Blackhawk Community Credit Union announced Tuesday the organization’s intent to gift its administrative building zoned as a medical facility at 2707 Kennedy Road in Janesville to HealthNet of Rock County, the state’s largest of 99 charitable clinics. HealthNet is Rock County’s only free and charitable clinic, giving away prescriptions annually worth $1.5MM and staffed with volunteer physicians, nurses, and dentists, as well as 21 employees serving 6,400 patients.
The gift will coincide with the planned opening in 2021 of the credit union’s Legacy Center and new headquarters as part of Reflections Plaza along the eastern bank of Rock River in downtown Janesville. HealthNet of Rock County’s medical and dental clinics are outgrowing its current two locations in Janesville: 23 W. Milwaukee Street and 1344 Creston Park Drive, Suite 2.
“We are incredibly appreciative of this gift from Blackhawk Community Credit Union. The building sits on a bus route, has plenty of parking and wheelchair access,” stated HealthNet CEO Ian Hedges. “HealthNet’s mission to provide access to healthcare to those most vulnerable in our community pairs well with Blackhawk Community Credit Union’s vision of giving back to its members and the community.”
“The Blackhawk Community Credit Union board of directors was emotional about the donation of our Kennedy Road office. Everyone had a story about how HealthNet has helped people they know. We were privileged to use this building as a resource for a lot of years. We had a choice to sell or to seize the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way,” said Sherri Stumpf, CEO and president. “It was an easy decision because we prioritize the connection between physical health and financial health. We are extending our plans for healthy living in our new headquarters. A financial counselor, a nutritionist, yoga and wellness initiatives will be available for employees and members.”
HealthNet of Rock County’s move is part of the realization of its five-year strategic plan released in 2018 which calls for the expansion of services related to behavioral health and to select alternative locations that meet the needs of the organization’s patients.
Hedges stated, “This location is intended to create a healthcare one-stop shop for our patients, while allowing us to begin addressing the behavioral health care needs of those most vulnerable. It is in line with the expansion of our medical and dental programs that are making a significant impact in the lives of our patients and their families.”
In 2016, HealthNet of Rock County expanded its dental program by serving those who were on Medicaid and BadgerCare and those who obtain their medical care through the Veteran’s Administration. This required an expansion of its dental clinic and the hiring of a dentist. Shortly after, HealthNet of Rock County’s medical clinic began an integrated depression and anxiety treatment program and an intensive diabetes education and treatment program.
“This move will be significant to Janesville and to Rock County by helping to ensure that we are not leaving anyone behind during this time of economic growth in our communities,” noted Hedges.
City Manager of Janesville, Mark Freitag, stated, “The City of Janesville is pleased to learn about Blackhawk Community Credit Union and HealthNet’s new partnership. BHCCU continues to set the example as a great community leader by supporting HealthNet’s vital services to our residents in need as well as its commitment to the revitalization of Janesville. With BHCCU, we are proud to help make the Legacy Center and Reflections Plaza project come to life.”
While HealthNet has expanded its treatment options over the last four years, Hedges acknowledges that a capital campaign is the lynchpin to make this center an optimal space for its patients.
“Building a modernized multi-purpose clinic with the ability to host families or large groups for treatment will require remodeling and a significant investment from the community,” says Hedges. HealthNet hopes to announce the start of its capital campaign by second quarter of 2019.
