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The Foundation | 2008–2012
In 2008, a local Iron River building that had previously served as a home, winery, coffee shop, and other businesses became The Lakes Community Health Center.
The next year, in 2009, we partnered with the City of Ashland to open a dental clinic. We added behavioral health in 2010, marking the beginning of our commitment to expanding access to comprehensive healthcare services.
Growing Through Partnership | 2013–Today
In 2013, The Lakes expanded its reach by joining with North Woods Community Health Center, which had served the Minong area since 1976 and later expanded into Hayward.
Together, the organizations became NorthLakes Community Clinic. Our growth continued strategically.
| 2015 | Clinic opened in Turtle Lake. |
| 2016 | Clinic added in Washburn. |
| 2018 | Clinic opened in Park Falls. |
| 2019 | Opened a clinic in Hurley. |
| 2019 | Northern Health Center (founded in 1978) joined NorthLakes, adding locations in Lakewood, Oconto, and White Lake. |
| 2022 | Opened clinics in Eau Claire and Marinette. |
| 2023 | Added Cumberland and Rice Lake clinics, and acquired Orthopedic & Spine Therapy in Bayfield, Iron River, Poplar, and Solon Springs. |
| 2024 | Opened a clinic in Augusta and expanded to a second location in Eau Claire. |
| 2025 | Combined Rice Lake and Birchwood clinics into a single, larger facility. |
Organizations Now Part of NorthLakes
NorthLakes has also grown by welcoming independent healthcare practices and community organizations that share our commitment to accessible rural healthcare.
- Ashland Area Council on AODA, Ashland
- Bay Area Mental Health, Washburn
- Birch Point Dental, Birchwood
- Chiropractic Health Services, Park Falls
- Fullmoon Dental, Turtle Lake
- Gilbaugh Chiropractic, Ashland
- Habeck Chiropractic, Lakewood
- Orthopedic & Spine Therapy
- River Valley Pediatric Dental Specialists, Chippewa Falls
- Sateren Eye Care, Ashland
- Treehouse Occupational Therapy, Ashland
Built by Community
NorthLakes began because people in northern Wisconsin saw gaps in healthcare access and decided their communities needed something better.
A group of residents organized a nonprofit, hired staff, secured a location, and established a community health center to provide accessible care close to home.
Our Story
What began as one community health center has grown through local partnerships, new clinics, and organizations joining together around a shared goal: improving access to healthcare in rural northern Wisconsin.