Learn more about the work that Access does through the words of our staff members and community supporters.

For over 20 years, Access Community Health Centers has provided better care for thousands of people in need, thanks to ongoing support from The Evjue Foundation.

The charitable arm of The Capital Times has provided over $1 million in support, funding many programs at Access, most of them providing care to children. In addition, Evjue was a major donor to Access’ campaign to open a clinic on East Washington Avenue, the now William T. Evjue Clinic, as well as the school-based Celebrate Smiles children’s dental program.

William T. Evjue founded Madison’s Capital Times in 1917 and was its long-time publisher and editor. He set up the foundation before his death in 1970 to use profits from the newspaper to help, “those without the power of wealth and station,” and to give back to the community that supported his newspaper.

“Mr. Evjue was always a huge supporter of people who were struggling in life and needed an assist,” explained Evjue Foundation Director and Cap Times Editor Emeritus Dave Zweifel. “Access’ mission is to serve the community that’s underserved and needs help. It is absolutely a perfect fit for Mr. Evjue’s beliefs and why we consider Access one of our benefactors.”

March 2022

Making sure our patients are involved in the future direction of Access Community Health Centers is vital to our success as an organization. We want our patients’ voices to be heard as we look to improve services and expand our impact going forward.

Our Access Patient Advisory Council and Latinx Patient Advisory Council are composed of patients who have a variety of experiences at Access. Members are given an opportunity to use their experience as a patient to provide feedback on various topics of importance to the organization.

These groups meet virtually or in-person a few times a year to give us feedback about the care our patients receive at our clinics and our work in the broader community. We invite you to advise us in how we can improve the care you receive. Participants will receive a $25 gift card as a thank you.

If you are interested in joining the Access Patient Advisory Council, please contact Paul Harrison at (608) 443-5544 or email: paul.harrison@accesshealthwi.org.

March 2022

Access’ Dodgeville Dental Clinic is currently undergoing an expansion project that which will allow us to serve more people who need high quality dental care.

Our Dodgeville Dental Clinic provides dental services to people throughout Iowa, Richland, Sauk, Grant and western Dane counties. The expansion will allow the clinic to take on an additional 1,500 to 2,000 patients annually. The project allows the clinic to move into the second floor, doubling its current 4,000 square feet and add four new dental operatories, bringing its total to 12 operatories. Additionally, the addition of an elevator will make the site more accessible and an upgrade to the HVAC system brings the air turnover rate at the clinic in line with other Access facilities.

“We have been honored to partner with individuals and organizations to bring quality, compassionate dental care to the people we serve,” Access CEO Ken Loving, MD, said. “This expansion is critical in our efforts to serve more people and improve the health and improve the lives of people throughout southwest Wisconsin.”

The expansion project was made possible through a $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to the City of Dodgeville.

In January, Access hosted Governor Tony Evers at the Dodgeville Dental Clinic. Governor Evers was on-site for a tour and conversation with our leadership, staff and providers at the clinic, and to recognize our organization for continuing to expand access to high quality dental services for a large geographic area, even in the midst of the pandemic.

March 2022

We are happy to have resumed our longstanding partnership with the Madison and Sun Prairie school districts and provide the Celebrate Smiles program in area schools this year.

Untreated dental decay is among the most preventable chronic disease for children. It causes kids pain, lost time in the classroom and diminishes performance in school. Our Celebrate Smiles program works to prevent tooth decay and educate children about good oral health. This program brings licensed dental staff to local schools, screening children in grades 4K-8. They provide dental sealants, fluoride varnish, as well as dental cleanings and restorative treatment as needed. Services are provided with portable dental equipment by dental staff led by a licensed dentist from Access Community Health Centers.

After an absence of more than a year, our presence once again provides dental services in the schools for children who would otherwise go without care.

For more information about our Celebrate Smiles program, please visit our Celebrate Smiles page.