Open Door Clinic celebrates 20 years of serving Chippewa County

For 20 years, the Open Door Clinic in Chippewa Falls has provided free health care to uninsured residents of Chippewa County. 

What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into an essential community resource, helping thousands of people receive medical care and medications they might otherwise go without.

On Saturday, April 18, Open Door Clinic will recognize the anniversary by continuing to offer excellent care to patients, educating the public and giving the community an opportunity to donate to the cause.

Donations help provide critical supplies and medications for patients. For example, $20 can provide six months of glaucoma eye drops, while $200 can cover a year of medications and supplies for two diabetic patients.

The clinic was founded in 2005 when local physician Dr. Tom Chisholm recognized a growing need for health services for residents without insurance. With the help of community volunteers, churches, and local partners, the clinic opened its doors in April 2006 inside First Presbyterian Church in downtown Chippewa Falls.

Today, the clinic continues to provide primary care, medications, and referrals for additional services through a dedicated team of volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff.

“From the very beginning, this clinic has been about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Clinic Coordinator Kim Renaud, RN MS. “Every patient who walks through our doors is treated with dignity, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves access to care.”

Since opening, the clinic has dispensed more than 45,600 medications and served over 3,800 uninsured residents in the Chippewa Valley.

As the organization celebrates its 20-year milestone, leaders say community support remains critical to continuing its mission.

“Reaching 20 years is an incredible milestone, but the need in our community is still very real,” Renaud said. “We’re grateful for the volunteers and donors who help keep the doors open, and we’re excited to continue serving Chippewa County for many years to come.”

To learn more or support the clinic’s work, visit www.chippewaopendoor.org.