WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Derrick Van Orden has called on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to take immediate action in response to the recent closures of hospitals and medical facilities in Wisconsin's Third Congressional District. In a letter addressed to Governor Evers, Van Orden emphasized the urgent need for state and federal resources to provide medical care alternatives for the affected communities.

The closures of the Hospital Sisters Health System's Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, as well as Prevea Health's facilities in the Chippewa Valley, have left many rural Wisconsinites without access to essential healthcare services. Van Orden expressed his concern for the residents of these communities, stating, "Rural communities, like those in the Third Congressional District, are continuously left on the sidelines when it comes to accessible healthcare, and these hospital closures will only make it more difficult for Wisconsinites to get the medical care they need."

In his letter, Van Orden outlined the significant impact of the closures on the local healthcare system. He highlighted the loss of emergency rooms, EMS services, medical beds, a cancer center, an inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit, a wound care clinic, a birthing center, and a dialysis treatment center. The closures will not only impact the immediate community but also neighboring states such as Minnesota and Michigan.

Van Orden stressed the urgency of the situation and called for a collaborative effort between the state and federal government to address the consequences of the closures. He urged Governor Evers to join him in requesting all available resources, both state and federal, to be allocated to Wisconsin. Van Orden emphasized his commitment to ensuring that rural Wisconsin is not forgotten and that people have access to the care they need.

The congressman's letter follows his participation in a town hall meeting in Eau Claire, where he engaged with medical representatives and local and state elected officials to explore potential solutions for providing medical care to rural Wisconsinites following the closures.

The closure of these hospitals and medical facilities poses a significant threat to public health and safety in the affected communities. Van Orden's call to action highlights the need for immediate intervention to mitigate the negative consequences of the closures and ensure that healthcare services remain accessible to those in need.

As the Congressional Representative for the Third Congressional District, Van Orden is committed to advocating for the well-being of his constituents. Through his letter to Governor Evers, he demonstrates his determination to address the healthcare crisis in western Wisconsin and work towards finding viable solutions.

Governor Evers has yet to respond to Van Orden's request for collaboration and the allocation of state and federal resources. The congressman remains hopeful that Governor Evers will join him in this crucial effort to preserve healthcare access for rural Wisconsinites and mitigate the impact of the recent hospital closures.