NorthLakes Community Clinic Receives Multiple Grants To Bridge Healthcare Gaps In Oconto

Four significant grants, totaling $415,000, have been recently awarded to NorthLakes Community Clinic to support its ongoing mission of expanding access to quality healthcare. The funding will directly address both facility and staffing needs, ensuring that NorthLakes can meet the growing demand for healthcare services in Oconto County.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin: $250,000 was granted to NorthLakes to purchase essential dental equipment for the new Oconto Clinic – allowing for expanded Dental Services in the region.

Greater Green Bay Community Foundation’s Funds for Greater Green Bay: $15,000 will support the NorthLakes salary of a Community Health Worker (CHW) to serve at both the Oconto Clinic and the Lakewood Clinic. This role will help NorthLakes patients navigate social determinants of health, such as food security, housing, and transportation. By addressing these barriers, CHWs play a vital role in improving patient outcomes.

K C Stock Foundation: A multi-year $100,000 grant was awarded for constructing the new state-of-the-art facility after NorthLakes emphasized the need for expanded Behavioral Health Services, a critical issue in Oconto County where mental health resources are severely limited.

Leon H. And Clymene M. Bond Foundation: $50,000 was generously designated towards the new clinic build, reflecting the Bond Foundation’s commitment to projects that strengthen the community and meet emerging needs.

Construction of the new 10,000-square-foot clinic is well underway, with an anticipated opening in early 2025. The new NorthLakes location will offer a wide range of healthcare services, including Behavioral Health, Chiropractic Care, and expanded Patient Supports – alongside the existing Dental Care. According to the most recent data, there is just one mental health provider for every 2,810 residents, compared to the state average of one provider per 420 people. These grants are all key drivers in helping NorthLakes provide much-needed mental health services to Oconto residents, especially for Medicaid and uninsured patients. Also, since access to affordable care is limited, adding Chiropractic Services and expanded Dental Care will greatly benefit the community, as well. Once operational, the NorthLakes Community Clinic – Oconto team will have approximately 14,500 appointments annually, with the potential to grow to 20,000 visits as the clinic reaches full capacity. NorthLakes is actively recruiting staff to support the new clinic, with several roles available, including Behavioral Health Therapist positions. Those interested in joining the NorthLakes team are encouraged to visit the careers page on the organization’s website, nlccwi.org. “We are grateful for the support of these foundations, which allows us to bring much-needed healthcare services to Oconto and the surrounding communities,” said Chief Executive Officer at NorthLakes, Reba Rice. “This new clinic represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community.” The multi-million-dollar clinic will also play a critical role in expanding access to care for those on Medicaid and the Sliding Fee Scale, which together account for more than 90% of patients currently served at the Oconto Clinic. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), NorthLakes is committed to serving everyone regardless of their ability to pay, with Medicaid acceptance and a Sliding Fee Scale available for under- or uninsured individuals up to 200% of the federal poverty level.