Bridge Community Health Clinic

Bridge Community Health Clinic is a non-profit healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services. Founded in 1995, it was established to address the healthcare needs of the Wausau area, particularly with the influx of Southeast Asian refugees. Over the years, it has grown to serve a diverse patient population across Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade counties in Wisconsin. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Bridge Community Health Clinic adheres to strict federal guidelines and receives partial funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the State of Wisconsin. This designation allows them to offer services to all individuals, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, through a sliding fee discount program based on income and family size. They also provide various patient assistance programs to ensure care is accessible. The clinic's core philosophy is a "whole-person" approach to health and wellness, integrating primary medical care, preventive and restorative dental care, and behavioral health services under one roof. This integrated model aims to remove barriers to care and provide wraparound supports, particularly beneficial for complex cases or families needing multiple services. They also offer crucial supportive services such as care navigation, free interpreting services for diverse language needs, health insurance enrollment assistance, and transportation assistance. Bridge Community Health Clinic operates multiple locations, including its main clinic in Wausau, and additional sites in Merrill and Antigo. They also extend their behavioral health services into 13 schools within Lincoln and Marathon counties, offering in-school mental health counseling. The clinic is a significant provider of dental care in the region, accepting Medicare/Medicaid, and is the sole provider for emergency dental care for inmates in Marathon, Lincoln, and Langlade county jails. In 2023, they expanded their services by acquiring Peaceful Solutions Counseling, preserving vital domestic violence and AODA (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse) programs. The clinic's history is rooted in serving vulnerable populations, including political refugees and low-income individuals. Today, their patient base is as diverse as their staff, encompassing insured, uninsured, employed, unemployed, housed, unhoused, and individuals with varying English proficiency. Bridge Community Health Clinic is committed to community health, health equity, and healthcare access, actively educating local, state, and national representatives on these issues. Their commitment to innovation is exemplified by projects like the upcoming "Salus Center," which will create dedicated "care pods" to facilitate integrated, multi-provider visits in a patient-friendly setting.