By Ryma Lindquist, WWH
BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) is the proud recipient of the Wisconsin State Building Commission’s Non-State Grant in the amount of $570,000. This funding comes from the Department of Administration and is approved by Governor Tony Evers.
In total, $50 million was distributed to 50 statewide projects that will strengthen critical infrastructure in the field of health, workforce development, and public services. The funding specifically aided WWH in expanding their labor and delivery and medical surgical departments. This expansion has been instrumental in addressing the urgent need for maternal health services amid the closures of birth centers in rural communities.
On October 31, 2024, WWH had the privilege of hosting Governor Evers for a comprehensive tour of the expanded areas funded by the grant. The visit showcased WWH’s dedication to serving as a safety-net Hospital and meeting the growing needs of the community. Accompanied by key WWH leadership, including CEO, Eilidh Pederson; Community Relations Director, Ryma Lindquist; Development Manager, Rosa Magnus; and Board of Director members, John Buelow and Shane Bauer, Governor Evers observed firsthand how WWH provides quality patient-centered care to our community and the region.
The tour included stops at the Emergency Department led by Dr. Bill Beeman and moved to the Medical Surgical Unit featuring discussions from Hospitalists Dr. Faisal Anwar and Dr. Nilin Raj, and Alicia Meyers, RN. The tour focused on expanded services, and transitional care offerings. In the Labor and Delivery department, Dr. Hartung, OB/GYN; Liz Radford, Certified Nurse Midwife; and Sarah Tyler-Peterson, Certified Nurse Midwife, detailed the critical role of Certified Nurse-Midwives in rural care and discussed quality outcomes like WWH’s notably low c-section rate. The visit continued into Behavioral Health, where Selena Schmidt, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, highlighted WWH’s expanded access in response to the area Hospitals closing. Erin Benson, Chief Human Resources Officer, spoke on the facility’s efforts to serve as an employer of choice.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and recognition. Ensuring the needs of families in our region are met and maintaining quality care close to home, is of the utmost importance at WWH.,” said CEO Eilidh Pederson.
As hospitals in nearby cities have closed their birthing centers, WWH has emerged as a vital provider for families in St. Croix County, one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing regions. Looking forward, WWH anticipates delivering 400 births in 2024.
Western Wisconsin Health is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare and wellness as they continue to strive to redefine rural healthcare. For more information, visit wwhealth.org.
