The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has awarded Riverwood Healthcare Center with the 2023 Minnesota Rural Health Team Award for its work in identifying the social determinants of health among its patients and creating community partnerships to address those needs. Riverwood was one of four Minnesota health organizations and individuals recognized by the MDH Office […]
Since 1984, the Riverwood Auxiliary has annually honored and memorialized the loved ones of area residents with the Lights of Love program, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the lobby of the hospital. This year’s ceremony will take place on Sun., Nov. 19, at 1:00 p.m. in the hospital lobby. A short program will […]
On Nov. 2, Riverwood Healthcare Center honored 46 employees and retirees who have celebrated milestone anniversaries or retirement in the past year at a special dinner at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge. Their collective years of service total 880 years! Riverwood CEO Ken Westman opened the program with a warm welcome for the employees and retirees […]
Quitting smoking or tobacco use isn’t easy. It takes time and a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Some smokers choose the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November as their day to start the journey toward a smoke-free life. On Nov. 16, join thousands of smokers across […]
Managing prescription medications can be time-consuming and complex. Now there’s an online tool called RxLocal that can help make the process easier. “Mobile apps like RxLocal streamline pharmacy service and communication, saving patients time and effort during a busy day,” explains Spencer Page, director of pharmacy at Riverwood Healthcare Center. The RxLocal app provides a […]
Flu season is coming and getting vaccinated offers the best protection. The vaccine works to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, including hospitalizations, pneumonia and death. Riverwood Healthcare Center will offer flu clinics for the public by appointment at all three of its locations at these times: Aitkin Clinic: Thursdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 […]
Holly Frischmon, a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), has joined Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a minor in Biology from the College of St. Scholastica, Frischmon achieved her registered nurse license soon after graduation. She also completed a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice from Mount Marty University […]
The Minnesota Department of Health recently recertified Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin as a Level III Trauma hospital. After participating in an intense training process to become part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system, the Aitkin County hospital earned its initial designation in December 2006 and was the first rural hospital in Minnesota to achieve the […]
Physical difficulties with her knee joints began interfering with Jody Slinger’s enjoyment of life eight years ago when she was in her mid-50s. Today at age 60 two new knee joints are enabling her to pursue her passion for being physically active outdoors. She works as a paraprofessional teaching assistant with children in kindergarten through […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Hipp to the organization’s Governing Board of Directors. “On behalf of our governing board, I’m happy to welcome Heather,” said Kathleen Ryan, Riverwood board chair. “Heather’s experience in finance along with her knowledge of education and local schools is a great addition to our […]
Cindy Hauser, a family nurse practitioner and certified urological nurse practitioner for Riverwood Healthcare Center, will now see patients in McGregor. Hauser, who has practiced in both primary care medicine and urology care for Riverwood for about seven years, has transitioned from seeing patients at Riverwood’s Aitkin specialty clinic to seeing patients at the McGregor […]
Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technology was first introduced in hospitals in the 1980s, the speed of the scans and image quality has continued to improve significantly to greatly enhance the patient experience and diagnosis of medical conditions. Today advanced MRI technology in the form of a new Siemens Sola MRI machine with Deep […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce Kari Carlson, registered nurse, as specialty clinic manager for its clinic in Aitkin. This role is a new position to help support day-to-day operations and management of staff within more than 13 specialty areas. Carlson joined Riverwood in 2018 and has been a key member of Riverwood’s Behavioral […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Critical Access Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Riverwood underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on […]
For those looking for community resources and don’t know where to begin, Riverwood Healthcare Center now offers two new ways to find support through Riverwood Connects. Find Help is an online tool to help locate community resources such as food, housing, transportation and more. To use this tool, go to www.riverwoodhealthcare.org and click on Riverwood […]
Humana, a health plan administrator based in Louisville, Kentucky, recognized Riverwood Healthcare Center with the 2022 Patient Experience Award. The award is based on an organization’s measured ability to provide quality patient experience, highlighting the level of excellence offered at Riverwood’s hospital and clinics. From Ken Powers, Humana Director, Stars and Risk Adjustment – Central […]
By Kelsey Guthmiller, Trauma & Stroke Program Manager, Riverwood Healthcare Center Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in Minnesota. In fact, globally about one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Yet, most adults in the U.S. […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center and Foundation are pleased to announce $34,000 was raised to help support the Zach Johnson Kids with Cancer Fund at Riverwood Foundation during the 2023 golf charity event. The 18-hole golf event, presented by Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, was held on July 14 at Minnesota National Golf Course, McGregor. This year 104 golfers […]
If you could pick a food that is jam packed with health benefits, what would it be? Try blueberries. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidants are compounds that protect against cell damage that occurs naturally with age, chronic sun exposure, environmental toxins […]
During the summer months in Minnesota, lots of fun activities draw us outdoors during hot, sunny days. However, spending more time in the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. Stay safe with these sun protection tips: Limit the amount of time in the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm—when the sun’s rays […]
Riverwood Pharmacy and Giftshop Grand Opening will be held on Thursday, June 29 from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Stop by for a meet and greet of Riverwood healthcare and pharmacy staff, enjoy tasty kettle corn, snowcone, or cotton candy by KD Kettle Corn. The first 100 through the door will receive a hot/cold pack. We will […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center was recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the 2023 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference in May. The organization is one of 210 employers to be honored through the awards program, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. “Congratulations to Riverwood Healthcare for their hard work, attention and dedication to safety,” […]
Riverwood Dietitians Megan Perpich and Melissa Simons share these tips for healthy grilling with fruits and vegetables. The hot summer months are usually accompanied with backyard barbeques, which are not just for grilling meat. Try adding fruits and vegetables to the BBQ menu. Adding fruits and vegetables not only adds color to your meals […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center announced a change for its McGregor pharmacy hours. Effective May 22, 2023, the pharmacy will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.; and closed on Sundays. “We’re extending our pharmacy hours to offer more service and convenience for our customers and the McGregor community,” […]
Mental health plays a big role in the well-being of all of us. Like your physical health, there are things you can do to make yourself mentally healthier. Riverwood Healthcare Center is offering a “Taking Care of Your Mental Health” virtual seminar on Wed., May 17, with a start time of 12:10 p.m. A 20-minute […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center participates in the DAISY Award honoring exemplary nurses who have been recognized by a patient for their extraordinary act of compassion or a relationship that they have created with a patient that truly made a difference. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform […]
Riverwood Healthcare has purchased the McGregor Pharmacy, effective April 20, 2023, offering pharmacy customers the same location and enhanced, high-quality services. “We’re excited to extend our pharmacy services to the McGregor community,” says Spencer Page, director of Riverwood’s Pharmacy Department. “Pharmacy customers can expect the same caring and personalized approach to services that Riverwood provides […]
April is Organ Donation Month, a great time to share a story about an Aitkin woman in need of a kidney and a brother who donated his kidney to her. JoAnn Paulsen Guthmiller, mother to Riverwood’s Emergency Department Supervisor Kelsey Guthmiller, RN, shared comments on the awesome experience of getting her brother’s kidney. “Who would […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Jenny Vogel as clinical informatics manager in the Information Technology Department. Vogel’s key responsibilities include oversight of the Clinical Informatics staff, providing direction, coordination and collaboration as it relates to the electronic health record (EHR). She works to integrate nursing science, computer science and information science to manage […]
