Aspirus recently announced a project that exemplifies our commitment to transforming to better serve the needs of patients and families.

The Need

The Aspirus health system serves patients in 14 counties across northern and central Wisconsin, as well as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated system includes four hospitals in Michigan, four hospitals in Wisconsin and 50 clinics throughout the region.

According to Aspirus, Inc. CEO, Matthew Heywood, “The entire Aspirus team in Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan works tirelessly to ensure that our patients have access to both excellent local health services and world-class specialty care.”

Every year, thousands of people travel to Wausau from the regions served by our hospitals and clinics for specialty care at Aspirus. This includes patients traveling for long-term outpatient care, as well as families whose loved ones are hospitalized. 

Heywood shared, “We know that the cost of housing is a burden to our most vulnerable patients and families. That is why we are proud to create the Aspirus Family House to help patients and families with temporary housing during a difficult time in their lives.” 

Darrell Lentz, President of Aspirus Wausau Hospital, remarked, “I want to say a personal thank you to our community and medical partners for joining Aspirus to create this family house as a safe, affordable, temporary home away from home for patients and families traveling a significant distance to receive critical specialty care.”

The Solution

Lentz shared, “We recently purchased a building specifically for this project due to its close proximity to Aspirus Wausau Hospital on the corner of 28^th Avenue and Westhill Drive. The fact that the Family House will be adjacent to the hospital will offer peace of mind to patients, families, and providers and will aid in the healing process.” The renovation will begin following a groundbreaking celebration on June 25, 2019, and the Family House will begin serving guests in January 2020.

The Family House will include ten bedrooms with private bathrooms and shared living spaces designed as a home-like environment, conducive to healing and support from our community and others going through similar health experiences. Guests of the Family House will be served by dedicated staff and volunteers. Community groups will provide additional support.

The Success

Kalynn Pempek, Executive Director of the Aspirus Health Foundation and Volunteer Services, shared, “Because of the support and generosity of many donors in our community we have reached our goal. Together, we raised $4,674,000 to bring this important project to life. The entire Aspirus family is grateful for the incredible engagement from both the community and medical community in meeting the needs of our most vulnerable patients and families by bringing this Family House to life.”

How You Can Help

The Aspirus Health Foundation invites individuals, businesses, and groups in our community to help support the people who will stay at the Family House when it opens in January of 2020. Details about the project and future donation and volunteer opportunities will be available online at aspirus.org/familyhouse. Sign up for the e-newsletter to stay connected.