A community committee, that would become the Board of Directors of Fennimore Area Health Services, Ltd, a Non-Profit, 501(c)(3) Corporation, was formed in 1982 to encourage the availability of quality health care services for the people of Fennimore, WI. The impetus behind its creation was to build a medical/dental clinic and recruit a physician and dentist to the community. A community-wide fund drive was held and through private donations from individuals and businesses, the Plattner Clinic was completed in 1983.
Dr. Eulogio Aguilar, M.D. and Dr. Richard Lofthouse, D.D.S., were recruited in 1985 and 1983, respectively. In 2002, the land contracts between FAHSF and Drs. Aguilar and Lofthouse were paid in full and the title for the clinic passed to them.
Read more about the FAHS formative years and those involved in an article originally published in the Fennimore Times written by Robert Callahan with assistance from Sally Rosemeyer. Thirty Years Later
This initiative was truly a collaborative effort. FAHS was formed in a prototypical grass roots effort that began in the City Council and spread to concerned citizens serving on the board of a non-profit organization designed to build a clinic and recruit providers. Through the generous donations of local people and businesses, a fund has been created that allows the Fennimore community to maintain the availability of health care services and providing Fennimore with a doctor and dentist.
The Fennimore community rallied behind securing access to health care in an “if you build it, they will come” model for recruiting providers. This vision was expanded in our successful effort to secure pharmacy services – making it possible for a pharmacy interested in practicing in a rural community to locate their business in Fennimore.
In 2002, the community of Fennimore lost its pharmacist and the pharmacy closed. Through the efforts of the mayor’s office, the city promotions office, and FAHS, a new pharmacist was recruited and opened in Fennimore in April 2003. The pharmacy is now operated by Hartig Drug. In addition, FAHS made the re-opening of our local pharmacy possible by purchasing the pharmacy building thereby decreasing the capital investment required for a pharmacist to set up shop. As we look to the future, we continue exploring what options are available to us in the current medical climate to replace our current health care providers upon their retirements.
Recognizing the ever increasing need for more health care professionals, the FAHS Board at their discretion annually awards scholarships to eligible applicants pursuing an education in a health care related field. Fennimore School District High School seniors and graduates attending college who meet the requirements may apply. Please email fahsltd@gmail.com for more information about the application process, requirements, and criteria.
Throughout its history, FAHS has provided donations and support to local entities involved healthcare related activities that support the FAHS. You may read more on About FAHS.