About Us
In 2012, more than 47 million Americans are estimated to be without health insurance. While some qualify for medical assistance programs, many others simply "fall through the cracks" and do not receive care.
It is a problem throughout the country, and the La Crosse area is no exception.
Substantial numbers of people have significant problems accessing basic healthcare. Their problems are compounded by rising medical and pharmaceutical costs, loss of employment and lack of monetary means. Our community, unfortunately, is not immune to these problems.
What is the St. Clare Health Mission?
In 1992, representatives of health and social service organizations throughout our community began a collaborative effort to address health care access for the poor and uninsured. Under the direction of Sister Leclare Beres, a unique and innovative program emerged from this effort - a program in which multidisciplinary volunteers provide free basic health care to those who would otherwise receive none. The St. Clare Health Mission volunteers, continue, after eighteen years, to provide basic healthcare for the poor and uninsured in our community.
St. Clare Health Mission is named for Clare of Assisi, a contemporary of St. Francis who renounced all of her possessions - even giving away her shoes - as she devoted her life to the care of the poor.
The term "health mission" describes not only the program, but also the motivation which guides it.
The Mission has provided care for over 15,500 patients in over 64,000 visits to the clinic since it's inception in 1993.
Individuals who qualify for care are not eligible for private, state or federal healthcare coverage programs, fall at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Service area includes Houston La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau or Vernon Counties.
St. Clare Health Mission is open for walk in care on Tuesday and Thursday, evening registration is from 5:00p.m. until 8:00p.m.
Board Certified Specialists in the areas of Cardiology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pain Management, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine, Physical Therapy, Pulmonary Medicine and Urology are available for scheduled patient appointments at the clinic.
In 2002 the Wednesday continuity clinic was opened with the purpose of caring for those with chronic medical conditions. This is a student based clinic, with students from the Mayo Family Practice Residency program, Viterbo University Nursing program, Viterbo Nutrition program, UW Pharmacy program and UW School of Medicine and Public Health. These students work with their preceptors to provide care while learning the unique challenges associated with lack of access to the medical system. Nutrition counseling, diabetic education, smoking cessation, foot care and specialty medical care may be scheduled from 8am to noon.
The St. Clare Health Mission is not intended to duplicate existing programs. All who have access to alternative services are encouraged to pursue those resources for their care.
St. Clare Health Mission is grateful for the generous support received from Franciscan Skemp Health Care and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
Funding for the Mission, including medical supplies such as pharmaceuticals, is paid for through community donations. Donations may be directed to St. Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry St., La Crosse, WI 54601.
The St. Clare Health Mission is an expression of the charitable mission of the individuals and organizations who desire to serve the less fortunate and to recognize the dignity of all.