One click could save a life. Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is helping save and heal lives by being the first health care organization in the state to offer organ donation registration directly within its patient portal, GHCMyChart. This new feature, launching this month, makes it easier than ever for members to register as organ donors – a decision that could save lives.
“Organ donation is one of the most profound acts of generosity a person can do to make a lasting impact,” said Dr. Sally Frings, Chief Nursing Officer at GHC-SCW. “We are proud to lead the way in Wisconsin by embedding this life-saving choice into a tool our members already use and trust.”
The feature was developed in collaboration with Donate Life America and Epic, GHC-SCW’s electronic health record provider. It allows members to securely register with the National Donate Life Registry while managing their health online and reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to life-saving decisions.
When members or patients log into GHCMyChart, they will see a prompt to opt in to organ donation. This feature eliminates the need to visit a separate website or wait in line at the DMV. Those who register and later change their minds can easily update their donor status at any time through the linked registry site in their settings.
“By integrating the donor registration opportunity directly into GHCMyChart, we are reaching people where they already manage their health. This creates a seamless, trusted pathway for lifesaving generosity. Together, we are empowering millions to make a difference and help save and heal lives,” said David Fleming, President & CEO, Donate Life America.
“This tool is about accessibility and empowerment,” said Dr. Chris Kastman, Chief Medical Officer at GHC-SCW. “We’re helping patients align their health care values with their medical records in a way that’s simple, secure and meaningful.”
According to Donate Life Wisconsin, more than 1,400 people in Wisconsin are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Additionally, a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list every eight minutes. Yet, despite broad support for organ donation, many eligible donors never register due to lack
of access or awareness. By integrating donor registration into the electronic medical record, GHC-SCW and Epic aim to remove barriers and encourage more Wisconsinites to make informed and impactful choices.
“We’re proud to support GHC-SCW in making organ donor registration simpler and more accessible,” said Seth Howard, EVP of Research and Development at Epic. “This makes it easier for patients who choose to become donors to take that step—one that could one day save a life.”
For more information about organ donation registration in GHCMyChart or to learn more about GHC-SCW, visit www.ghcscw.com.
About GHC-SCW
Proudly serving over 70,000 members, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is Wisconsin’s first, and Dane County’s only, member-owned, nonprofit health care cooperative. This ensures that patients and members are at the top of the leadership chart, giving them a voice in their health care. Services extend across greater Dane County and select areas in South Central Wisconsin, offering insurance coverage and clinical care. Celebrating nearly 50 years, GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader in quality. In 2024, GHC-SCW achieved a 4.5 out of 5 rating among private commercial plans according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) report cards.
About NCQA
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA’s HEDIS® is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s Web site (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices.
About Donate Life America
Donate Life America (DLA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization educating, inspiring and activating the public to say yes to registering their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.
Unionization Process Update: GHC-SCW Requests Expedited Investigation
Updated Statement Posted June 19, 2025
On Thursday, June 12, GHC-SCW sent a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting an expedited investigation into the unfair labor practice accusations made by SEIU Wisconsin on behalf of GHC-SCW employees seeking to unionize. As previously stated, GHC-SCW believes these allegations are without merit and NLRB will find that to be the case through a thorough investigation.
The bargaining unit eligible for unionization was determined by NLRB in March and GHC-SCW’s position has remained consistent – we stand ready to set dates for a confidential, in-person, supervised vote for all eligible employees as defined by the NLRB as soon as possible. We have provided SEIU Wisconsin with three sets of dates which have been declined.
GHC-SCW is steadfast in moving forward to allow the only voices that matter, our employees, to have their say in an inclusive and fair vote on this important decision that will shape the future of our Cooperative.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Previous GHC-SCW Statements About the Unionization Process
Updated Statement Posted June 9, 2025
At Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), we respect the rights of our employees to explore unionization. Earlier this year, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that the appropriate voting group includes all eligible direct care employees across all GHC-SCW clinic locations. In support of this decision, GHC-SCW proposed two separate sets of election dates. The first dates were in early May and the second dates were proposed for the end of May. Unfortunately, SEIU Wisconsin declined those dates and instead filed additional unfair labor practice charges in an effort to bypass the vote and seek automatic certification. We are confident that once reviewed, these claims will be dismissed.
We continue to believe that every eligible employee deserves the opportunity to vote in a confidential, in-person, NLRB-supervised election. To that end, GHC-SCW has now proposed a new set of election dates: June 23, 24 and 25. We hope SEIU Wisconsin will support this opportunity to ensure all voices are heard.
Our Cooperative values every employee voice and we believe a fair and inclusive vote is the best path forward.
We will continue to provide updates as this process moves ahead.
Updated Statement Posted May 13, 2025
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) remains committed to transparency and fairness throughout the ongoing unionization process involving our direct care employees.
Following the March 21 decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to expand the proposed bargaining unit to include all eligible direct care employees across our clinic system, GHC-SCW proposed holding an in-person, NLRB-supervised election on May 6, 7 and 8. These dates would have allowed all eligible employees the opportunity to vote across all clinic sites. Unfortunately, the labor union, declined those proposed election dates and instead filed additional meritless unfair labor practice charges in an effort to delay the election process. The union has also asked the NLRB to certify the union without a vote from GHC-SCW employees; an outcome that we believe would deny our employees their right to a confidential election.
Today, the labor union held a press conference to accuse GHC-SCW of engaging in “union-busting” tactics to prevent employees from forming a labor union. This is simply not true. GHC-SCW is not against unionization, and we have not delayed or obstructed the process. These repeated untrue claims do not reflect the reality of how GHC-SCW operates and only risks creating more harm to the GHC-SCW community and the organization we all care deeply about. We welcome the opportunity to hold a vote with all eligible direct care employees, which is why we have proposed additional dates for an election to SEIU Wisconsin. In a second attempt to schedule a vote, we have offered to hold the vote on May 27, 28 and 29. We hope the union will support this opportunity to bring clarity and resolution to this process through a confidential, in-person, NLRB-supervised election.
Our cooperative values are central to the good work we do every day, and that includes ensuring every employee has a voice in shaping the future of our organization and continuing to provide high-quality member-centered care.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated Statement Posted April 23, 2025
Following the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) March 21 decision affirming that all eligible direct care employees across all GHC-SCW clinic sites should be included in the proposed bargaining unit, GHC-SCW has been working to facilitate a timely, confidential and in-person election for our employees. We proposed May 6, 7 and 8 as potential election dates, with voting held across all GHC-SCW clinic sites. However, the election dates have not yet been finalized and remains uncertain.
Recent Developments
Recently, the SEIU labor union filed additional unfair labor charges against GHC-SCW. These new allegations, alongside earlier claims filed this year, have caused delays in finalizing the election timeline. While we firmly believe these claims are without merit, we continue to respond through the proper legal process and are committed to navigating this issue with transparency and professionalism.
It’s disheartening to see these ongoing allegations against GHC-SCW; claims that do not reflect the values or the reality of how we operate. Despite these challenges, we remain focused on supporting our employees, upholding our cooperative values and ensuring this process is conducted fairly. We will continue to advocate that every eligible direct care employee be given the opportunity to vote on whether or not to form a union through a secure, confidential in-person election supervised by the NLRB.
As always, our primary focus remains to support our employees while continuing to provide high-quality, member-centered care. As this process continues to evolve, we will share updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your ongoing trust in GHC-SCW as we remain dedicated to our mission and the communities we serve.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Updated Statement Posted April 9, 2025
In the interest of transparency, we’re sharing an important update on the unionization process at GHC-SCW. Following the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) March 21 decision affirming that all eligible direct care employees across our seven clinic sites should be included in the proposed bargaining unit, GHC-SCW has remained committed to facilitating a confidential, fair and inclusive election.
In alignment with that commitment, GHC-SCW has proposed holding an in-person, NLRB-supervised election across all GHC-SCW clinic sites with suggested dates of May 6, 7, and 8. This is not yet agreed to by SEIU or the NLRB, but we will continue working with the NLRB and the SEIU to come to an agreement on the election dates.
We remain committed to supporting our employees through this process and to ensuring a respectful and transparent approach. As always, our priority is to continue delivering high-quality, member-centered care in alignment with our cooperative values.
Thank you for your continued trust in GHC-SCW and we’ll continue to update you on the progress of the unionization efforts.
____________________________________________________________________________________
NLRB Issues Decision on Bargaining Unit Scope
Updated Statement Posted March 25th, 2025
On March 21, 2025, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Regional Director issued a decision regarding the scope of the proposed bargaining unit related to the unionization effort at GHC-SCW. The decision determined that the appropriate voting group includes eligible direct care employees across all seven of GHC-SCW’s clinic locations—not just Capitol Clinic employees.
According to the NLRB ruling, the bargaining unit will include all full-time and regular part-time employees working in or providing services through behavioral health chiropractic, dermatology, health education, laboratory, pharmacy, physical therapy/occupational therapy, primary care, optometry, radiology, and urgent care departments and interpreters. The decision excludes roles such as receptionists, social workers, guards and supervisor positions as defined by the National Labor Relations Act. We will continue to follow the legal process and work with NLRB and the labor union to facilitate a secure, confidential voting process for our employees in the coming weeks.
____________________________________________________________________________________
GHC-SCW Position on Unionization Efforts
Original Statement Posted March 12, 2025
Setting the Record Straight
At Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), we respect the rights of our employees to explore unionization. We believe that such a significant decision should involve all eligible direct care employees across our integrated health system, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in a confidential, fair and inclusive election process.
Recently, there have been public accusations and media reports suggesting that GHC-SCW is engaged in “union-busting” tactics to prevent employees from voting. This is simply not true. GHC-SCW is not against unionization, and we are not delaying or obstructing the process. In fact, we welcome the opportunity to hold a vote with all eligible direct care employees included, not just a small, hand-picked group.
For nearly 50 years, GHC-SCW has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to democratic principles and fair representation as a member-owned cooperative. We are governed by an elected Board of Directors, which includes two employee practitioner directors, chosen by our members through an annual election process. Just as we uphold fair elections to ensure member representation in our Cooperative’s leadership, we believe the unionization process should be equally inclusive and transparent.
Where Things Stand Today
Currently, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is reviewing the scope of the voting group, and we are awaiting their decision. This process is not being delayed by GHC-SCW — we are and always have been following the legal process set out by the National Labor Relations Act required under federal labor laws. As soon as the NLRB makes its ruling, we are ready to move forward.
The original petition filed by GHC-SCW employees included care delivery departments from across GHC-SCW’s five clinic locations as part of the proposed bargaining unit. However, during the NLRB proceedings, the Union representatives chose to amend the petition, which substantially narrowed the unit to a small group of Capitol Clinic direct care employees, excluding all other GHC-SCW clinical sites. Our Cooperative operates as an integrated health system, and we believe this fragmented approach risks operational inefficiencies and divides our workforce. Our position has remained consistent — we believe all eligible direct care employees should have the opportunity to participate in a confidential, fair and inclusive vote.
To ensure that we are fully compliant with labor laws, we have been working with legal counsel from Husch Blackwell; attorneys who have provided us with legal guidance for more than 15 years. It is standard practice for organizations to seek legal guidance in these matters, and our legal team has been instrumental in helping us navigate the process lawfully and transparently.
Addressing Reputation Damage and Misinformation
It is disheartening to see misleading accusations that do not accurately reflect GHC-SCW’s position. Our stance has remained the same from the very beginning — we believe all eligible direct care employees should have a voice in this decision, and we are fully committed to a confidential, fair and inclusive election process.
We also recognize that this process has created tension and uncertainty among staff, and we want to be clear: GHC-SCW values and respects all employees, whether they support unionization or not. We remain committed to open communication and transparency, ensuring that every employee has access to factual information so they can make an informed decision when the time comes.
Moving Forward Together
Lastly, at GHC-SCW, our priority has always been to serve our members and support our employees. We will continue to follow the legal process, advocate for an inclusive and fair election and ensure that our employees’ voices are heard.
May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of a group of complex, often misunderstood connective tissue disorders. These medical conditions affect the body’s connective tissue, which holds your skin, joints and other organs together. People with EDS or HSD may look healthy on the outside, but they often deal with pain, injuries and fatigue every day.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
EDS is a group of genetic disorders that affect how the body makes connective tissue. Connective tissue is found throughout the body, providing support, protection and structure to other body parts. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are caused by genetic changes that prevent connective tissue from functioning correctly. There are 13 different types of EDS, but the most common is hypermobile EDS (hEDS).
Each type of EDS has its own set of features and distinct diagnostic criteria. Some symptoms are common across all types of EDS.
Common symptoms include:
- Very flexible joints (also called hypermobility)
- Frequent joint dislocations and sprains
- Chronic pain and tiredness
- Fragile or stretchy skin
What Are Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)?
HSD is similar to hypermobile EDS (hEDS). It also causes joint pain and hypermobility, but it doesn’t meet all the medical rules for EDS. People with HSD often have the same symptoms and struggles as those with EDS. Joint hypermobility is seen in all types of HSD.
Joint hypermobility alone is not always a problem. The problem occurs when hypermobile joints are unstable or place too much strain on other parts of the body. Joint instability occurs when a joint’s bones aren’t held securely, leading to joint subluxations, dislocations, sprains and other injuries. Hypermobility also affects a person’s muscles because the muscles are required to “hold on” to the joints, which puts extra strain on them and causes muscle fatigue more quickly.
How are EDS and HSD managed?
There are no disease-specific treatments for any type of EDS or HSD, so they are managed by addressing each person’s symptoms. There are lifestyle modifications that can be made that will help, such as pacing your activity. Each person’s care plan should address their individual needs. There are many conditions associated with hEDS and HDS. These comorbidities can include autonomic dysfunction, digestive issues, chronic pain, mental health conditions and many more.
Why Awareness is Important
Many people with EDS or HSD wait years for a correct diagnosis. Their symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as anxiety, poor posture or growing pains. Without proper care and understanding, these conditions can get worse and impact both physical and mental health.
Resources to Learn More About EDS & HSD
- The Ehlers-Danlos Society – What is EDS?
- The Ehlers-Danlos Society – What is HSD?
- Video: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) Explained: What You Need to Know
On May 5 and May 12, groups of Behavioral Health and Primary Care providers from GHC-SCW gathered at Max Creek Outdoors in Oregon, Wisconsin, for a unique firearm safety training session facilitated by shop owner Steve D’Orazio and UW Health Family Medicine Physician James Bigham. These hands-on training sessions provided a crucial opportunity for healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of firearm ownership, use and storage and build trust with patients, strengthen their role in suicide prevention efforts and develop clinical skills for discussing firearm injury prevention.
The first half of the session consisted of a show-and-tell demonstration covering firearm basics, safety and securing options, the purchasing process and more. This gave the providers a great opportunity to share their relationship with firearms and ask questions in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
For many providers, this was their first time interacting with firearms in a controlled and educational setting. This experience allowed them to engage thoughtfully in a topic that often carries weight, especially in the context of mental health. Understanding the practical aspects of firearm ownership, including safety features and storage solutions, help clinicians have more informed and respectful conversations with patients who own guns.
“Lock them up” was a consistent theme during the morning as the main topic was how we can protect our communities and, most importantly, our children. GHC-SCW Behavioral Health providers offer free gun locks to patients who need them.
The training also emphasized how clinicians can play a key role in firearm injury prevention. By learning how to approach the topic of firearm safety in nonjudgmental ways, providers are better equipped to screen for risk factors like access to unsecured firearms in households where someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises.
Attendees had the opportunity to visit the range and participate in a supervised shooting experience with guidance from the shop’s owner.
This optional range component offered participants a chance to experience firearm use firsthand, building comfort and confidence in discussing firearm-related topics with patients. This experiential learning helped demystify the subject for many, making future patient conversations more empathetic and practical.
Max Creek is involved in a program where someone in a behavioral health crisis can drop off their firearms or the firearms of a loved one at the store free of charge with no questions asked, for as long as they need. Max Creek will store them in locked safes until the owner is cleared with a background check and can return to retrieve their firearm.
This secure storage option is a powerful tool for suicide prevention, offering families and individuals in crisis a non-stigmatizing way to reduce immediate risk. Programs like this can serve as a model for how communities, clinicians and gun shop owners can collaborate for public safety and mental health.
Why This Matters
This training reflects a growing recognition that firearm safety is a public health issue, and that effective prevention starts with understanding. By participating in these sessions, providers increase their clinical knowledge and strengthen their connection to the communities they serve. This kind of cultural competency is essential for effective, compassionate care in rural and urban areas.
As these training sessions continue, one clear message echoes: “Lock them up.” Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, suicides and unauthorized access, especially by children or individuals in crisis. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to share this message with patients and families in a supportive, respectful way and rooted in care.
The more we normalize conversations about secure storage, the more lives we can protect. Through education, collaboration and continued outreach, we can ensure that this critical message reaches every home in every community.
With sadness, we share that Steve D’Orazio passed away on May 14, 2025. We are grateful for his contributions to GHC-SCW and the broader community. His commitment to firearm safety education, including training medical professionals, made a lasting impact and will be remembered.
We will implement holiday hours at our clinics and Administrative Building in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. Check out the upcoming holiday hours in the chart below:
Facility |
Monday, May 26 | Holiday Hours |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Clinic at Capitol Clinic | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic Pharmacy | Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| GHC-SCW Urgent Care Lab and Imaging | Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
All other GHC-SCW Clinics & Administrative Offices:
|
Closed |
This year marks a special milestone for Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) — 20 years of partnership and community connection through the Madison Public Schools Foundation’s Adopt-A-School program.
In 2005, GHC-SCW became the first organization to embrace the mission of supporting Madison’s public schools through the program. Founder and former GHC-SCW Chief Executive Officer Larry Zanoni participated in a Principal for a Day at Crestwood Elementary School. Zanoni’s experience inspired him to look for an opportunity for GHC-SCW to be a resource for schools with health and service needs.
Collaborative planning efforts with Leopold Elementary staff and the Madison Public Schools Foundation led to GHC-SCW establishing an Adopt-a-School partnership with Leopold. This marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to enhance education, enrich student experiences and help create brighter futures – one classroom at a time, as GHC-SCW expanded to forming additional Adopt-a-School partnerships.
Now, 20 years later, GHC-SCW is being honored at this year’s Adopt-A-School celebration, recognized for their longevity in the program and the meaningful relationships they’ve nurtured with five local schools. These schools include:
- Anana Elementary School
- Badger Rock Middle School
- Leopold Elementary School
- Lori Mann Carey Elementary School
- Sandburg Elementary School
- Thoreau Elementary School
A few ways that GHC-SCW staff have been involved in Adopt-A-School over the past 20 years include:
- Provided a medical home and access to free services to uninsured Leopold children.
- Participated in crock pot cooking classes with students and families.
- Donated medical supplies for nurse’s offices.
- Assembled winter break boxes, which consisted of food, games, household items, warm clothing and toys for the students.
- Provided language line access (ways for students and families to communicate with others when they don’t speak the same language) and provided Spanish interpreters or member liaisons for families.
- Donated healthy snacks and fitness devices for physical activities.
In 2010, the Adopt-A-School program expanded to include the Primary Access for Kids program. GHC-SCW worked with the Dane County Health Council to expand the program model to ensure that all children in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) had access to quality health care. They began partnering with additional local healthcare partners and providers for all 50 MMSD schools, giving access to preventative and primary care for all uninsured children at no cost.
In 2017, GHC-SCW employees started an initiative to ease the burden on local families during the holidays. Employees bought gifts from the families’ wish lists and delivered them directly to the Adopt-a-School partner schools in time for school social workers to distribute to families before the holidays. This program continues today, bringing joy and relief to families in need during the holiday season and strengthening the cooperative spirit within the GHC-SCW community.
As we look back on 20 years with the Adopt-A-School program, this partnership has become something truly special. What started as a simple idea — to support local schools — has turned into two decades of connection, care, and community. Along the way, we’ve built lasting relationships with students, families and educators who continue to inspire us.
We’re incredibly proud of the work that’s been done — but more than anything, we’re excited about what’s still to come. Because when we support our schools, we’re supporting the future of our community. And after 20 years, we’re just getting started.
As part of our recognition and celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to announce a special partnership with the Madison Children’s Museum to offer free Sensory-Friendly Nights open to the public, a series of events aimed at providing a welcoming and supportive environment for children with autism and their families.
A Shared Mission of Acceptance
With April being Autism Acceptance Month, these two local organizations are coming together to promote understanding, inclusion and acceptance of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. While these differences can pose challenges, they also offer perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.
What to Expect at Sensory-Friendly Nights
Sensory –Friendly Nights, designed specifically for individuals who experience sensory differences, will feature a range of calming and engaging activities in a fun environment. These events are part of the continued efforts by both organizations to foster inclusivity, acceptance and understanding of neurodiverse individuals within the Madison community. The first Sensory-Friendly Night kicks off on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 4:30–7:00 p.m. at the Madison Children’s Museum
Here’s what families can look forward to:
- Special programming and sensory-friendly activities tailored to accommodate various needs
- Quiet spaces for families to relax and recharge
- Take away items for kids to use and learn from at home enhancing their sensory development
- A fun environment for all attendees, with engaging activities that promote inclusivity and joy for children of all abilities
2025 Free Sensory-Friendly Night Schedule:
- Friday, April 25, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
- Friday, July 25, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 24, 2025, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Pre-registration for the event is recommended but not required. Register here.
Supporting Families Beyond the Museum
GHC-SCW’s involvement in this partnership is rooted in its ongoing commitment to supporting families of children with autism — not just during Autism Acceptance Month, but all year long.
Through the GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program, families can access services that provide education, tools and personalized support. The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program provides neuroaffirming and inclusive evidence-based services to children diagnosed with ASD aged 4-16 years and their parents/caregivers. Services are offered in a 1 to1 or group setting. The program provides opportunities for children and their parents/caregivers to learn about social skills and emotion regulation. Children work with a therapist to learn a new skill each week. Parents learn how to support their children’s development, coaching them to practice and generalize their skills.
To learn more about GHC-SCW’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Program and how it supports families in our community, visit: ghcscw.com/autism
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity describes the variety of ways in which human brains can function and process information. It includes neurological and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and more[1]. Neurodiversity promotes the idea that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a natural form of human diversity.
Neurodivergent people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. Neurodivergence can present challenges, bringing strengths and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.
Celebrating Neurodiversity
The neurodiversity movement advocates for the accepting and including neurodivergent people in all areas of society. It challenges the idea that neurodivergent traits are negative or need to be cured or fixed. Instead, it emphasizes the value of diverse ways of thinking and the importance of creating environments that accommodate different needs. GHC-SCW’s beliefs and values [3] align easily with the neurodiversity movement. We believe that embracing and valuing our differences will make everyone stronger.
The Group Health Cooperative Autism Spectrum Disorder Program
The Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) offers a specialized Autism Spectrum Disorder Program to support Autistic children and their families. This program is for children aged 4 to 16 who need support in social interactions and emotional regulation. Further, this program continuously expands, so look for additional services soon.
Program Overview
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Program at GHC-SCW is built on evidence-based techniques and focuses on providing support to Autistic children. This approach ensures that children can learn and practice new skills in a familiar and supportive environment.
Key Features of the Program:
- Weekly Appointments: The program includes appointments for several months, allowing for consistent support and progress tracking.
- Skill Development: Each session focuses on teaching children new strategies and providing opportunities for practice with the guidance of trained staff.
- Parental Involvement: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the program. They receive guidance on supporting their child’s development and are involved in coaching their children as they practice new strategies.
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Treatment Program embraces neurodiversity. Input from neurodivergent staff and community members helps ensure the program represents neurodivergent individuals. The program strives to support individuals through their challenges, make accommodations for their needs and build on their strengths.
Getting Started
To join the Autism Spectrum Treatment Program, families must meet certain requirements:
- The child must have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- The child must be able to communicate in complete sentences (augmentative and alternative communication included).
- For in-home services, the family must reside in Dane County
- An active GHC-SCW or Quartz HMO insurance plan is required.
Parents/caregivers interested in enrolling their child in the program should speak with their child’s primary care provider to get a referral and make sure they meet the requirements to participate.
[1]: Understood [2]: Group Health Cooperative Autism Program [3]: About Us – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
We are thrilled to announce that in April 2025, GHC-SCW will be opening a brand-new, larger Behavioral Health clinic on Olin Avenue in Madison. This new location will replace our current Capitol Regent Behavioral Health Clinic and is set to open on April 8, 2025. During the transition, our dedicated behavioral health providers will continue to offer services remotely, with some in-person appointments available at other clinics.
A New Space for Growth and Care
The new Olin Clinic promises to be an impressive and more accommodating space for our patients and staff. This building will feature 24 individual offices, two group therapy rooms, a multi-person office for program assistants and an occupational therapy gym. We’re incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of our new Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology services for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program this summer, which will further enhance our service offerings.
As for our staff, all team members from the Capitol Regent Clinic, including Outpatient, Behavioral Health Therapy, Psychiatry, Behavioral Health Triage & Crisis team and SPARC (the Strategies to Promote Attention and Resilience Clinic) will be making the move to the Olin Clinic. Over time, we plan to expand the team as the entire department grows and demand increases.
Why the Move?
The Capitol Regent Clinic has been the heart of our downtown behavioral health services for years. Still, as the department expanded, it became clear that a larger space was necessary to serve our growing patient base better. In the search for the ideal location, we prioritized several key factors:
- Accessibility: We carefully selected a convenient location in Madison for our patients, ensuring easy access for all.
- Adaptability: The Olin Avenue building offered a “blank space” that could be transformed to meet our specific needs, allowing us to design a clinic that aligns with our vision for quality care.
- Affordability: Our goal was to maintain a similar annual expense as our previous location, ensuring we could provide exceptional services without a significant increase in operational costs.
- Safety and Security: The safety of our patients and employees is always a priority. The new location features ample and accessible parking.
Honoring the Memory of LuAnne Rosa, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The opening of our new clinic brings an opportunity to honor the memory of a respected and beloved past GHC-SCW employee. LuAnne Rosa, Psychiatric Nurse Practioner, retired from GHC in 2019 and unexpectedly died in October of 2022. Her colleagues remember her as a warm, compassionate, skilled provider who was an empathetic listener and an advocate for the most vulnerable among us. She will always be missed as a colleague and as a friend.
In her memory, GHC-SCW has dedicated one of the Olin Clinic group rooms to LuAnne. Her legacy will continue in this new space, and we are honored to keep her spirit alive in our work.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Behavioral Health
Expanding into the new Olin Clinic is a significant milestone for GHC-SCW and the Madison community. With increased capacity and improved amenities, we’re excited to be even better equipped to meet our area’s growing demand for mental health and ASD services.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our patients, families and staff, and we look forward to continuing our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all those in need. The new Olin Clinic will be a place of healing, growth and community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through its doors.
The GHC-SCW Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship seeks to award financial grants to under-represented students. Specifically, we are offering a scholarship for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic/Latinx who are currently enrolled in medical school (including residency), physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin. The scholarship awards $5,000 grants to each of three selected scholars. The funds will be distributed in Fall of 2025. Scholars will be selected through an online application process due by July 15, 2025. In addition to the monetary scholarship, each scholar chosen will be awarded the opportunity for an on-site shadowing experience at GHC-SCW during the 2025 fall semester.
Eligibility:
• Pre-professional students or residents in a Wisconsin-based health science degree program (MD, DO, PA, and NP) or residency
• Identifies as Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and/or Hispanic/Latinx
• Strong professional interest in a primary care career in Wisconsin
Selection Criteria:
Scholars will be chosen based on demonstrated interest in a primary care field in Wisconsin.
Deadline to Apply:
July 15th, 2025
Timeline:
Distribution of scholarship in October 2025 with an opportunity for a shadowing experience at GHC-SCW during the fall of 2025.