/2026

Earth Day is April 22—but caring for our planet doesn’t have to be limited to just one day. You can make EVERY day Earth Day by weaving simple, meaningful actions into your family’s daily routines.
🚮 Spot litter? Pick it up and toss it away.
♻️ Set up a bin or bag at home just for recyclables.
🤝 As a family, choose a place to donate outgrown clothes, toys, or unused items—like a church, shelter, or even your school.
These small habits help improve the world around us and show kids how everyday choices can make a big difference. Together, we can build cleaner, kinder, healthier communities—one day at a time. 🌱✨

04/18/2026

Hopefully the saying “April showers bring May flowers” holds true after this week’s soggy weather! 🌧️

A big thank‑you to a Monroe community member for sharing this beautiful photo captured after a storm passed through recently.

04/17/2026

SSM Health leadership is committed to staying connected by spending time alongside our frontline teams.

Recently, President Chelsea Hardacre shadowed the Sterile Processing department and gained a deeper appreciation for the critical work they do every day to keep our patients safe.

From early‑morning equipment checks to real‑time processing during emergent cases — every instrument, every step, and every detail matters. The dedication, knowledge, and attention to detail shown by this team are truly impressive.

Thanks for all you do, Sterile Processing team!

04/17/2026

There is still a little bit of time to register! Call 608-328-9499 today and take a step towards better health.