Community Service: Jim Strachota
Executive director
Albrecht Free Clinic
Jim Strachota considers himself one of the lucky individuals who gets a chance at a second career. For years, Strachota served in the Washington County Human Services Department, in addition to serving on the board of the Albrecht Free Clinic for the past four years.
A year-and-a-half ago, he found himself in a good position to take over when the organization was in need of a new executive director.
“Dr. James Albrecht believed strongly that everyone should have access to quality health care, regardless of status,” Strachota said. “The clinic has been doing this for nearly 20 years, and I’ve seen firsthand the work the organization has done and the services it has provided to the people of Washington County.”
The Albrecht Free Clinic provides completely free medical care to individuals in need who are living or working in Washington County.
In 2014, the clinic served more than 800 patients, 70 percent of whom are chronically ill and needed several visits.
According to Strachota, nearly 60 medical professionals, doctors and nurses donate their time and talent to staff the clinic during regular business hours, as well as for walk-in clinic hours.
The clinic receives no federal funding, and relies solely on volunteers and donations to provide its services.
Under Strachota’s leadership, the Albrecht Free Clinic successfully purchased a brand new, permanent facility at 908 W. Washington St. in West Bend. He expects the move to be complete this December.
Previously, the clinic would temporarily locate in unused business space and community locations, and was forced to relocate several times over the past 10 years, Strachota said.
“We’re very grateful to our community partners and those that allowed us to use space in their existing buildings over the past several years,” Strachota said.
“We’re looking forward, though, to increasing our capabilities and our stability in the community with the move to our permanent location.”
To coincide with the move, under Strachota’s leadership, The Albrecht Free Clinic has also secured additional community partners and volunteers and will begin providing dental care, as well as behavioral health services.
“We’ve identified needs in the community, and want to grow and adapt to continually meet those needs,” he said.
