Northeast, central Wisconsinites face various health challenges

Editor’s note: This story was updated at June 5, 1:45 p.m., 2025 to reflect that the assessment released this week was from ThedaCare, not all members of the coalition.

Northeast and central Wisconsinites face challenges with mental health, substance use, finding healthy food and accessing services they need for their health and well-being, according to a community health needs assessment from ThedaCare.

This is the first time that Fox Valley health systems — ThedaCare, Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin and Children’s Wisconsin — worked together with local health departments and community organizations to gather data for their assessments.

Nonprofit hospitals are required to conduct such assessments every three years. In the past, Fox Valley hospitals have done so independently of one another.

“This collaborative effort will help reduce duplication of efforts with this process, help create common understanding of our greatest needs and alignment of initiatives so that we have greater potential for impact,” said Paula Morgen, ThedaCare director of community health improvement.

The coalition conducted a joint assessment and will develop a three-year plan around one common priority area. They expect to release that plan later this year.

This article first appeared in the Wisconsin Health News daily email newsletter. Sign up for your free trial here.