The Chippewa Valley Post provides news of area nonprofit organizations in order to increase public awareness of their missions and activities, and to provide information that otherwise might not be made available.
Our “6 of Substance” series is part of this effort. It will present answers from nonprofit organizations, in their own words, to six questions we asked about who they are and what they do. The responses will be edited only for length, grammar and style concerns.
This series will be updated regularly to introduce Chippewa Valley residents to the many nonprofit organizations and people working to serve the needs of our area. If you have a favorite nonprofit organization that you’d like to see featured here, please let us know at cvpostwi@gmail.com.
Open Door Clinic, Chippewa Falls n
Who do you serve?
The Open Door Clinic serves uninsured, low income (less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level) residents of Chippewa County.
How long have you been established in the Chippewa Valley?
11 years.
What are the major issues you will be facing over the next 18 months?
The changes coming to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). When the ACA was rolled out in 2014 many of our patients transitioned to insurance. If ACA insurance is no longer an option for them we may see a significant increase in newly uninsured in the Chippewa Valley.
Aside from financial support, how can the Chippewa Valley Community support you?
The clinic is need of medical providers especially doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Who are some of the key people in your organization?
Our 140+ volunteers are the key to keeping our organization running. Ed Ebert DO, Jim Bieging MD, Chris Maslonkowski PharmD, Pat Hannack Pharm Tech and Barb Stevens RN are just a few of our long-time volunteers who give many hours to the clinic.
What is the most important thing about your organization that people should know, but don’t?
Many of our patients are employed. Some are self-employed and can’t afford to self-insure. Others work part-time jobs and may not qualify for health insurance through work. Some can’t afford the premiums and co-pays that their work insurance provides.
— by Mary Meyers, Coordinator
If you would like more information about the Open Door Clinic, go to http://www.chippewaopendoor.org/.
To download a copy of the “6 of Substance” questionnaire, click here.