Tag Archives: Riverwood Healthcare
Celebrate safely with fireworks
Fireworks are a staple of many July 4th celebrations, lighting up the night sky with dazzling displays. However, they can also pose serious safety hazards if not handled properly. Each year, thousands of injuries—many involving children—are caused by fireworks. Dr. Jessica Hodson, emergency medicine physician at Riverwood, advises, “On behalf of our Riverwood emergency team, […]
Stay safe around the water
Water activities on area lakes or rivers are a favorite pastime for many, especially during the summer. However, water safety is critical. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among young children. With awareness and proper precautions, these tragedies are often preventable. Preventing drowning starts with supervision. Constant, undistracted supervision is the most […]
Therapy, Spine care help local couple enjoy Japan trip
Lower back pain has made Michele Plagman a frequent visitor to Riverwood Healthcare Center, where she has received interventional pain treatment and physical therapy. “I developed sciatica pain in my lower back in fall 2023. Sitting for any period of time became difficult; eventually, I was only comfortable lying down or standing,” Plagman recalls. “Physical […]
Screenings, wellness exams protect men’s health
June is Men’s Health Month—a perfect time for men to take charge of their well-being through preventive care and routine health screenings. Proactive health management can detect and address issues early, when they’re most treatable. Essential cancer screenings for men Colon cancer screening saves lives by detecting cancer early or finding polyps that can be […]
Riverwood welcomes nurse anesthetist
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Kelsey Morinville to its Anesthesia team at the Aitkin hospital. Morinville brings nine years of experience in nurse anesthesia, having practiced at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, as well as the Twin Cities metro area. Her clinical expertise spans several specialty areas, […]
Navigate ATV trails safely
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) provide excitement and versatility for outdoor enthusiasts, but they also come with inherent risks. Understanding ATV safety and practicing awareness while riding is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Dr. David Taylor, chief medical officer and emergency medicine physician at Riverwood comments, “ATV awareness is essential for enjoying the thrill of off-road […]
Aphasia support group members find their voice
Aphasia affects each person differently—but one point is clear: it’s a loss of language, not intelligence. “There are varying degrees of aphasia,” explains Speech-Language Pathologist Amanda Bostrom at Riverwood Healthcare Center. “Some people struggle with finding the right words, while others may have more difficulty understanding speech, reading, writing, or spelling. It affects everyone in […]
Riverwood welcomes human resources director
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Deb Gruber as its new director of Human Resources. In this key leadership role, Gruber will plan, lead, and coordinate the activities of Riverwood’s Human Resources department—ensuring legal compliance, fostering a positive work culture, and aligning HR strategy with the organization’s overall mission and goals. […]
Riverwood, DAC announce Bunker Hill Drive building sale
Riverwood Healthcare Center and the Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) of Aitkin County closed on the sale of the log building property at 601 Bunker Hill Drive in Aitkin on April 18. In 2008, Riverwood began renting the log building from Aitkin County Growth (now Growth Innovations) to house a sleep center and several outpatient services. […]
Riverwood Healthcare Center Amplifies Rural Health Voice on State, National Stage
Riverwood Healthcare Center is making its voice heard at both the state and national levels as leaders advocate for the future of rural health care. U.S. Senator Tina Smith recently visited Riverwood to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural hospitals. During her visit, she met with leadership and clinical staff […]
Untreated acid reflux can cause esophageal cancer
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 welcomes occupational therapist
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 announces patient access manager
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 announces emergency department medical director
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 […]
Sage program supports access to cancer screening
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 […]
Women’s health meetup to focus on weight loss
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, […]
Food connects us across generations, cultures
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 […]
A Stitch of Kindness: Janet Larson’s Handmade Gift of Warmth
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 […]
Three pharmacists join Riverwood team
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 […]
Food boxes program addresses hunger in Aitkin County
Riverwood Healthcare Center, with the help of the Aitkin Farmers Market Hub and Aitkin County Public Health, was awarded the Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) grant by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The LFPA program, launched in 2024, funds projects that buy local food, primarily from socially disadvantaged and emerging farmers, to distribute […]
Top tips for heart health
The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body, tirelessly pumping blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to every cell. Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for overall well-being, as cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Fortunately, many heart-related issues can be prevented through lifestyle changes […]
Aitkin woman appreciates exceptional orthopaedic care
Wanda Graham, a resident of Aitkin, expresses heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding orthopaedic care she received at Riverwood Healthcare Center. Over the past year, she underwent four surgical procedures performed by two highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons, all conveniently close to home. Her journey began with Dr. Jeffrey Klassen, an orthopaedic surgeon fellowship-trained in shoulder and […]
Riverwood welcomes physician assistant for Aitkin clinic
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Physician Assistant Erin Carey, who will see patients at its Aitkin clinic. In her role as physician assistant for primary care, Carey will see patients at all ages and life stages. Her special interests include gastrointestinal and dietary sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome /colitis, allergies relating to food, animals […]
Riverwood welcomes new social worker
Riverwood Healthcare Center welcomes Kristen Petron to its social services team. As a licensed social worker, Petron will collaborate with hospital patients, their families, and the medical staff to coordinate discharge planning and connect patients with essential community services. “Kristen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role,” said Carla Zupko, Chief Nursing […]
Riverwood board members complete MHA trustee certification program
Congratulations to Heather Hipp and Lowell Larson, Riverwood Healthcare Center Governing Board members! They are among 22 hospital and health system trustees from across Minnesota recognized for their successful completion of the Minnesota Hospital Association’s (MHA) rigorous and comprehensive trustee certification program. This certification underscores their unwavering commitment to the patients, care teams, and communities […]
Riverwood receives hospital patient experience award
Press Ganey, a global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services, has recognized Riverwood Healthcare Center as a 2024 Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award® winner along with other healthcare organizations nationwide. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in […]
Riverwood welcomes first 2025 baby
At Riverwood Healthcare Center, the new year began with a joyful celebration. On Jan. 3, the team proudly welcomed Aitkin County’s first baby of 2025, Marshall Kearns. Born to Lilly and Mitch Kearns of Aitkin, Marshall made his grand debut weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and measuring 20 inches long. A heartfelt thank-you to Dr. […]
Riverwood welcomes controller to finance team
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to introduce Jeff Bredt as Controller on the finance team. In this role he is responsible for treasury management, assisting with production of timely financial statements for leadership to make informed decisions, and assisting the chief financial officer with special projects. Bredt grew up in Burnsville and attended Winona State […]