Recent billing company mistake
Our billing company mistakenly sent out letters that included demanding language we do not typically use regarding past due accounts. This was an error within their system. If you received a recent letter dated 1/28/12 we apologize for the language used.
Any questions regarding your past due balances can be directed to Amber, Billing Specialist at The Lakes, at 888-834-4551.
Thank you for your understanding.
Working to Keep Kids Cavity-Free
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and The Lakes Community Health Center is planning to celebrate with a variety of free activities and screenings geared at promoting healthy oral habits (see calendar below or our Facebook events page for more information).
The American Dental Association (ADA) started the national observance of a children’s dental health month in 1949. The goal was, and still is, to promote the importance of good oral health as part of a child’s overall health.
“Teaching children the importance of oral health at an early age is part of total body wellness,” said Christina Sopiwnik, Dental Director and Dentist at The Lakes. “One of the reasons we spend time and energy getting out into the community, is that we’ve found that it can be a more effective way to reach families with children ages 0-3, and middle-school and high-school aged kids. Anything that we can do to help them get excited about oral health is great.”
The Lakes is planning several events during the month of February and is partnering with Ashland Parks and Recreation, the Vaughn Public Library, Washburn Public Library and the Chequamegon Food Co-op to provide free educational programming, dental screenings, fluoride varnish and healthy snacks:
Free Screenings and Fluoride Varnish at the Bretting Community Center: Fridays from 4-6pm in February
Dr. Tina and Dr. Erin will be providing free screenings and fluoride varnish application Friday nights in February from 4-6pm at the Bretting Community Center (BCC). Kids who get a screening get in to the BCC for free. Fluoride varnish will require a parent’s signature. Call 685-2200 or visiting thelakesCHC.org for more information.
Dr. Tina and Otis at Granny Goose: Monday, February 6, 10:30am
The Lakes’ Dentist, Dr. Tina Sopiwnik and her therapy dog in-training, Otis, will be reading to kids at a special story-time with Granny Goose at the Vaughn Public Library in Ashland. Parents and kids should expect to enjoy a fun tooth-related stories and healthy snacks. Plus, Dr. Tina will be available to answer questions from parents immediately afterwards.
Grandma Carol Story Time at the Washburn Public Library: Wednesday, February 8 at 10:30am
Staff from The Lakes will also be visiting Grandma Carol’s Story Time at the Washburn Public Library on Wednesday, February 8 at 10:30am. Healthy snacks and information provided.
Meet Dr. Erin: Fun-n-Run on February 29
Free screenings and a chance to meet Dr. Erin, The Lakes’ newest dentist will be held at Ashland Parks and Recreation’s Fun-n-Run on February 29 from 9:30 to 11am at the Bretting Community Center. Healthy snacks will be provided.
Otis
Otis
Therapy Dog In-Training
otis@thelakesCHC.org
More about Otis:
Otis is an 8 month-old apricot poodle currently in-training to become a therapy dog. He loves carrots, snap peas and Mr. Bill (his stuffed animal). He also loves snuggles, pets and to give kisses. Be sure and ask to meet him if you haven’t yet. He’s primarily in our clinic in Ashland.
John Sopiwnik, MSE
John Sopiwnik, MSE
Behavioral Health Therapist
jsopiwnik@thelakesCHC.org
Works primarily out of our Ashland location, 719 Main St E, Ashland, WI.
Erin Cutler, DMD
Erin Cutler, DMD
Dentist
ecutler@thelakesCHC.org
- University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
More about Dr. Erin:
The Lakes Community Health Center (The Lakes) recently hired Dr. Erin Cutler as a full-time dentist to work primarily with children on BadgerCare/Medicaid at their clinic in Ashland, Wis.
“We were extremely fortunate to quickly find a dentist to replace Dr. Barb, who left to work for a Community Health Center closer to her family in October,” said Reba Rice, CEO and executive director of The Lakes. “Dr. Erin is a talented dentist, a super person and a great fit for our organization.”
Cutler most recently worked in a general practice clinic in Paris, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 2009 and before that, studied Chemistry at Western Kentucky University. She was interested in moving to northern Wisconsin after an internship in 2008 with the Menominee Tribe in Keshena, Wis.
“I really fell in love with the state when I did my internship with the Menominee,” Cutler said. “Now that I’m here, I’m looking forward to the change of seasons—maybe some snow, if we end up getting any this winter—and experiencing the woods and lovely beaches that surround Lake Superior.”
When asked about making the switch from private practice to a Community Health Center (CHC), Cutler says, “I have always been interested in how public health and oral health intersect in the CHC model, so when I saw that The Lakes was hiring an additional dentist, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Opportunity for Mission Driven Certified Medical Assistant
Make a Difference! The Lakes Community Health Center’s mission is to provide a full array of healthcare services to people who experience geographic, financial or cultural barriers to care. We currently provide medical, dental, mental health, physical therapy, lab and x-ray services from our clinics in Iron River and Ashland, Wisconsin.
We are seeking a highly organized Medical Assistant with excellent patient skills to work 32-40 hours per week in our Iron River clinic and potentially in satellite locations in other communities. Clinic experience and the ability to work evenings is required.
Interested and qualified candidates please email resume and cover letter by January 23, 2012, to Leslie Cooper at lcooper@thelakeschc.org. We offer competitive pay and benefits.
The Lakes is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
UPDATE: Dental Contracts Program Suspended
- Current patients of the program who have seen the contracted dentist will continue care as Lakes’ patients and will see a dentist at our clinic in Ashland.
- Current patients will receive a phone call or letter from Jess Fairbanks, Dental Services Coordinator, with more information in the next few weeks.
- Current patients should also expect to hear back from The Lakes by March, 2012, with more information about the suspension. We hope that by then, we will know if the program suspension will continue or if the program will end.
New Phone System
Beginning today, December 20, 2011, The Lakes is using a new phone system. Now, when you call you will be immediately greeted by an auto-attendant (or voice message) with the following options to choose from:
- Press 1 for Dental Services
- Press 2 for Medical Services
- Press 3 for Behavioral Health (Mental Health)
- Press 0 for anything else or to reach the Operator
As with any new system, we hope there are no big snags this week, but if you call and have any problems, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You always send emails to info@thelakeschc.org.
Iron River Clinic Expansion Project
We began the next phase of our Iron River clinic expansion project in early November by pouring the foundation for a 3,000 square foot addition at our building on US Hwy 2 in Iron River. The new space will house several more exam rooms, behavioral health rooms, space for patient education and meetings, and a larger reception area.
With this expansion, The Lakes hopes to continue to increase access in the Iron River area to medical and behavioral health services. As with any construction project, the floor plan below (click to see larger) is subject to slight changes.
To track progress or see photos, be sure to “Like” us at Facebook.com/TheLakesCHC.
Stephanie Hasskamp
