We provide a variety of services based on the needs of the communities that we serve, including primary medical, dental, and behavioral health. All people are welcome to receive care regardless of their insurance status and ability to pay. For those that qualify we have a sliding fee scale that is based on income.
We are deeply involved in our communities providing dental and behavioral health in schools, taking dental care to nursing homes, and working with WIC Women, Infants, and Children. Since our opening in 2008, we aim to fill the gaps in healthcare and to fulfill our vision of healthy, prosperous, engaged communities where everyone thrives.
Federally Qualified Health Centers have advocates across all political parties and halls of government. Its an easy thing to get behind. One of our jobs as a health center is to stay in touch with those who represent us in government. Policies and plans can and do effect peoples health so when we need to share information that can influence and advocate for our communities and our patients we have mechanisms in place to do just that.
The Board of Directors is a governing body of a non-profit organization and an FQHC. Individuals who sit on a Board of Directors oversee our activities, and they meet periodically throughout the year to discuss and vote on the affairs of our organization, the mission, strategy, and goals.
We are always seeking applications for patients who are interested in becoming a board member. If youre interested in becoming a board member and are a patient, please fill out the Board Self-Nomination Form and email it to [email protected].
It all started when a group of citizens in northern Wisconsin got together because they saw gaps in the healthcare resources in their community. They dug in and did the work to design a solution to address those needs. They submitted a grant application for federal funding, and they got it.
In 2008, a building that had previously been a home, a winery, a coffee shop, and who knows what else became The Lakes Community Health Center in Iron River, Wisconsin. They also worked with the city of Ashland to open up a dental clinic, but that was only the beginning.
In 2013, The Lakes had the opportunity to grow and help to serve more communities. They merged with North Woods Community Health Center. North Woods, which was created in 1976 by a similar community group, had clinic locations in Hayward and Minong. The new organization changed its name to NorthLakes Community Clinic.
NorthLakes patient-majority board believes that there are many healthcare facilities in our service area that could benefit from joining an FQHC. The following organizations have also joined NorthLakes:
Ashland Area Council on AODA Ashland Treehouse Occupational Therapy Ashland Fullmoon Dental Turtle Lake Bay Area Mental Health Washburn Birch Point Dental Birchwood Gilbaugh Chiropractic Ashland Chiropractic Health Services Park Falls Sateren Eye Care Ashland Habeck Chiropractic Lakewood
In addition to our clinical services, we also have community outreach programs that are active in 20 counties. Our community outreach programs include: School-Based Behavioral Health Active in 22 school districts across 11 counties.