LCO liaison reports clinic staffing, food distribution and supportive-housing planning to Sawyer County HHS

A Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) liaison told the Sawyer County Health & Human Services committee on Nov. 3 that the tribe is prioritizing food distribution, elder meals and clinic capacity in response to funding cuts and growing need.

The liaison said the tribe is organizing food drives, distributing meals in villages, assisting people who rely on SNAP and similar programs, and working to ensure elders receive services. The liaison also announced clinic staffing changes: Mariah Austin joined as assistant to the clinic director, three new nurse practitioners and two new dentists were added, and one physician signed on through Dec. 26, 2026.

Transportation initiatives were described to help patients reach appointments more quickly; the clinic is also redesigning its pharmacy drive-thru to accommodate patients more safely. The liaison said the tribe is planning a supportive-housing project for community members with housing needs and continues behavioral-health and addiction services.

The committee received the update; no formal county action was taken on tribal items at the meeting.