Senator Tammy Baldwin met with Aspirus Health leaders to learn about the growing health system's steadfast commitment to rural health care in northern Wisconsin, as well at the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northeastern Minnesota. The visit included a conversation with President and CEO Matt Heywood and senior leaders, followed by a tour of Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Aspirus: A Rural Health Leader
Aspirus leaders shared an overview of the health system and its role as the third largest health system headquartered in Wisconsin, with a footprint that spans dozens of rural communities. They emphasized that delivering care across this broad geography requires solutions tailored to rural realities — not simply scaled-down versions of urban models.
Leaders also shared their pride in how all 18 Aspirus hospitals work together as a system to flex resources to best care for patients, while always maintaining consistent, high standards of quality and service at every location.
Rural Challenges, Rural Solutions
Senator Baldwin asked key questions about the future of rural health care, including the impact of financial cuts, strategies for growing local physician talent, and solutions for how to help address the rising rates of chronic disease in rural America. These questions opened a broader discussion about:
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Workforce shortages and physician recruitment in rural areas
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Inflation and financial pressures on community hospitals
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The aging population and the high proportion of Medicare and Medicaid patients in rural communities
Aspirus leaders underscored that rural health care requires a thoughtful, long-term strategy. They pointed to more than $200 million in improvements at Aspirus Wausau Hospital as evidence of their commitment to sustaining lifesaving specialty care close to home. They also noted that telehealth is not reliable or accessible in many rural regions, making strong brick-and-mortar facilities essential. They also thanked her for her work to fund broadband infrastructure around the state.
Expanding Rural Access
The visit concluded with updates on emerging needs in communities beyond the current Aspirus footprint. Aspirus is responding to growing demand in places such as Chippewa Falls, where a new hospital is being built to expand local access to care.
Key Takeaway
Aspirus leaders greatly appreciated Senator Baldwin’s visit and the opportunity to talk about the critical role Aspirus plays in rural health care. With deep expertise in serving rural populations, Aspirus continues to invest in facilities, workforce, and innovative care models to ensure that high-quality health care remains accessible to communities across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.