Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH Community Relations Director
BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) is honored to announce that it has been recognized with the Momentum West (MW) 2024 Top Development Project Award for its obstetrical expansion project. This prestigious recognition underscores WWH’s unwavering commitment to preserving and expanding rural obstetrical care for the communities it serves.
At a time when many rural hospitals are closing their birthing units, WWH successfully expanded its facilities by adding three new obstetrics (OB) rooms, allowing the health system to safely deliver a record-breaking 385 babies in 2024. This significant achievement reflects WWH’s dedication to ensuring high-quality maternity care remains accessible to families in Western Wisconsin.
“Our expansion project was driven by a deep commitment to our patients and their families,” said Eilidh Pederson, WWH Chief Executive Officer. “We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from Momentum West, and we share this achievement with our exceptional healthcare team, community partners, donors, and grant funders who made it possible.”
The $7.8 million project was supported by generous contributions from community donors and grant funders, who provided over $4 million toward the expansion. Their support played a vital role in strengthening WWH’s ability to serve the growing needs of expectant mothers and families in the region.
In addition to celebrating this achievement, WWH extends its congratulations to the other outstanding organizations and individuals recognized at the Momentum West 2024 Awards:
- Top Redevelopment Project: Wisconsin Farmers Union.
- Top Talent Initiative: Westfields Hospital and Northwood Technical College.
- Young Professional Award: Dan Lytle, CVTC.
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Jeremiah Gerdin.
Momentum West is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix Counties. By providing technical assistance and spearheading talent attraction and development initiatives, Momentum West is driving economic growth and drawing attention to West Central Wisconsin.
Strategically located near the Twin Cities, yet offering a lower cost of doing business and a pro-business environment, the MW region continues to attract businesses that benefit from a skilled workforce and a strong support system.
Western Wisconsin Health sincerely thanks Momentum West for this recognition and remains committed to redefining rural healthcare. Guided by our mission to “Build a Healthier Tomorrow, Together,” we look forward to continuing to serve our communities with innovation, accessibility, and compassionate care.
For more information about Western Wisconsin Health and its commitment to rural healthcare, please visit wwhealth.org.
