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Albrecht Free Clinic to Transition Care and Operations to Lakeshore Community Health Care
September 26, 2023
WEST BEND - Albrecht Free Clinic announced it will transition all patient care and operations to Lakeshore Community Health Care in January 2024. This change will allow the clinic to provide more consistent, streamlined care to patients. All services will continue to be provided at the same location at 908 W Washington St. in West Bend.
Founded in 1996 by Dr. James E. Albrecht, Albrecht Free Clinic has provided free medical and dental care to uninsured and underinsured patients in Washington County through a volunteer staff of doctors, nurses, and dentists. However, a shortage of volunteers intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the clinic's ability to sustain care long-term.
In September 2022, dental services were transitioned from Albrecht Free Clinic to Lakeshore Community Health Care. Since then, they’ve seen success in their ability to care for more patients. With this new transition, Lakeshore will also continue all medical care and provide additional mental health and pharmacy services starting January 1, 2024.
"We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their years of generous service. Our community is healthier because of their incredible contributions." said Ruth Henkle, Albrecht Free Clinic's executive director. "Lakeshore Community Health Care impressed us with their dental program and they will continue Dr. Albrecht's mission of caring for our community's most vulnerable."
Lakeshore Community Health Care serves anyone in the community, with a focus on patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, including uninsured and those with insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. The transition will provide Albrecht's patients with access to comprehensive, integrated care.
"We are committed to carrying on Dr. Albrecht's legacy of compassionate care," said Lakeshore CEO Kristin Stearns. "This transition will help expand our capacity to serve people in need throughout Washington County."
Once the transition is complete, the Albrecht Free Clinic will become Lakeshore Community Health Care. More details will be announced in coming months.
About Albrecht Free Clinic
The Albrecht Free Clinic exists to meet the medical and dental needs of uninsured and underinsured individuals living and working in Washington County. Founded in 1996 by Dr. James E. Albrecht, it is a volunteer-driven organization made possible by professional and administrative support volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents. For more information, visit albrechtfreeclinic.org.
About Lakeshore Community Health Care
Lakeshore Community Health Care provides primary medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services for all, regardless of insurance status or income level. The nonprofit's mission is to provide access to high-quality, comprehensive health care and reduce health disparities for underserved people with a focus on serving low-income individuals and families, the uninsured and underinsured, and those enrolled in Medicaid (BadgerCare). For more information, visit lakeshorechc.org.