New Health Center Will Expand Access to Care
Family Health Center of Marshfield (FHC) celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday, Oct. 6, with the groundbreaking of its new Wisconsin Rapids Health Center.
FHC leaders joined government officials, community partners, and supporters at the future site, located at 231 West Riverview Expressway. This event marked the beginning of a project designed to expand healthcare access throughout the Wisconsin Rapids area.
The new 24,250-square-foot facility will be the first FHC location to offer primary care, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services under one roof. Patients will have easier access to coordinated care in one convenient location.
Many area residents currently travel to Marshfield or Neillsville for care. As a result, the new health center will bring those services closer to home.
A Decade of Planning and Partnership
The groundbreaking represents the culmination of more than ten years of planning and collaboration. During that time, FHC worked alongside community leaders to identify local healthcare needs, secure funding, and find a suitable location for the project.
Federal support helped move the project forward. Through bipartisan efforts led by U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden, FHC received a $3 million federal grant to support construction.
Representative Van Orden attended the ceremony and participated in the ceremonial turning of the soil.
“Rural healthcare is incredibly important,” Van Orden said. “Just because we choose to live in smaller towns and communities does not mean we should have less access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.”
Bringing More Healthcare Services to Wisconsin Rapids
The project will improve access to essential healthcare services for area residents.
“This project represents years of planning, partnership, and commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the Wisconsin Rapids community,” said Greg Nycz, Chief Executive Officer of Family Health Center of Marshfield. “We’re excited to bring comprehensive healthcare services to the area and continue our mission of serving individuals and families with unmet healthcare needs.”
In addition, the new facility will strengthen access to preventive care, dental services, behavioral health support, and prescription medications. Patients will benefit from receiving multiple services in one location.
Community Investment and Economic Growth
The Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin donated the land for the new health center. Additionally, the site sits near the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and VA services, creating a hub of community resources.
Construction begins this week. Meanwhile, planning continues for the launch of services in fall 2027.
The project also will support economic growth in the region. Once completed, the health center to create approximately 55 new jobs.
Looking Ahead
The Wisconsin Rapids Health Center reflects FHC’s ongoing commitment to improving access to affordable, high-quality healthcare across Central Wisconsin.
Ultimately, the project will help connect more residents with the care they need close to home.
As construction progresses, FHC looks forward to sharing updates with the community and welcoming patients to the new facility in 2027.