NorthLakes Community Clinic has received $10,000 from the Eau Claire Community Foundation’s Community Health Grant to establish a Pediatric Therapies Lending Closet at its Oak Ridge clinic location. The program will provide families with free access to therapeutic equipment for home-based treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, one in 14 children ages 3-17 has had a disorder related to voice, speech or language, in the past 12 months. NorthLakes’ internal survey identified significant barriers to pediatric therapy services in Eau Claire County, with many providers not accepting new patients or Medicaid coverage.
“NorthLakes is deeply grateful for the support of the Eau Claire Community Foundation for our Pediatric Lending Closet,”
said NorthLakes Community Clinic CEO Ana Tochterman. “This lending closet removes financial barriers for pediatric patients and their families by providing access to equipment that can be cost-prohibitive to purchase.”
NorthLakes’ lending closets serve children from birth to age 18 who are receiving pediatric therapy services, including occupational, physical, and speech therapies. Families using our services in Eau Claire will be able to check out specialized equipment under provider guidance to continue treatment plans at home, addressing a significant barrier to care since most therapeutic equipment is not covered by insurance.
“The program operates much like a library, allowing families to check out items temporarily while working toward their child’s therapeutic goals,” said Sarah Stroshane, allied health services manager for NorthLakes.
The equipment will support children with sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorders, speech disorders, and developmental and learning challenges. Priority items include sensory tools like weighted blankets and compression vests, balance equipment, oral motor development tools, iPads with therapeutic apps, and specialized listening systems.
The Lending Closet is expected to launch by December 31, 2025, at the Oak Ridge clinic located at 2119 Heights Drive in Eau Claire. For more information about pediatric therapy services, call (715) 861-7901 or visit nlccwi.org.
Photo: Wesley Escondo, President and CEO of Eau Claire Community Foundation; Alyssa Wanner, Speech Language Pathologist; and Breana Johnson, Clinic Manager.
