Mayo, UWL reach agreement for campus health services

Starting this fall, the Student Health Center at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will look a little different. A new health services agreement between Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse and UW-L will bring Mayo care directly to students.

The agreement, signed Wednesday, at UW-L, enhances student health services, with on-campus access to Mayo services and expertise.

“Convenience and access to high-quality health care services are essential for students to optimize their well-being and help them return to their daily activities as soon as possible after seeking care,” Paul Mueller, M.D., regional vice president for Mayo in Southwest Wisconsin said. “Mayo will provide on-campus primary care services and seamless referrals to specialists if care is required outside the scope of the Student Health Center.”

Mayo has provided health services to UW-L on an interim basis since November 2021. Under the agreement, familiar Mayo and UW-L staff members will continue to provide care at the Student Health Center.

“This partnership between UW-L and (Mayo) ensures that our students will continue to receive accessible, high-quality health care right here on campus,” UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow said. “We are fortunate to have such an incredible health care provider in our community, and we are thrilled that our students will have increased access to Mayo’s outstanding staff, services and technology.”

Dr. Mueller added that this agreement brings peace of mind to parents whose student may be navigating their own health care for the first time.

“When your student is at a university and needs care, it is comforting to know they’re receiving care from one of the top health care organizations in the world,” Mueller said.

Mayo and UW-L expect the agreement will strengthen their collaborative relationship as they remain invested in the Coulee region. Both organizations are committed to addressing educational and patient needs within the community.

“At (UW-L), we take great pride in not only our students’ academic accomplishments, but in their health and physical well-being, too,” adds Dr. Gow. “That’s why our university motto translates to ‘mind and body.’ (Mayo) shares this vision of holistic care, and we look forward to working with them to advance our goals on campus and in the community.”

“Outside of direct patient care, (Mayo) and (UW-L) have collaborated on many levels for several years,” Mueller said. “This collaboration includes joint community events and forums, educational opportunities, a research agreement, and sports medicine and athletic training services. Also, many Mayo staff and leaders are graduates of the university, and continue to serve, volunteer and support the university.”

The Student Health Center will continue to provide health services to Western Technical College students. Also, Mayo shares a similar agreement with Viterbo University, providing health services and medical directorship to students.