Serving as the treasurer of the Scenic Rivers AHEC board of directors, Mari Freiberg has been a long-time advocate of our organization. Mari has been with us since the beginning in 2009, and has served as the board chair from 2009 to 2015. Mari is also the CEO of Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers (SBCHC), and works with the SBCHC's board to lead the overall strategic direction of the organizatoin with the mission to deliver patient-centered primary care supporting healthier people and communities.
Where did you attend school?
I completed my undergraduate degree from UW-Oshkosh, and I have a Master’s of Public Health from A.T. Still University.
How and why did you get involved with SRAHEC?
As a Community Health Center, we focus on providing primary medical, dental, mental health, chiropractic and pharmacy services in rural western Wisconsin. The work requires a trained and dedicated workforce that understands how to care for communities and SRAHEC's mission is to focus on those issues. In 2008, when the opportunity to expand AHEC offices throughout the state came up, Scenic Bluffs was there saying yes to hosting the office because we understood that a trained and responsive workforce is essential for our own success. We've been fortunate to have amazing staff at SRAHEC and this partnership is a natural.
Have you participated in any programming/activities with SRAHEC?
Oh my - it's a lot and I'm afraid I will miss some! Highlights include: CHIP program, Health Careers Camp, MPH immersion experience, State and Federal legislative visits, WI Express, Rural Health Tours, etc.
Why are you involved with SRAHEC, and what do you value about the mission and work of the organization?
I have a passion for rural health care access and health policy and I'm very glad to get to work with partners who share that same focus. The mission of SRAHEC and my organization fit well together and we make an impact on health access and availability in western Wisconsin. It's pretty cool to be able to do that because our communities need our services and also need focused, smart and trained health professionals who deliver respectful, responsive care.