HealthNet of Rock County announced in a private ceremony on September 1, 2020 that it will be naming its medical clinic at 23 W. Milwaukee Street in Janesville after its former medical advisor, Dr. Rex Kolste.
Dr. Kolste unexpectedly passed away in April of this year. Shortly after his passing, the organization’s board of directors approved the name change to the Dr. Rex Kolste Medical Clinic at its annual July Board Meeting.
HealthNet of Rock County CEO Ian Hedges, said of the change, “Our Board of Directors and senior management team unanimously felt it was imperative to name our clinic after a man who donated thousands of hours in patient care to our organization. He always delivered medical care with kindness, understanding, and thoroughness. This new clinic name is a reflection of our desire to continue delivering services in that manner,”
Hedges added, “This name is to help us recognize our past and maintain the values of our organization as we move forward with our plan to move, consolidate our services under one roof, and expand our programming in the coming year. Our dental clinic is still located at 1344 Creston Park, Janesville, WI and remains under its old namesake, “The HealthNet Dental Clinic.”
Kolste served as the organization’s medical advisor for almost fifteen years. In that role, he supervised the clinic’s clinical functions and medication dispensing to low-income, uninsured individuals. Kolste was also the Director for Mercyhealth’s Family Medicine Residency Program, and was instrumental in having residents provide services to HealthNet of Rock County’s patients on a weekly basis.
HealthNet of Rock County’s Medical Advisor Dr. Janet Barkhou stated, “Often times, it is difficult to find a physician who best exemplifies the principles and concepts of a true family physician, but Dr. Rex Kolste surpassed that. He treated everyone like he would want to be treated, with compassion and respect, regardless of status or ability to pay for services. He was a role model, a teacher, and a friend. He will be greatly missed by our staff, volunteers, and patients.”
The clinic added the Hippocrates quote, “Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity” to the clinic’s new dedication plaque. The staff chose this quote after it was featured in Kolste’s obituary. HealthNet is a non-profit volunteer-based free medical and dental clinic dedicated to providing quality care to low-income, uninsured and underinsured Rock County residents.
Those who utilize the medical clinic have to be at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. The medical clinic is conducting telehealth appointments and will assist people with their medication needs if they are currently struggling to afford their prescriptions.
HealthNet of Rock County’s dental clinic continues to provide dental care to low-income individuals at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. who are uninsured, enrolled in BadgerCare, or have their healthcare through the Veteran’s Administration.
Patients who need to enroll virtually for services during the COVID-19 pandemic should contact 608-756-4638, and patients who need only assistance with dental should contact 608-314-1940.
