Vernon Health awarded Orion Initiative grant for onsite specialty training

April 8, 2026

VIROQUA, Wis. —  The Orion Initiative, a rural health-focused grant program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, announced Mile Bluff Medical Center, Vernon Health, Southwest Health and Lafayette Hospital + Clinics as the latest recipients of Specialty Training at Rural Sites grant funding.  

Specialty Training at Rural Sites (STARS) grant programs pair academic specialty clinicians from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with rural primary care providers to co-design and implement hands-on, onsite training focused on rheumatology and dermatology. 

“STARS-Rheumatology and STARS-Dermatology reduce rural provider isolation by building a bridge between rural primary care providers and specialty clinicians,” said Dr. Amy Kind, CEO of the Orion Initiative. “Through hands-on, onsite training, rural providers can strengthen their skills in these specialty areas and treat more patients locally, within their own communities.” 

“Vernon Health is proud to launch its participation in the STARS-Rheumatology project, further expanding our team’s expertise in rheumatology care,” said David Hartberg, chief executive officer and administrator at Vernon Health. “Through this program, our physicians will enhance their skills, collaborate with UW specialists, and deliver more advanced, timely care for patients throughout the region.” 

STARS grant funding supports primary care provider training time, supplies, travel and equipment. 

The Orion Initiative currently has eight STARS-Rheumatology grant opportunities available for rural hospitals across Wisconsin. Interested sites are encouraged to visit the Orion Initiative website for additional details.  

STARS-Dermatology is currently in a pilot phase and is expected to expand with additional site availability by the end of 2026. 

“Lafayette Hospital + Clinics is honored to partner with the Orion Initiative through the STARS-Dermatology program,” said Marie Wamsley, CEO of Lafayette Hospital + Clinics. “This program will allow our physicians to expand their dermatology expertise and provide advanced care locally, helping patients in our rural community receive timely treatment without traveling long distances.”