COOPERATIVE CARE. The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative as rolled out several major announcements during November, including its (re)opening of what is now the official morgue of Chippewa County, its new leadership team and more. (Photo via Facebook)

From the jump, the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative (CVHC)’s vision was incredibly ambitious. The cooperative – formed in response to the abrupt closure of HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals in Spring 2024 and the closure of all area Prevea clinic locations – announced its intentions to create a community-owned hospital just months after its creation.

To some, CVHC’s mission seemed lofty at best. Not quite two years later, the cooperative has made incredible strides in its efforts to rise to the occasion – and seen pieces of its vision come to life.

While the ultimate goal of CVHC will be to open a community-owned hospital (a plan well underway; as previously reported, the Lake Hallie hospital is shooting for a 2028 opening), the nonprofit organization moved swiftly to meet the immediate need for healthcare services.

In the first two weeks of November, several back-to-back announcements became an additional cause for celebration. On Nov. 4, the cooperative announced the opening of its cancer center, located in its interim facility at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Approximate location of where the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative hospital will be located.

When HSHS exited the region in March 2024, over 300 patients in active cancer treatment were displaced, CVHC noted. The loss meant most patients had to travel up to three hours one way for their treatments and care.

Now, the local cancer center – with a staff of 12 oncology professionals – operates out of the recently renovated space with on-site oncology and infusion therapy services; a specialty oncology pharmacy; related programs and more.

On Nov. 10, the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) announced a $250,000 award to CVHC to support the purchase of additional essential equipment and modern technology while operating at its interim facility.

On Nov. 12, two milestone announcements were made: key leadership roles were formally filled and CVHC reopened the former St. Joseph’s facility’s morgue.

Mike Sanders, Carrie Blum and Steve Little were named as chief executive officer, chief operating officer officer and chief financial officer, respectively. As stated by CVHC, the trio brings significant rural Wisconsin healthcare experience to the team.

The morgue – a critical service which Chippewa County lost when HSHS closed St. Joseph’s – is serving as the county’s official morgue facility once more thanks to CVHC.

“Having a local morgue again means faster response times, lower costs and less travel for families in moments of grief,” said Chippewa County Coroner, Ron Patten, in a media release. “We’re grateful to Stokes, Prock & Mundt for stepping in to fill the gap and now to the Cooperative for stepping forward and volunteering their facility for the good of the entire county.”

Rendering of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative hospital. (Submitted image)

The ripple effects of HSHS and Prevea’s complete exit from western Wisconsin will undoubtedly continue to reveal themselves over time as numerous providers have since expanded or opened within the Chippewa Valley to fill these gaps. CVHC is the only organization to pursue a cooperative, nonprofit solution.

As described by the cooperative, the forthcoming Lake Hallie hospital – slated to open in 2028 – will feature 48 inpatient beds, a modern surgical unit, 24/7 emergency and intensive care, obstetric and labor and delivery, cardiac services and more. Any individual ages 18 and up who is a resident within the wider 18-county region can become a CVHC member for a one-time membership fee of $25.

Learn more about and keep up with the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative's efforts at chippewavalleyhealthcooperative.org. More information on memberships can be found here.