The Simulation in Motion-Nebraska (SIM-NE) program at UNMC has won a $62,500 grant from Women Investing in Nebraska.
“Providing state-of-the-art training to our rural emergency medical service providers is certainly a rewarding investment for WIN members this year,” said WIN Chair Lisa Smith about the organization’s 2016 grants program.
SIM-NE uses mobile, high-tech simulation trucks to provide training opportunities on life-saving procedures for rural emergency medical providers and hospitals. Training is provided at no cost and is tailored to needs in each region of the state. Each simulation vehicle houses human patient simulators and supplies to recreate emergency settings as close to reality as possible.
Paul Paulman, M.D., UNMC assistant dean for clinical skills and quality, said rural emergency first responders are a key link in the health care system, and in areas of low population in Nebraska they may be the only medical providers for many miles.
“We are extremely grateful for the grant from Women Investing in Nebraska, as it will further help us take training directly to our rural first medical responders who need it most,” Dr. Paulman said. “Since the number of rural first responders in Nebraska is decreasing, it is essential that we support them as they continue to save lives and serve the citizens of our state.”
WIN is a collective giving group operating in partnership with the University of Nebraska Foundation and the UNF Charitable Gift Fund to support women philanthropists through education, engagement and empowerment. Each year, gifts from members are combined and awarded equally between two Nebraska programs that address critical community needs. One annual grant is awarded to a Nebraska nonprofit organization and another grant is awarded to a University of Nebraska program or organization. Since its creation in 2011, WIN has awarded $692,650 in grants.
Smith said more than 80 women donated this year to make the grant awards possible and that more women are finding value in collective giving. WIN members include women of all ages and backgrounds from across Nebraska and the country. To learn more about Women Investing in Nebraska, visit the website.