COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
LA CROSSE (WKBT) — Gundersen Health System is approaching its fundraising target for a groundbreaking mental health facility that will serve as the first urgent care unit of its kind in Wisconsin.
The health system has raised $5.2 million for the EmPATH unit, which stands for Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing. Only $250,000 remains to complete the fundraising campaign, following a transformational gift from the Austin and Chelsea Reinhart and Robert and Diane Reinhart families.
EmPATH will function as an urgent care center specifically designed for mental health emergencies.
The facility is scheduled to open early next year within the existing Behavioral Health Department on the La Crosse hospital campus.
“This care is going to enhance the standard of care for our community forevermore,” said Mandy Richardson, director of Philanthropy at Gundersen Medical Foundation.
Patients experiencing mental health emergencies will first be assessed in the hospital’s Emergency Department, then transferred to the EmPATH facility where they can receive treatment for up to 23 hours.
“It’s a service line that many are stepping away from because it’s hard. It is not a money maker for us, we don’t produce a lot of revenue off that service line but it’s something we’re so committed to,” said Heather Schimmers, president of Emplify Health by Gundersen.
Community members interested in supporting the final phase of fundraising can contribute through Gundersen Medical Foundation’s donation platform.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.