Aspirus Leaders Advocate for the Chippewa Valley in Madison

Aspirus Health leaders were proud to join a large delegation of regional business and community leaders at the annual Chippewa Valley Rally on February 19 at the state Capitol in  Madison.

Representing Aspirus from its Wisconsin Northwest Division were Anne Sadowska, VP-Chief Administrative Officer, Jessica Faude, VP-Chief Nursing Officer and Denise Carstensen, Director of Nursing. 

“This event provided an important opportunity to connect directly with state lawmakers and advocate for issues that impact our patients, workforce and communities across northwest Wisconsin,” said Sadowska.

Throughout the day, the Aspirus delegation met with legislators to share perspectives from the front lines of health care and reinforce the needs of the communities and facilities in the Aspirus Northwest Division which includes Aspirus Stanley Hospital and Clinics and Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics.  They also provided updates on the progress of the new Aspirus Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic which is scheduled to open for patient care later this year.

One key priority discussed was proposed Next of Kin legislation. This measure would empower family members to approve the transfer of an incapacitated loved one from a hospital to a nursing home when medically appropriate.

“The legislation aims to reduce unnecessary delays in care transitions, helping ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting while also supporting hospital capacity and patient flow,” said Sadowska.

They also encouraged lawmakers to continue addressing housing supply and affordability—critical factors in recruiting and retaining health care professionals and other essential workers in our region. Additionally, they advocated for increased support of the Wisconsin Technical College System and its vital programs, including EMS, nursing and other health care pathways that help sustain and strengthen our workforce pipeline.

The Chippewa Valley Rally was organized by the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber, Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce and Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center.

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About Aspirus: Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Learn more at aspirus.org.