Fort Healthcare, Fort Atkinson, 2024 Community Benefits
Addressing Housing Instability for a Healthier Community
Over the last several years, Fort HealthCare (FHC) has prioritized addressing housing instability, a key social determinant of health identified in our 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Through strategic partnerships and targeted investments, FHC has led several initiatives to improve access to stable, affordable housing, recognizing its critical impact on overall health outcomes.
In collaboration with the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson (HCFA), FHC initially provided two vacant homes for use as transitional housing. In 2024, FHC will be donating these homes to the HCFA, offering safe, stable environments for families in need. This partnership extends beyond housing, providing comprehensive support services, including case management, financial counseling, and access to healthcare, equipping families for long-term stability.
Building on these efforts, FHC donated land to Habitat for Humanity in 2024 for the construction of a duplex, further expanding access to affordable housing in our community. Additionally, FHC made a significant $3 million investment to the Live Local Development Fund (LLDF), administered by Thrive Economic Development, to support multi-family housing projects in Jefferson County. LLDF, currently totaling $9.5 million, makes it feasible for developers to build much-needed housing units, with projections showing that up to 5,250 market-rate units could be consumed within three years if built. This fund addresses the projected shortage of 3,500 housing units by 2029, making housing more accessible for local families and workers.
These initiatives have been supported by the collaborative efforts of community partners, including the City of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson County, local businesses, and volunteers. Together, we have not only provided essential housing but have also strengthened the foundation for a healthier, more resilient community. Fort HealthCare remains committed to continuing these efforts, understanding that addressing housing instability is crucial to improving health outcomes and fostering long-term community well-being.
In collaboration with the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson (HCFA), FHC initially provided two vacant homes for use as transitional housing. In 2024, FHC will be donating these homes to the HCFA, offering safe, stable environments for families in need. This partnership extends beyond housing, providing comprehensive support services, including case management, financial counseling, and access to healthcare, equipping families for long-term stability.
Building on these efforts, FHC donated land to Habitat for Humanity in 2024 for the construction of a duplex, further expanding access to affordable housing in our community. Additionally, FHC made a significant $3 million investment to the Live Local Development Fund (LLDF), administered by Thrive Economic Development, to support multi-family housing projects in Jefferson County. LLDF, currently totaling $9.5 million, makes it feasible for developers to build much-needed housing units, with projections showing that up to 5,250 market-rate units could be consumed within three years if built. This fund addresses the projected shortage of 3,500 housing units by 2029, making housing more accessible for local families and workers.
These initiatives have been supported by the collaborative efforts of community partners, including the City of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson County, local businesses, and volunteers. Together, we have not only provided essential housing but have also strengthened the foundation for a healthier, more resilient community. Fort HealthCare remains committed to continuing these efforts, understanding that addressing housing instability is crucial to improving health outcomes and fostering long-term community well-being.
Advancing Health Equity Through Breast Cancer Screenings
At Fort HealthCare, our mission to improve the health and well-being of the community means all in our community, and it drives all we do. A vital part of this mission is ensuring equitable access to our services, particularly for populations facing health disparities. Our Breast Cancer Screening Mammograms program exemplifies this commitment.
Fort HealthCare employs a multifaceted approach to reducing disparities. We partner with community organizations, such as the Jefferson ½ Mile ATV Club, to fundraise and offer financial support for those unable to afford screenings. This year’s Save the Racks Ride raised over $52,000—an increase from 2022—allowing us to expand our Mammogram Voucher Program to include vouchers for follow-up procedures, ultrasounds, and more.
Our Mammogram Voucher Program provides free mammograms to uninsured individuals or those with insufficient insurance coverage. Additionally, our Walk-In Wednesdays allow patients to receive screening mammograms without an appointment or referral, simplifying access for busy or underserved populations.
Our collaboration with the Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) helps identify at-risk populations and develop targeted, community-based strategies to enhance screening rates. We also utilize advanced AI platforms, such as Notable’s Care Gap outreach, to proactively address care gaps.
Understanding that early detection is crucial for effective treatment, we have worked diligently to remove barriers to breast cancer screening. Recent data indicates no measurable disparities in breast cancer screening rates across different racial, ethnic, or language groups, reflecting our dedication to health equity. However, we recognize that our work is ongoing.
While we are encouraged by our progress, we know that achieving health equity is an ongoing journey. Fort HealthCare is dedicated to continuously refining our efforts, guided by data and our core values, to ensure every community member has access to the care they need.
Fort HealthCare employs a multifaceted approach to reducing disparities. We partner with community organizations, such as the Jefferson ½ Mile ATV Club, to fundraise and offer financial support for those unable to afford screenings. This year’s Save the Racks Ride raised over $52,000—an increase from 2022—allowing us to expand our Mammogram Voucher Program to include vouchers for follow-up procedures, ultrasounds, and more.
Our Mammogram Voucher Program provides free mammograms to uninsured individuals or those with insufficient insurance coverage. Additionally, our Walk-In Wednesdays allow patients to receive screening mammograms without an appointment or referral, simplifying access for busy or underserved populations.
Our collaboration with the Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) helps identify at-risk populations and develop targeted, community-based strategies to enhance screening rates. We also utilize advanced AI platforms, such as Notable’s Care Gap outreach, to proactively address care gaps.
Understanding that early detection is crucial for effective treatment, we have worked diligently to remove barriers to breast cancer screening. Recent data indicates no measurable disparities in breast cancer screening rates across different racial, ethnic, or language groups, reflecting our dedication to health equity. However, we recognize that our work is ongoing.
While we are encouraged by our progress, we know that achieving health equity is an ongoing journey. Fort HealthCare is dedicated to continuously refining our efforts, guided by data and our core values, to ensure every community member has access to the care they need.
