One of the services of Fennimore Area Health Services provides is awarding a number of eligible Fennimore High School seniors with scholarships for college education. FAHS also awards eligible Fennimore area college students (including returning adults) who are continuing their education. Learn more about our FAHS Scholarships and download application forms here. Below, you may read more information about the history and services provided by Fennimore Area Health Services, LTD.
About FAHS
The Fennimore Area Health Services, Ltd Board was created in 1983 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 in less than two months 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
The fund has been managed continuously by a nine-member board of directors comprised of individuals from the Fennimore community, each serving up to two four-year terms. The fund has been used to recruit health care providers and to create a health and wellness collection at Dwight Parker Library. Donations are also made annually to the Fennimore Rescue Squad and the Fennimore Fire Department.
This initiative is 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 city of Fennimore 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.
In addition to awarding scholarships, FAHS supports community health-related entities and services providing donations annually and on a per instance basis. Among those in recent years, are the Fennimore Rescue Squad, Fennimore Fire Department, Dwight Parker Library (health-related books), and Aiming for Acceptance.
Fennimore Area Health Services, LTD., a 501(c)(3) Corporation, has a has a proud tradition of encouraging/supporting adequate health care coverage and services for the area. Donations are always appreciated and will be used to keep the vision alive for future generations.
Officers of FAHS include: John Wells, President (608-822-3750); Vicki Marish, Treasurer; Sally Rosemeyer, Secretary. Board members include Vince Lease, Len Leis, Kristy Wiest, Kevin Rucht, Joanne Blume, JoAnn Wiederholt.
The board meets quarterly. For additional information, or to make a much appreciated donation, call John Wells at his office, 608-822-3750, or email fahsltd@gmail.com. You may also send donations to Fennimore Area Health Services at P.O. Box 196, Fennimore, WI 53809.
