Forest County Potowatomi renovates health and wellness center | News

CRANDON, Wis. (WJFW) – The Forest County Potowatomi’s recent renovations to their health and wellness center are poised to bring a host of medical upgrades. Health administrator Thomas Boelter says the center will reach beyond just the indigenous community and provide holistic care to anyone who needs it.

“I believe this to be a one-of-a-kind in Forest County,” said Boelter. “We want to be a medical center that is known all across the nation for the work with indigenous people. The clinic was designed to fully maximize the potential of working with Forest County Potowatomi tribal members in addition to the surrounding Forest County area. The clinic is for everyone.”

Boelter said one of the biggest improvements to the health and wellness center is the addition of an MRI machine in the its radiology department. Adding that patients will also be able to get testing results in a timely manner.

“We have expanded our laboratories,” said Boelter, “allowing us a quick turnaround, getting within 24 hours, knowledge of what’s going on with your lab work.”

Another addition to the health and wellness center as a drive-thru pharmacy, something Boelter says will be a game-changer for those with disabilities.

“So, people that are maybe immobile will be able to get their prescriptions with ease of access,” said Boelter.

Among the most important upgrades is the extension of the behavioral health department. Which Boelter says will offer a person-centered approach to health as well as a mix of modern and traditional native medicine.

“Looking at mental, spiritual, physical and emotion,” said Boelter. “The whole person. It’s important that we walk in balance. That’s what our elders have taught us. And so, we want to maximize the potential of everyone’s health by using a holistic approach.”

The Forest County Potowatomi is also working with U.W. Health to expand in areas such as autism treatment, elder care and cardiology.