On the last day of Farm Technology Days, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) held a pivotal board meeting, bringing together community leaders both in person at the Hixwood building and virtually. This meeting was significant not only for its venue—Wisconsin’s largest outdoor agricultural event—but also for its focus on a topic crucial to the future well-being of the Chippewa Valley: healthcare.
The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Patti Darley, Vice Chair of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative (CVHC), who provided an in-depth look at the organization’s mission and services. As she addressed the CEDC board members, half of whom joined via Zoom, Darley emphasized the importance of making high-quality healthcare both accessible and affordable for all residents in the Chippewa Valley region.
The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is a local nonprofit organization founded to enhance access to affordable healthcare across a 17-county region. With a mission to deliver patient-centered care that has a lasting impact on the community, the CVHC stands out as a beacon of hope for individuals and families seeking quality healthcare options. Formed after HSHS and Prevea announce they were closing up and leaving Western Wisconsin, the organization formed and has plans to build a new hospital. CEDC has been working with the non-profit since the beginning with advocacy, data collection, and promotion of membership in the new organization. Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative told the CEDC BOD that they are taking bold steps to build the new hospital which is anticipated to would have 60 to 70 beds and an emergency room.
Darley explained that the cooperative’s work is grounded in the belief that every person in the Chippewa Valley deserves access to exceptional healthcare services. This belief drives their commitment to focusing on prevention, education, and patient-centered care, ensuring that their efforts have a positive, long-lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community.
The importance of the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative’s mission has only grown in light of the recent closure of HSHS Health Systems in the area. This event has heightened the need for accessible healthcare options, making the work of the CVHC more critical than ever. The cooperative’s efforts are not just about providing care; they are about filling a vital gap in the community’s healthcare infrastructure.
The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative is led by a board of organizers composed of seven prominent business and community leaders who share a deep commitment to the region’s health. These leaders, including Darley herself, bring a wealth of experience from various industries and have been instrumental in guiding the cooperative’s efforts.
Bob Krause, a retired technology company owner with extensive experience serving on nonprofit and private boards, chairs the board. Patti Darley, with her background in customer service and technical training, has been a long-time advocate for the community through her volunteer work. Other board members include Lori Geissler from Mason Companies, Peter Hoeft of Hoeft Builders Inc., Mickey Judkins of Details, Inc., Thomas Larson of Larson Management, Inc., and Eric Rygg of Silver Spring Foods and Huntsinger Farms.
These individuals have united their expertise to form a cooperative that not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of the Chippewa Valley but also looks to the future, ensuring that the region’s residents continue to benefit from high-quality, affordable healthcare for generations to come.
As the CEDC board meeting concluded, it was clear that the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative’s mission resonated with all in attendance. The organization’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable is not just a goal; it is a promise to the community. The cooperative’s work, supported by the dedication of its board members and the broader community, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in the Chippewa Valley. In closing, Bob Krause, the CVHC Board Chair, thanked the CEDC on behalf of the cooperative for their ongoing support, the valuable data shared, and their continued collaboration.
To further support the mission of making high-quality healthcare accessible to all, the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative offers memberships to any community member 18 years or older, as well as to medical professionals. Becoming a member not only contributes to the cooperative’s efforts but also strengthens the community’s access to essential healthcare services. Join Here.
As CEDC continues its work to support the region’s growth, partnerships with organizations like the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative will be vital in ensuring that the Chippewa Valley remains a vibrant, healthy place to live, work, and thrive.