(STEVENS POINT,
Wis.) – Aspirus Health Foundation has committed $500,000 over the next
three years to support the expansion of oral health services at Noble Community
Clinics, Stevens Point.
The pledge will help
equip 15 new dental operatories within Noble’s planned expanded dental facility, a critical component of the organization’s $18 million initiative to
improve access to care for underserved residents in Portage County and surrounding
areas.
The funds are
the result of donor-restricted gifts entrusted to the Aspirus Health
Foundation for the purpose of addressing oral health needs in Portage County.
“This investment
reflects Aspirus Health’s commitment to improving access to essential health
care services for all,” said Lanna Scannell, Vice President of System
Philanthropy, Aspirus Health. “We are deeply grateful to our donors who
gave so generously to support oral health initiatives in this community.
Through this partnership with Noble Community Clinics, we are honoring their
intent and working together to ensure more families receive the dental care
they need and deserve.”
Noble’s expansion
will more than double its dental care capacity in the Stevens Point area. The
clinic anticipates serving an estimated 15,000 patients annually,
three-quarters of whom will receive dental services. Currently, 80% of Noble’s
dental patients are Medicaid recipients and an additional 20% are
uninsured or underinsured.
"This
investment from Aspirus Health Foundation is transformative for our region,”
said Laura Waldvogel, CEO of Noble Community Clinics. "Access to dental
care is one of the most significant unmet health needs in our community and
this extraordinary gift directly supports our mission to care for those who
often face the greatest barriers to oral health. With Aspirus’s support, we are
expanding critical services and removing obstacles that have kept too many
families from getting the care they need. Together, we’re building a healthier
future for the people we serve."
Noble’s
dental services provide preventive, restorative, and emergency
dental care—reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and helping patients
avoid the serious consequences of untreated dental issues.
The new dental
facility will feature 21 treatment rooms, including pediatric and special needs
operatories, imaging and sterilization rooms, and support spaces to improve
patient flow and experience.
“This partnership
embodies our shared mission to heal people, promote health, and strengthen
communities,” noted Carrie Penovich, Southeast WI Division President, Aspirus
Health. “By helping to equip this state-of-the-art facility, we’re ensuring
thousands of individuals and families in our region receive the compassionate,
high-quality dental care they deserve."