STEVENS POINT — To celebrate National Rural Health Day, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa highlighted investments in health care projects by the Department, including nearly $61 million to assist in the construction of a new state-of-the-art critical access hospital in Lafayette County. USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural areas and small towns and that means investing in healthcare security in Wisconsin.  

“Today we are celebrating National Rural Health Care Day as a reminder that a strong community is rooted in its people,” said Lassa on Nov. 21. “Having sustainable and accessible health care infrastructure in rural areas is critical to the health and well-being of the people living in small towns across Wisconsin. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is promoting healthy communities by investing in critical infrastructure to make sure everyone has access to the health care they need.”

Constructed in the early 1950s, Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington has been a health care staple for the nearly 9,700 residents in its service area and continues to be one of Lafayette County’s largest employers with over 140 staff members. Unfortunately, with a growing local population and no opportunity for expansion in its current condition and location, a new facility is needed to provide modernized health care services.

With help from a nearly $46 million loan and $9 million in grants through USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program, and a partnership with private lender Compeer Financial on a $5 million loan guaranteed through USDA’s Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan program, a new 75,000 square foot critical access hospital is being built to address these growing needs.

Once completed, Memorial Hospital will feature 24 beds, an emergency department, laboratory, radiology department, surgical facilities, dietary facility, rehabilitation space, eyecare clinic, and administration offices.

Lassa said that this year’s Rural Health Day theme, “Power of Rural,” is a sharp reminder of the importance of rural health care as it recognizing both the power of rural and the incredible efforts of rural health care providers and others dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural Wisconsin.

More organizations can identify resources for financial assistance with the new USDA Rural Health Program Index. This inventory makes it easy for rural community leaders and others to learn which USDA programs and resources can help with specific health needs in their communities.

The index is a curated library of USDA programs and resources that support rural health. People in rural Wisconsin can use the index to find the assistance that’s right for their community. 

The USDA Rural Health Program Index will contribute to more stories like those in Forest, Grant, and Waushara counties in Wisconsin — and across the U.S.

“At USDA, we work hard to help rural and Tribal communities overcome challenges to health care access,” Lassa said. “Our programs ensure people have access to locally sourced nutritious foods and that those in remote areas have high-speed internet so they can access telemedicine services when they need them. USDA also partners with communities to build hospitals in rural areas and keep others open during times of financial stress and unforeseen hardships.” 

Learn more about USDA’s programs and explore the Rural Health Program Index on the USDA RD website.