The Sconi

Leaders of Aspirus Health recently held a meeting with three Wisconsin state legislators to discuss the expansion of medical services to rural areas. State Representatives Rob Summerfield and Karen Hurd, along with State Senator Jesse James, visited the Aspirus Stanley Hospital to learn about Aspirus Health’s operations and their plans for a new hospital and clinic in Chippewa Falls.

Aspirus has finalized the purchase of 22.1 acres of land in Chippewa Falls and intends to initiate construction soon. The project aims to address healthcare gaps in the region. The new hospital and clinic will be located on Chippewa Crossing Boulevard and will offer primary care, emergency services, inpatient care, as well as lab and imaging services.

The legislators also toured the Aspirus Stanley Hospital and Clinic to gain insight into the services provided by Aspirus, which operates in the northwest division, including Aspirus Medford Hospital and several community-based primary care clinics.

Jason Troxell, President of Aspirus WI Northwest Division, expressed gratitude for the visit, stating, “We are grateful for the time of our elected officials and appreciate the opportunity to highlight our existing operations and future plans for Chippewa Falls.”

The visit included a briefing on Aspirus Health’s Community Health Improvement program, focusing on community involvement and local healthcare, with an emphasis on mental health and access to care. Anne Sadowska, Chief Administrative Officer of Aspirus WI Northwest Division, remarked, “This was another great opportunity for us to highlight the impact of our programs and services. We look forward to continuing the discussion on these important topics with our elected officials.”

Discussions also covered important healthcare topics including Medicare reimbursement, Wisconsin’s Next of Kin legislation, and proposed reforms to prior authorization regulations.