By Joe Morey
News Editor
The new Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center under construction on Hwy K a half mile south of the Sevenwinds Casino is projected to be open sometime in April. Health Center Director Scott Johnson said there were some delays but that they will start moving from the current facility to the new one on the week of April 7.
“Depending on how smoothly that all goes, we hope to be operational not less than two weeks after that,” Johnson said.
He explained that after a mild winter last year, construction had moved ahead of schedule to a late January, early February move in time, but an overhead waterline leak in the Community Health area of the build caused some water damages.
“The contractors have been cleaning up the water and repairing any water damages that occurred as a result. Between that and some building modifications, it was necessary to delay the scheduled opening,” Johnson said.
As it turns out, Johnson noted, the opening date will now be opening fairly close to the original timeline.
Johnson said each department is working on their own details in terms of the exact dates they will shut down in the old clinic and start up in the new clinic.
“We will be holding a grand opening probably in May, after we have been operational and have had a chance to work out the kinks,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, the place is really starting to take shape, yet lots of finishing touches to get to. He said much of the flooring and door installations, etc. are underway now.
“Our biggest challenge will be getting our IT projects installed and operational so everything is move in ready,” Johnson said.
Last fall, Johnson said on the outside, it is easy to see this is going to be a beautiful facility.
“The inside is quickly turning into an impressive building that will house many departments. The concrete floors are all poured, the dry wall work and painting is already underway as each department is starting to take its own shape,” he explained.
Woodstone Inc, stated, “It’s going to be a beautiful building. We are proud of this project and grateful to Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians for their confidence in Albertson Engineering, Brunton Architects & Engineers and Woodstone Inc to help realize another vision for the Community.”
Brunton went on, “This new 64,421-square-foot healthcare clinic is the first of a multi-phased wellness campus and was recently awarded the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Government Impact Deal of the Year during the 42nd Annual Conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.
“We are excited to see the progress of this much-needed healthcare center. Brunton took cues from the earth lodge and medicine wheel with individual department suites radiating out from the central lobby. These include medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, community health, lab, imaging, chiropractic, urgent care, and administration.”
Good news, and may more be manifested.