Riverwood Healthcare Center was recognized as a winner of the 2025 Population Health Pioneer Awards, presented by Wellvana. Each year, health care organizations and provider partners are honored for their exemplary work and innovative approaches in value-based care to improve quality of care for their patients and community. As the Community of the Year recipient, […]

We would like to take a moment celebrate how OT helps people of all ages improve their independence, function, and overall quality of life. Occupational therapy is more than just recovering from an injury. It’s about helping people do the things that matter most to them. Whether that means returning to work after an accident, […]

April is dedicated to raising awareness about esophageal cancer and educating the public on the risks posed by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and is increasing faster than any other cancer in the United States. Sadly, only one in five esophageal cancer patients survives five […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Occupational Therapist Jordyn Asplin to its Therapy Services team in Aitkin. Asplin has two years of experience practicing at a large Level II hospital in Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, both from The College of Saint Scholastica. She describes […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the promotion of Stephanie Jacobs to patient access manager. In this role, Jacobs will oversee a team of 40 employees, managing admitting, scheduling, and registration. With nearly 30 years of health care experience in northern Minnesota, Jacobs brings extensive expertise to her new leadership position. In 2013, she […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeff Ehnstrom as the new medical director of its emergency department. With 23 years of medical experience, Dr. Ehnstrom brings extensive expertise to this important role. As medical director, Dr. Ehnstrom oversees staffing, trauma patient chart reviews, and departmental decision-making in collaboration with the […]

Screening for breast and cervical cancer is vital to detecting cancer early when treatment is easier. Access to these cancer screenings is made easier through a program called Sage. Sage helps low-income Minnesotans who do not have adequate insurance to access breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic services (if screening tests are abnormal) and referral […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center and the Beanery Café & Roastery in downtown Aitkin are partnering to present a program on women’s health and wellness. Hear from Dr. Joselito Burgos, internal medicine physician, on weight loss and health improvement strategies on March 20, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Beanery. With more than 20 years of experience, […]

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early detection and preventative care. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it is also highly treatable when caught in its early stages. Regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices play a critical role in reducing […]

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to recognize the vital role that food plays in our lives—not just as nourishment but as a powerful connector between health, traditions, and relationships. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights how our food choices influence well-being at every stage of life while preserving cultural heritage and strengthening […]

In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the little things we take for granted—warmth, comfort, and a personal touch. For Janet Larson, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Riverwood Healthcare Center’s Behavioral Health clinic in Aitkin, these small gestures mean everything. For over a decade, Larson has been knitting hats for […]

Pat Becker, a retired respiratory therapist who worked at Riverwood Healthcare Center for 15 years, is enjoying her pain-free recovery from a knee replacement. “From a medical perspective, I knew what to expect with getting a total knee replacement, but I was not prepared for how wonderful I would feel to be on the receiving […]

As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it can be tempting to hibernate indoors and put fitness on the back burner. However, staying active in the winter is essential for maintaining overall health, boosting mood, and keeping energy levels high. With the right mindset and resources, you can make movement a priority even […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, MN today announced it has been named among the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. “This recognition is […]

Riverwood Healthcare Center has recently added three pharmacists at its Aitkin hospital, including Andrea Agre, Ryan Friesen and Hannah Stephenson. Andrea Agre had served as an inpatient clinical pharmacist for Riverwood before moving to the newly expanded surgery wing to staff the satellite pharmacy. Agre brings 17 years of experience in retail and critical access […]