After a successful pilot at Marshfield Medical Center (MMC)-Ladysmith in 2021, Marshfield Clinic Health System expanded their Recovery Coach primary care and hospital-based model to include MMC-Rice Lake, MMC-Beaver Dam, and MMC-Weston including Wausau Center and Chippewa Center locations.
 
Rural health care facilities continue to be a ripe place for recovery coach service integration. Marshfield Clinic recognizes the need to address all aspects of a patient’s health, and this includes substance use.
One anonymous provider reported, “This is a much-needed service in the area. I am proud to work for an organization who supports offering this service for those who need it.”
 
Recovery coaches are a part of Marshfield Clinic’s AmeriCorps Recovery Corps program and are trained in a 36-hour Recovery Coach Academy to become Certified Recovery Coaches. Recovery coaches support patient and community members affected by substance use by serving as a resource navigator, sober companion, motivator, and lived-experience partner. Marshfield Clinic offers service free of charge to not only patients but community members as well.
 
In 2022, Recovery Coaches helped 153 people. Of those who enrolled in the program, 98% reported that the program helped them maintain sobriety. In addition, 57% of participants made progress toward at least one of their identified wellness goals. Marshfield Clinic plans to expand to four additional locations in 2023.