TRHC launches its new Vision Services Clinic

The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC) has reached a significant milestone in its mission to provide comprehensive local healthcare by officially launching its new Vision Services clinic. This expansion addresses a long-standing gap in community care, bringing essential eye health services directly to Richland Center. Central to this new chapter is the arrival of Dr. Darrin Vits, an experienced optometrist who joins the medical staff to offer dedicated, family-centered vision care.

You Won’t Believe This Wisconsin Town Has Healthcare 30% Cheaper Than The Rest Of America

There’s a city in Wisconsin sitting along the Mississippi River that has solved one of the most stubborn problems in American life, and it did it without a press conference, a viral moment, or anyone outside of healthcare policy circles paying much attention. La Crosse, Wisconsin has been delivering...

Vernon Health invites community to meet first podiatrist Dr. Anila Rafiq

VIROQUA, Wis. — Vernon Health is expanding access to specialty care with the addition of Anila Rafiq, DPM, the organization’s first podiatrist. Dr. Rafiq brings comprehensive foot and ankle care to Vernon Health, allowing patients throughout the region to receive more of the care they need locally. “Adding...

Vernon Health earns national gold awards for heart and stroke care

VIROQUA, Wis. — Vernon Health has been recognized with three national achievement awards from the American Heart Association for its sustained commitment to high-quality, evidence-based stroke and cardiovascular care. The national awards, presented through the association’s Get With The Guidelines program, recognize Vernon Health’s success in applying up-to-date, research-backed...

WI Measles Outbreak, Officials Urge Vaccinations

Wisconsin health officials are investigating a measles outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin. There are now 15 confirmed cases, including 13 new cases in Iowa County, with another six considered probable. State health officials say most people infected are unvaccinated, and the outbreak appears to involve local transmission rather than travel. Officials have not identified any public locations where people may have been exposed.

Universities of Wisconsin president in La Crosse, discussion need for health care workers

The need for more health care workers in Wisconsin is a high priority for the Universities of Wisconsin. UW President Renee Wachter was at UW-La Crosse on Monday discussing the need to fund training health care workers. Wachter said the “Healthy Wisconsin” proposal seeks $90 million in state money to...

New pharmacy opens in Hillsboro, addressing rural healthcare gap

HILLSBORO, Wis. (WKBT) — A pharmacy at 300 Water Ave. celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, marking a significant addition to healthcare services in a rural community that has long struggled with limited access to pharmaceutical care.

New mental health unit reshapes patient care approach in La Crosse community

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Emplify Health by Gundersen has launched a specialized mental health unit that is reshaping how the health system responds to patients in behavioral health crises. The EMPATH Unit, which opened in April after a $5 million investment, prioritizes patients dealing with mental health emergencies...

Assisted Living Facility to be built on Tomah Health’s campus

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Older adults in the Coulee Region are getting another option for assisted living housing. That’s because the Morrow Home Community in Sparta acquired three acres of land on the Tomah Health Campus. This land will be used to construct a 36-unit residential facility. The...

Morrow Home Community announces new facility in Tomah

TOMAH, Wis. (WKBT) -- A new community-based residential facility is headed to Tomah.

Monroe County board passes 18-month moratorium on data center and battery storage permits

Rural fire department, medical students train for emergencies

Eight rural fire departments, first responders, along with medical students spent Saturday morning practicing common emergencies they may encounter. The purpose of the training provided everyone the opportunity to see how the process worked from the field to the hospital. Dr. Kim Lansing with Emplify Health by Gundersen said the...

Vernon County residents urged to limit outdoor activity as Minnesota wildfire smoke pushes into Wisconsin

VIROQUA, Wis. — A statewide air quality advisory remains in effect across Wisconsin as smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota blankets much of the state, pushing air pollution levels into the unhealthy to hazardous range and prompting health officials to warn residents to stay indoors. The Wisconsin...

8,000 Signatures Supporting 'Local Healthcare Action Plan' Submitted to City of Eau Claire

During at least the past few weeks, locals browsing downtown Eau Claire storefronts or attending the farmers market in Phoenix Park may have been approached by petitioners seeking their signatures for a healthcare-related measure. That effort has been formally identified as that of Community Action Wisconsin (CAW), a new grassroots...

Health care ballot measure could appear in La Crosse, Eau Claire this November

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - A ballot measure aimed at addressing health care affordability and access could appear on the November general election ballot in La Crosse and Eau Claire. Community Action Wisconsin, also known as CAW, collected 13,000 signatures across both cities in support of a local health care...

Emplify introduces “Caring Cradle” to help comfort families with babies that are stillborn

Many families expecting babies experience grief and loss, if an infant does not survive the birth process, and is stillborn. In the La Crosse area, new medical equipment is now available to help families have a short amount of time with a baby that’s stillborn. Emplify Health by Gundersen...

Three-county group concludes fifth round of well water testing

The Driftless Area Water Study (DAWS) group, composed of conservation and health department staff and community groups, in Crawford, Vernon and Richland counties, recently concluded their fifth round of well water testing. Overall, results were generally good compared to state averages. Some higher test results for coliform bacteria and nitrate were seen in areas dedicated to agriculture or in proximity to septic systems.

Veterans Memorial Hospital announces administrative leadership transition

Veterans Memorial Hospital Administrator Michael Coyle resigned from his position Tuesday, June 23, effective immediately. The hospital’s board of trustees and leadership team have implemented a transition plan to ensure continuity of operations and patient care. “Our priority remains the delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients and...