Aspirus Health Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Support Oral Health Services in Stevens Point

(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."