New Clinic Brings Comprehensive Health Care Services to Whitmore Lake

Whitmore Lake residents have a much-needed option for accessible and affordable health care with Hamilton Community Health Network’s (HCHN) Whitmore Lake Clinic. This comes as a result of dedicated collaboration between HCHN, the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN), and Whitmore Lake Area Human Services, offering a promising remedy for the community's need for accessible care.

Addressing a Long-standing Demand

In 2011, the Whitmore Lake Health Equity leadership team identified significant gaps in health care access through community assessments that found the community connecting Northfield, Green Oak, Washtenaw and Livingston Counties suffered from a shortage of essential health services.

In 2021, Northfield’s Human Services, which has since been renamed Whitmore Lake Area Human Services, recognized the need for a local clinic in Whitmore Lake. Their involvement in food security initiatives and partnership with People’s Express, a local rural transit agency, highlighted the transportation challenges residents faced when accessing health care services in and around Ann Arbor. Many residents had to travel more than 25-30 minutes just to see a primary care physician, underscoring the need for more accessible health care options within the community.

Forming Strategic Partnerships

UMSN responded with a proposal to embed nursing services into existing community contexts, beginning with a food pantry.

At the same time, HCHN, a Federally Qualified Health Center, responded with a willingness to open a clinic in the area. Through a collaborative effort, the three organizations developed a vision for the future of the Whitmore Lake clinic that soon became a reality.

Health for All

Patients can now receive comprehensive medical and behavioral health services across the medical spectrum, from vaccinations to primary care visits. "If a patient were to walk in without an appointment, they would be seen, they would be treated and they’d be encouraged to establish that location as their primary care facility," said Emilie Spratke, project manager for Whitmore Lake Health Hub.

The clinic is staffed by Dr. Jennifer Riske, a Family Nurse Practitioner and clinical assistant professor at UMSN, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Additionally, the HCHN clinical team is available from Monday to Friday.

"We are embedding nursing services within the community to elevate and advance public health,” Dr. Riske said. “The clinic opening epitomizes the fusion of clinical proficiency, academic excellence and community engagement.”.

As part of HCHN's network, the clinic offers a sliding fee scale that makes health care more affordable and accessible. This approach allows uninsured individuals to receive the care they need without facing financial barriers. No one is ever turned away for their inability to pay.

A notable program offered to patients is the 340B pharmacy program, which offers medications at significantly reduced costs, providing critical support for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Engaging Nursing Students and the Path Forward

While the clinic is still building its patient volume, there are plans to bring in nursing students from UMSN in various roles. Emilie says Doctor of Nursing Practice students are creating health coaching modules that will benefit both the clinic and the food pantry with a vision to integrate more student roles as more patients are seen.

Additionally, Dr. Riske has been engaging nursing students by way of her population health class. “It will show our students how health impacts every aspect of our lives and how important it is for everyone to have access to quality health care, no matter their situation,” she said.

“Being involved with the clinic [Whitmore Lake] has deepened my understanding of nursing’s critical impact on underserved communities," said Angelee Vaile, a DNP nursing student involved with the clinic. " Many residents have not seen a nurse or physician in over 20 years due to transportation difficulties, personal circumstances and the absence of local primary care providers, laboratory testing and nearby pharmacies. Through this clinic, I have observed how nurses can addresses this crucial gap," she added.

"This clinic is not just about providing care, it's about building lasting relationships, fostering wellness, and improving the overall quality of life for our neighbors,” Dr. Riske said, adding that she’s incredibly proud to be a part of the patients and student’s lives.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Whitmore Lake clinic, residents can contact the clinic directly at 734-257-9100.