Eau Claire, Wisconsin – In the wake of significant changes coming to health care in western Wisconsin, NorthLakes Community Clinic plans to expand its services in Eau Claire.
The shutdown of Prevea Health Center, combined with the upcoming closures of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) facilities – including St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart hospitals – will greatly impact health care staff and patient health outcomes within the local community.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), NorthLakes Community Clinic exists to fill care gaps and improve access for underserved populations. To meet immediate needs in Eau Claire, NorthLakes is adjusting its organizational plans to broaden service offerings in the region, focusing primarily on those who are covered by Medicaid.
Right now, NorthLakes is actively recruiting staff to add primary Medical including Prenatal services up to 36-weeks, outpatient Recovery – including individual and group therapy and Medication-Assisted Treatment, and an expansion of its Behavioral Health providers. They are set to close on a building located on Clairemont Avenue by March and anticipate opening with these new services in May, 2024. They will continue to offer Pediatric Dentistry, along with General Dentistry, at their Hastings Way Clinic.
NorthLakes has provided services both in Chippewa Falls and more recently Eau Claire, offering Pediatric Dental Services and Behavioral Health. In 2023, they served 1,340 patients in the Eau Claire area with a focus on Medicaid and under-insured. In total, 86% of Eau Claire Clinic patients were on Medicaid or qualified for the Sliding Fee Scale, which assists patients up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
While discussing the area’s current health care landscape, NorthLakes Community Clinic CEO Reba Rice said, “We’re excited to work with the community to do our small part to fill the needs. It’s going to take a lot of us doing whatever we can. There is a great deal of concern, fear and anger in the community right now, which makes sense. And, there are also many positive opportunities and resources right here.”Northlakes is actively recruiting providers and staff. As an FQHC, providers who choose to work at NorthLakes may be eligible for loan repayment from the National Health Service Corp. If you’re interested in viewing the career opportunities available at NorthLakes, visit: nlccwi.org/careers/current-openings/
