Augusta, Wisconsin – NorthLakes Community Clinic is excited to announce they will be opening their 20th location late this fall in Augusta, Wisconsin. This latest expansion is in response to HSHS and Prevea pulling out of the region leaving a gap in primary medical care in Augusta. Current plans include providing Medical and Behavioral Health Services in the current Prevea Clinic space.
“This announcement is in direct response to the Augusta community advocating effectively for itself,” explains Reba Rice, CEO of NorthLakes Community Clinic. “Our mission is about responding to unmet health care needs; and after witnessing the enthusiastic support of stakeholders in the area, we felt this was a gap we could fill.”
Leading the effort was Augusta’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). They brought together a number of stakeholders, including NorthLakes, to see how they could save their local clinic. After meeting with representatives from IDC and working with Unity Bank, administration at NorthLakes Community Clinic determined opening in Augusta before year-end was a possibility. Last week, the NorthLakes Board of Directors approved moving forward. Helping pave the way were generous contributions from both IDC and Unity Bank to make leasing space in the current Prevea Clinic affordable for the next 5 years.
Augusta Mayor Jason Tepaske is excited that area residents will still have access to primary care, including long-time provider Dr. Mark Gideonsen, later this year. “We are so thankful and grateful that NorthLakes Clinic will continue the tradition of outstanding healthcare in our town. Welcome to Augusta, NorthLakes Clinic! We are excited and proud to welcome you to our community.”
There will be a temporary gap in services following the closure of Prevea this summer. Currently, NorthLakes anticipates opening in late October pending some additional hires including additional Behavioral Health Therapists. In the interim, patients are welcome to establish care in Eau Claire to have their primary Medical and Behavioral Health care needs met and then transition to Augusta when the clinic opens.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), NorthLakes exists to fill care gaps and improve access for underserved populations. The organization provides care to individuals with or without insurance, and also offers a Sliding Fee Scale for patients who qualify. Get more information at nlccwi.org.
