Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers spent time at NorthLakes Community Clinic in Eau Claire to learn more about their efforts to expand services and how it will positively impact the Chippewa Valley. The expansion is in response to Prevea Health Center facilities in western Wisconsin, combined with the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) facilities – including St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart hospitals – announcing they will be closing. This will greatly impact healthcare staff and patient health outcomes within the local community.
In response, NorthLakes Community Clinic has purchased a second location at 1002 West Clairemont Avenue. The $2 million investment will pave the way for NorthLakes to begin offering additional Behavioral Health Services, Medical, Recovery, and Patient Supports in May 2024.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), NorthLakes 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.
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 underinsured. 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.
Leadership at NorthLakes Community Clinic continues to actively listen to area stakeholders to best understand the role they can play in assisting Chippewa Valley residents. This includes actively recruiting staff to provide primary Medical, and outpatient Recovery – including individual and group therapy and Medication-Assisted Treatment, and an expansion of its Behavioral Health providers. They are also ramping up Patient Supports, which includes a Community Health Worker who can help patients address social drivers of health. They will continue to offer Pediatric Dentistry, along with General Dentistry, at their Hastings Way Clinic.
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/
