Nov. 8, 2025
By Tim Hundt
VIROQUA, Wis. — Vernon Health marked a pivotal moment for healthcare in Vernon County on Wednesday when they held a groundbreaking ceremony for a facility expansion that will introduce a permanent, in-house Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite.
The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, celebrating a project that CEO David Hartberg noted would “help shape the future of healthcare in our community.”
“We break ground on ability expansion, but this project is more than just adding some space, it’s about bringing new technology and services to our community,” Hartberg said. “It’s about caring for our neighbors and helping our rural communities grow even stronger.”
Boosting Diagnostics and Addressing Critical Need
The expansion is driven by a critical need for expanded diagnostic capabilities. Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) currently relies on a rented MRI truck available only two days per week. This limited availability often creates delays for patients who require prompt diagnosis and care.
The necessity of the service has been underscored by significant usage trends, including an 8% average annual increase in MRI scheduling over the past three years, culminating in a notable 14% rise in the last year alone. The new, in-house MRI service is considered essential for timely, quality care, particularly for diagnosing and planning treatments in emergency situations, surgical preparations, and chronic pain management.
The new facility will also significantly enhance patient convenience. Currently, patients must be escorted outdoors to the MRI truck, which is challenging for those with mobility issues or during inclement weather. The expansion will transform what was once the organization’s front door into a new entrance and allow patients to remain within the building for their diagnostic procedures, ensuring a safer and more convenient experience.
State Investment Secures Project Funding
The project is moving forward thanks to significant state investment. The expansion received a $2 million investment through a Non-State Infrastructure Grant. This funding was part of 50 grants selected from 250 applications, totaling $50 million invested across Wisconsin through the 23-25 budget.
Hartberg praised the support, calling the generous grant funding “a powerful statement that the state’s ongoing commitment to sustaining rural health care and expanding access for all patients.” He added that the partnership shows that “Wisconsin recognizes the unique challenges faced by us in rural health care and is willing to invest in solutions that make a real difference.”
Leaders Emphasize Rural Access
Key speakers at the event emphasized the importance of bringing advanced diagnostic tools to rural areas.
Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), highlighted the mission of equitable care. “Expanding and sustaining rural healthcare is no small task,” Blumenfeld stated. “Making sure that cutting edge diagnostic tools are available to people across Wisconsin, not just in the big cities, is critical to ensuring good health outcomes for everyone.” Blumenfeld expressed pride that the DOA could support the facility with the $2 million investment.
State Senator Brad Pfaff stressed the significance of the expansion in light of recent closures in other rural parts of the state.
“This is a big deal,” Pfaff emphasized. He noted that while other hospitals have struggled, “not here,” due to excellent leadership. Pfaff, who served on the State Building Commission, was proud to approve the funding. He noted that the facility will provide patients with “faster diagnostic care right here, closer to home. That means shorter wait times, quicker results and better outcomes for families in this community.”
Hartberg affirmed Vernon Health’s dedication to the community, stating, “Our commitment to the community means we are dedicated to investing in infrastructure that enhances patient care and supports the health of our local community.”
Tyler Swanson of Market and Johnson, the construction partner for the site, referred to the project as “very complex and very important to the community.” Kyle Schauf of HSN Architects described the design as patient-centered and efficient, aiming to be “a statement of who Vernon health is today and in the future.”
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