SSM Health - Baraboo

SSM Health - Baraboo St. Clare Hospital is a leader in rural health care in south central Wisconsin.

On June 9, we're coming together to help save lives!For patients in need, donated blood can change everything. Blood pro...
05/26/2026

On June 9, we're coming together to help save lives!

For patients in need, donated blood can change everything. Blood products are used to help people – our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers – as they treat cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. And they are only possible with the help of volunteer blood donors like you.

Our blood drive is coming up soon. To see available appointments & full details, click the link below:

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital
Ringling Rooms
707 14th Street, Baraboo
1:30 - 5:30 pm

Save your spot. https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/143298

This Memorial Day, we pause with grateful hearts to remember the sons and daughters who gave their lives in service to o...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause with grateful hearts to remember the sons and daughters who gave their lives in service to our nation. In honoring their sacrifice, we hold their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May we live out their legacy by caring for one another with compassion, dignity, and love.

It’s easy to focus on the downsides of kids being online—but that’s only part of the story. Today’s kids are growing up ...
05/24/2026

It’s easy to focus on the downsides of kids being online—but that’s only part of the story. Today’s kids are growing up with technology as a natural part of how they connect, learn, and create. Social media, games, and even AI can help shape their social and emotional skills—and spark creativity in amazing ways, like building apps or designing games. 💡🎮
Instead of staying on the sidelines, get curious. Ask what they’re doing online. Sit down and play a game together. Learn a new digital skill side by side. Those shared moments can open the door to stronger connections—and better conversations—both online and off. 💙

At SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo, volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming, compassionate exp...
05/23/2026

At SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo, volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming, compassionate experience for patients and families. This month, we’re proud to recognize Helen Faulkner as our May Volunteer Highlight.

Since beginning her volunteer journey in August 2025, Helen has quickly become a familiar and friendly face throughout the hospital. Whether she’s delivering smiles along with the Hospitality Cart, assisting with clerical tasks, or stepping in as a Care Corps substitute when needed, Helen’s dedication shines through in every interaction.

For Helen, volunteering is all about giving back. “I choose to volunteer at St. Clare to give back to the community,” she shares.

Her favorite moments come from the people she meets along the way. “The people here are lovely, and I truly enjoy meeting new people and feeling like I’ve helped,” Helen says when asked what she enjoys most about volunteering.

Helen’s kindness and willingness to help make a meaningful difference for patients and staff alike. From offering a warm greeting to providing practical support, she helps create an environment where everyone feels cared for.

Outside of the hospital, Helen enjoys spending her time reading and cooking - simple pleasures that mirror the warmth and comfort she brings to her volunteer role.

For those considering becoming a volunteer, Helen offers heartfelt encouragement: “Definitely join in. It’s meaningful and purposeful.”

For more information on volunteering at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo, contact Carrie Doro, volunteer coordinator, at 608-356-1430 or email her at Carrie.Doro@ssmhealth.com.

Questions or concerns about the parenting journey? Looking for connections with other young families? Parents and their ...
05/22/2026

Questions or concerns about the parenting journey? Looking for connections with other young families? Parents and their baby(s) are invited to take part in our bimonthly conversation about the joys and trials of life with a baby up to age 2 (older children also welcome to attend).

This peer support group is designed to be informal and informative, with opportunities to ask questions, share your experiences, and make some new friends. Breastfeeding assistance available, too.

Hosts: Abby Doherty, RN, IBCLC, and Taylor Boling, RN, IBCLC
(Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant), from our SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo Family Birth Suites team.

Meetings:
1st Monday of the month | 10:30 am - noon
3rd Monday of the month | 4 - 5:30 pm

(No charge to attend. No need to register. Snacks and a scale provided. No meeting on holidays.)

Location:
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo
Crane A Meeting Room (Lower Level)

The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) has named DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Bara...
05/21/2026

The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) has named DeAnn Thurmer, president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital, as a recipient of the 2026 Rural Health Ambassador Award.

The Rural Health Ambassador Award recognizes health care professionals who go above and beyond in promoting their organization while making significant contributions to rural health and strengthening connections within the communities they serve.

“I was so surprised to receive this award,” Thurmer shares. “Rural health care has been my passion from the start and only increased over the years. It has been my honor and blessing to represent and advocate for the rural hospitals and communities I have been fortunate to serve over my career.”

Thurmer was selected for her lifelong commitment to rural health care, servant leadership and her deep connection to the communities of Baraboo, Ripon, and Waupun.

“DeAnn exemplifies the mission and vision of SSM Health through her unwavering dedication to rural health care and the people we serve,” according to Dawit Tesfasilassie, SSM Health Wisconsin Region VP-Acute Care. “Her leadership reflects both heart and purpose, and her impact on patients, caregivers and communities is truly lasting.”

Beginning her career as a nurse at Waupun Memorial Hospital, she has advanced through progressive leadership roles over more than four decades, ultimately serving as president - while remaining grounded in the needs of patients, caregivers and rural communities.

A registered nurse and recipient of a DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, Thurmer is known for bringing a clinician’s perspective to executive leadership. She consistently prioritizes quality, safety, and compassionate care while navigating the unique challenges of rural health care delivery.

Her leadership is defined by a strong commitment to supporting and uplifting caregivers. She fosters a culture where team members feel valued, heard and empowered - recognizing that exceptional patient care begins with engaged and supported staff.

Since joining SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo, Thurmer has played a critical role in guiding the organization through strategic planning efforts that are strengthening services, supporting caregivers and reinforcing the hospital’s essential role in the community.

In addition to her leadership within SSM Health, Thurmer is an active presence in the communities she serves - regularly engaging in outreach, advocacy and public speaking, and representing her hospitals in regional and statewide rural health initiatives. She also participates in RWHC president roundtables and serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, helping shape the future of rural health care across Wisconsin.

“DeAnn’s recognition as a Rural Health Ambassador is a reflection of the profound impact she has had on the patients, caregivers and communities she serves,” says Mary LaHam, Vice President, Clinical Administrator at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo. “Her leadership is grounded in compassion, clinical expertise and an unwavering commitment to rural health. DeAnn has a unique ability to bring people together, strengthen teams and ensure that our communities continue to have access to high-quality, patient-centered care close to home. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

Incorporated in 1979, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative is nationally recognized as one of the country’s earliest and most successful models for collaboration among rural hospitals. RWHC serves as a catalyst for regional partnerships and supports its member hospitals with shared services, education and advocacy to strengthen rural health.

SSM Health’s Wisconsin hospitals are proud members of RWHC and share its mission of strengthening and sustaining rural health for the communities they serve.

In recognition of National Health Care Week and this year’s theme, “Celebrating Courage in Care,” SSM Health St. Clare H...
05/21/2026

In recognition of National Health Care Week and this year’s theme, “Celebrating Courage in Care,” SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo team members took part in a meaningful volunteer opportunity with one of our valued community partners, Beyond Blessed Food Pantry.

Beyond Blessed provides the food baskets used in the hospital's Baskets of Hope project and plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families in our community. Team members spent time packing dry good boxes used for food baskets and pantry distribution, as well as assisting with distributing food and essential items to pantry participants later in the day.

A special thank you to these team members who helped - Julia Randles, Celia Randles, Mary LaHam, Damara Merrell, Aimee Steinbrink, Melissa Leathers, Jacqueline Barczak, Connor Hagarty, and Jonathan Tipton.

After more than 40 years of dedicated service, DeAnn Thurmer is retiring on July 1 from her role as SSM Health St. Clare...
05/20/2026

After more than 40 years of dedicated service, DeAnn Thurmer is retiring on July 1 from her role as SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo/SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital/SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital president.

As the organization prepares to honor her extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions, SSM Health announces Mary LaHam, RN, MSN, as the new SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo administrator.

“DeAnn Thurmer’s leadership has had a profound impact on SSM Health St. Clare Hospital and the communities we serve,” according to Dawit Tesfasilassie, SSM Health Wisconsin Region VP-Acute Care. “Her commitment to compassionate, high-quality care and to supporting our caregivers has truly strengthened this ministry. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her all the best in retirement.”

LaHam brings more than three decades of experience with SSM Health and a deep commitment to the organization’s Mission and Values. She joined SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo from SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Madison, where she has served as vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer since 2020.

She began her career with SSM Health as a student nurse extern and has since held progressively responsible leadership roles, including nurse manager, director of surgery and procedure center, administrative director, and executive nursing leadership. Throughout her career, LaHam has been recognized for advancing professional nursing practice, fostering collaborative multidisciplinary teams, and championing exceptional patient care.

“Mary is a mission-driven, experienced leader who embodies the values of SSM Health,” says Tesfasilassie. “Her ability to lead with compassion, partner with caregivers across disciplines, and focus on quality and safety serves SSM Health St. Clare Hospital and the Baraboo community extremely well.”

LaHam appreciates the opportunity and her enthusiasm for being a part of the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo team.

“I feel honored to step into this role,” LaHam says. “I know the pride this community has in St. Clare and the exceptional care delivered by our teams every day. I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside our caregivers to support their incredible work for the patients and families we serve.”

She also reflects on her long tenure with SSM Health and the mission that has guided her career.

“I have been with SSM Health for 32 years, and I continue to be inspired by our Mission, Vision and Values,” LaHam shares. “I see our teams reveal the healing presence of God every day through the care they provide and the compassion they show to patients and families. It is truly a privilege to be part of this ministry.”

Mary LaHam officially assumes her new role following Thurmer’s retirement, ensuring leadership continuity and a continued focus on high-quality, patient-centered care at St. SSM Health Clare Hospital - Baraboo.

Thank you to all who help to help our community members during their greatest times of need!
05/19/2026

Thank you to all who help to help our community members during their greatest times of need!

Banning screens can feel like the easiest answer—but let’s be real, the digital world doesn’t stop at our front door. 📱🎮...
05/18/2026

Banning screens can feel like the easiest answer—but let’s be real, the digital world doesn’t stop at our front door. 📱🎮 Our kids encounter social media, games, and online content everywhere they go.
Instead of laying down hard bans, try opening the conversation. Sit down as a family and talk about what feels reasonable, what’s off-limits, and most importantly, why those boundaries exist. When kids understand the reasoning behind the rules, they’re more likely to respect them—and come to you when something doesn’t feel right.
Connection beats control every time. 💬❤️

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707 14th Street
Baraboo, WI
53913

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