Funding Priorities

The Strategic Priorities Fund is devoted to improving the ability to diagnose and treat disease by investing in advanced technology. Evaluated and developed on a three-year cycle, this fund helps Gritman address the greatest needs in the hospital and our community.

Gritman takes great care in developing out strategic projects to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community. Projects that we have been able to complete using these funds include but are not limited to:

• Join the Challenge for New Fetal Heart Monitors: Pullman Couple Donate $20,000, Challenge Community to Match Gift
• Janie Nirk Gift Helps Bring Advanced Echocardiogram Technology
• Life-Saving Gift Made Possible Through the Generosity of Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer

The Health and Wellness Fund exists to help individuals overcome financial and emotional barriers, allowing them to live healthier lives through various programs, including:

• Cardiac Rehabilitation Fund: Supporting a positive, safe and comfortable recovery experience for people who have experienced a cardiac event.
• Bosom Buddies: Program providing free mammograms to women in need in our community. 
• Light a Candle: Program helping to improve the quality of life and relieve some of the pressures for patients facing cancer.   
• Martin Wellness Center: Awards helping people take advantage of health and wellness classes at the Martin Wellness Center.
• Diabetes Awareness: Helping patients access our certified clinical diabetes prevention, nutrition and education programs.  

Scholarships serve to resolve the shortage of local physicians and medical staff as well as support local students who are pursuing health care degrees and education. Learn more and apply for a scholarship. 

• The Besst Family Scholarship was established by Kara Besst, Gritman President and CEO, and her husband, Tim, in appreciation of the Gritman’s Junior Volunteer Program. Each year a graduating high school senior participating in the Junior Volunteer Program who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, participates in extracurricular activities and demonstrates leadership skills is awarded a $500 scholarship to help pay for college.
• The L. Clay Boyd Scholarship was established in honor of Clay Boyd, former CEO of Gritman. The scholarship supports students pursuing health care education in any field at the junior level of college or above.
• The Janet Chisholm Martin Scholarships are available to high school seniors through college graduate students who are pursuing a career as a medical doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist or medical technician. This fund was established by Lois Michael in honor of her daughter, Janet Chisholm Martin, in recognition of over 38 years of nursing service at Gritman.
• The Midge Presol Scholarship is available to high school seniors through college graduate students who are pursuing a career as a medical doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist or medical technician. The fund was established in memory of Mary (Midge) Presol, who served as Gritman’s Director of Nursing from 1982-1999. Midge was an advocate of nursing education and known for encouraging her staff to always improve their skills.  To date, Gritman has awarded over 20 Midge Presol scholarships—all made possible through generous financial support of our donors.
• Sheryl M. (Washburn) and Buddy L. Carter Nursing Scholarship The Sheryl M. (Washburn) and Buddy L. Carter Nursing Scholarship was established by retired Chief Nursing Officer Sheryl Washburn. Sheryl is passionate about supporting nursing staff who seek advanced degrees and subsequently become nursing leaders in rural healthcare settings. The scholarship assists Gritman nursing staff members who are accepted into an advanced nursing degree program and who have an interest in continuing their career with the hospital. Read more about Sheryl.
• Gritman Medical Center and its generous donors proudly support the WWAMI Medical Education Program with a strong commitment to providing financial assistance to medical students with an interest in practicing medicine in rural and underserved areas. We are proud to offer the following Idaho Rural Medicine Scholarship opportunities:
  • WWAMI Idaho Rural Medicine Award
  • Dr. Roy H. Goetschel, Jr. Idaho Rural Medicine Award
  • Dr. James M. Lyle Idaho Rural Medicine Award
  • Dr. Francis Spain Idaho Rural Medicine Award
• Our Athletic Training program is a collaborative partnership between Gritman and the University of Idaho’s Doctor of Athletic Training program. This partnership brings cutting-edge athletic training services to young athletes in the region’s schools.