ODANAH, Wisconsin. – After years of operating from a number of different portable buildings due to a fire in 2006 and relying on medical services located miles from the reservation, Bad River celebrates more than the opening of a new Health and Wellness Center. The community gathers to renew the commitment of health for the Bad River community, and celebrate the success in creating a healthcare delivery system that meets the needs of the tribe now and into the future.

“We are turning the corner. This new facility provides us the space to offer a wider array of health care services to meet the needs of Bad River,” said Bad River Tribal Chairman Mike Wiggins. “We have come a long way and it’s just the beginning of a stronger health department and a healthier community.”

In planning and designing the facility, DSGW Architects worked closely with Bad River band members, elders, facility staff, directors and council members. This group of active stakeholders shaped the program and final design of the clinic. “Guiding principles were established early in the planning process and communicated through a series of meetings,” stated Michael Laverdure, DSGW Architects Designer and Director of the First American Design Studio. “One example of incorporating culture into the facility was done through a "medicine path". As an informative and healing path, it encourages patients to reflect on Anishinabee culture at seven locations. Offering stations are located on each end of the path to offer prayers and asema.”

The 25,000 square foot Health and Wellness Center includes clinical exam rooms, an outpatient pharmacy, optical lab and testing, and a six chair dental clinic. “It’s an exciting time. We look forward to enhancing the services we currently provide and can now offer new services, such as dental,” said Clinic Administrator, Deb Tutor. In addition, the design incorporates office space for medical records, billing and community health programs.

Medicine Path