Groundbreaking marks major expansion of healthcare access in Wisconsin Rapids

Senior leadership from Family Health Center of Marshfield (FHC) was joined by government officials and community partners on Oct. 6 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new health center that will expand access to healthcare services in the Wisconsin Rapids area.

FHC leadership, board members, Representative Derrick Van Orden, and Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher break ground.

Submitted photo

Family Health Center - Wisconsin Rapids Health Center exterior rendering.

Zimmerman Architects photo

Representative Derrick Van Orden spoke to attendees of the ceremony.

Submitted photo

Posted Tuesday, October 27, 2026 2:26 pm

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The new 24,250-square-foot Wisconsin Rapids Health Center will be the first FHC facility to offer dental, primary care, behavioral health and pharmacy services under one roof, making it easier for patients to access coordinated, comprehensive care in a single location. Currently, many Wisconsin Rapids-area residents travel to Marshfield or Neillsville to receive care at an FHC health center.

For more than a decade, FHC has worked alongside community leaders to identify healthcare needs in the region, secure funding and develop plans for a local health center. Through bipartisan support from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden, FHC received a $3 million federal grant to help bring the project to life.

Representative Van Orden attended the ceremony and participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

“Rural healthcare is incredibly important,” said Van Orden. “Just because we decide to live in smaller towns or cities does not mean we should not have readily available, high quality and affordable healthcare.”

The health center will be built on land donated by the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Located at 231 West Riverview Expressway, the facility will serve as part of a growing community hub alongside the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and VA services.

Construction has begun as of last week, with completion anticipated in fall 2027. Once operational, the health center is expected to create approximately 55 new jobs while significantly expanding access to primary medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services for residents throughout the Wisconsin Rapids area.

“This project represents years of collaboration among local, state, and federal partners who share a commitment to improving the health of our communities,” said Greg Nycz, CEO at FHC. “We are proud to expand access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and continue serving individuals and families with unmet healthcare needs throughout Central Wisconsin.”