DHS Continues Investment in Quality Health Care for Rural Areas
Grants totaling more than $550,000 to increase access and enhance quality care in rural Wisconsin were announced today by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The grants support education and training to assist rural hospitals and clinics in filling “high need, high demand” positions.
The Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) Grants, totaling nearly $250,000, help rural health care providers increase the number of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses by supporting the development of clinical training sites. Hospitals and clinics receiving APC grants are:
- Aspirus – Central Wisconsin
- Cumberland Memorial Hospital – Cumberland, Wisconsin
- Essentia – Northwest Wisconsin
- Marshfield Clinic Health System – Northern, central and western Wisconsin
- Prairie Ridge Health – Columbus, Wisconsin
Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Education and Training Grants, totally more than $325,000 over two years, will support education and training opportunities for professionals, including medical assistants, mental health professionals, and nursing assistants. Grants were awarded to:
- Gundersen – Friendship & Whitehall, Wisconsin
- Marshfield Clinic Health System – Marshfield, Wisconsin
- Marshfield Clinic Health System – Northern, central and western Wisconsin
- Upland Hills Health – Dodgeville, Wisconsin
“Access to quality health care is critical for Wisconsin residents and requires qualified health professionals,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “We are pleased this funding will support the training of health professionals in rural and underserved areas of our state.”
Both grant programs were first authorized in the 2017-2019 biennial budget through legislation aimed at improving rural health care. Up to $500,000 in new funding is authorized for each program per year. This is the fourth year that both the APC and AHP grants have been awarded.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Health Services
DHS Confirms Additional Cases of Measles in Oconto County, Indicating Community Spread
Aug 22nd, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesAll Wisconsinites urged to check vaccination status
Possible Measles Exposures in Wisconsin from Out-of-State Traveler
Aug 19th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesDHS sharing public locations, asking residents to watch for symptoms and check their vaccine status
New DHS Data Show School Year Vaccination Rates Held Steady for 2024-2025 School Year
Aug 4th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesParents are urged to get children protected before the new school year starts