MADISON, WI (OnFocus) – Sen. Jesse James (R – Altoona) celebrated the passage of two bills Tuesday that secure $15 million for Chippewa Valley emergency room departments. The move comes after HSHS announced last month they would be leaving the region within 90 days.
“We need to ensure access to basic emergency services,” Senator James said. “These bills will provide a short-term bridge for area providers until they are able to scale their capacity to absorb the demand coming from the HSHS and Prevea system-wide closures.”
In 2023, HSHS reported nearly 22,000 patients between their two area ER departments. Following the closure of their locations, places like Chippewa Falls and the surrounding area will be left without an emergency room. Ambulances will have to travel at least 13 additional miles during times of crisis, although it will likely be much further.
“While our hope continues for a permanent solution, emergency services are the most basic and most unexpected care communities require. Supporting these needs must be our first step,” Senator James concluded.
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Author: News Desk
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