North Central Healthcare honored as 2025 Children's System of Care champion

Marathon County's Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 7 recognized North Central Healthcare as a 2025 Children's System of Care champion, presenting a plaque and hearing officials describe collaborative changes that contributed to the award.

A presenter said the organization was selected from 19 organizations statewide and credited revised Tri-County agreements, leadership changes, and closer collaboration between social services and behavioral health partners for improved outcomes. The presenter said the counties' shared services and on-campus youth resources allow more children to be served locally in less restrictive settings.

Krista, a social services director, told the committee the coalition's work over the past three years has helped keep children in the community through the youth hospital and a youth crisis stabilization facility and has improved mutual understanding of statutory responsibilities.

Supervisor Cauffele congratulated North Central Healthcare and said the committee has seen positive data reflecting the program's success, adding that families appreciate the services and the work supports the county's broader health goals.

Committee members expressed pride that the recognition came to an organization serving Marathon County and praised staff and partner agencies involved in the continuum of care.