Latest News

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is proud to announce that, effective immediately, Jean MacDonell, MBA, RHIA has assumed the role of CEO & President. She has served in the interim President role since Mike Youso left the position earlier this year.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital recently unveiled its newest art collection. The Close to Home collection, which can be found in the Cancer & Infusion Center and OB/Gyn clinic space, is an extension of the original Art + Giving collection that can be found throughout the facility. When the integrated clinic and hospital opened in 2005, artwork from 35 regional artists was purchased for display at the facility. The intention of the staff and community members responsible for this project was to bring the peace and healing power of art to the thousands of patients and visitors that come to Grand Itasca. The Close to Home collection grows from these roots, expanding the art experience for patients and their families.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. JJ Germscheid, General Surgeon, to its medical staff. Germscheid received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Duluth and Minneapolis, and completed his general surgery residency at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND.

Grand Rapids, MN – In 2017, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital underwent a major remodel, which included a new cancer clinic and infusion center, and a remodeled gift shop, located just inside the main clinic doors. The gift shop, Grand Gifts, which is owned and operated by Grand Itasca Volunteer Services (GIVS), opened its doors in November of 2017.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital welcomes Dr. Scott Johnson, OB/Gyn, to its medical staff. Johnson attended Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minn. and completed his OB/Gyn residency at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Grand Rapids, MN – The Minnesota Department of Health recently re designated Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital as a level 3 trauma hospital. Grand Itasca voluntarily participated in the intense designation process to remain part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system. The process included an internal and external review of the hospital’s resources and capabilities to care for trauma patients. Grand Itasca met the required standards of commitment, clinical and equipment resources and staff training. The hospital also participates in a continuous performance improvement process.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Warne, Chiropractor, has joined its medical staff. Warne received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. in 2011 and his medical degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2015.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is excited to now be offering an Occupational Medicine program for local businesses and their employees. Dr. Jay Sonder has also recently joined Grand Itasca as the Occupational Medicine program director. Sonder received his bachelor degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. and attended Palmer College of Chiropractic for his doctorate degree.

Grand Rapids, MN – It’s time to lace up those sneakers and get serious about training for the Running the Rapids half marathon! The first ever local half marathon is taking place on Saturday, August 25th at Portage Park in Cohasset, Minn.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Michelle Overbye, NP, has joined its medical staff. Overbye graduated from St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2012 and got her Masters of Nursing from Concordia University in Mequon, WI in 2017. She is trained as a Family Medicine provider, meaning she can see patients of all ages. She is particularly interested in pediatrics, well woman care and chronic disease management.

Grand Rapids, MN – On May 16th, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital will provide its first patients the opportunity to choose 3D mammography when they are in for this life saving screening. The new technology means greater image detail and reduced callbacks. 3D mammography improves the rate of cancer detection and also decreases the chances of having to repeat tests, meaning fewer false-positive results and unnecessary invasive procedures. The updated equipment, along with a staff of mammography technologists with over 50 years of combined experience, on-site radiologists, surgeons and a new cancer clinic and infusion center, means patients have access to a full continuum of care, close to home.

Grand Rapids, MN – Burggraf's Ace Hardware of Grand Rapids is set to host their 5th Annual Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic on June 7th at Pokegama Golf Course. The casual, 9-hole golf scramble and reception was established to highlight the impact that local fundraising can have on local health care. Since its inception in 2014, Caring Fore Kids has funded over $160,000 worth of projects, programs and equipment that directly expands, develops and enhances pediatric care for kids at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.

Grand Rapids, MN – The construction crews have left and the temporary walls have been removed. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital’s new Cancer & Infusion Center officially opens for patient care on Monday, Feb. 12.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital Home Care was recently recognized as a Home Health Patient Satisfaction Award Winner achieving Superior Performer status for 2016. Grand Itasca received this award from Strategic Healthcare Programs ("SHP") for achieving patient satisfaction scores in the top 20% of the 524,000 reporting agencies in the nation. SHP recognizes patient satisfaction as measured by the national Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems ("HHCAHPS") survey. HHCAHPS is designed to measure the experiences of people receiving home health care from Medicare-certified home health agencies. Medicare-certified home health agencies that serve 60 or more patients per year are required to participate. Grand Itasca Home Care is a Medicare-certified home care agency that makes 8,000 home visits annually.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Foundation and the Close to Home Capital Campaign Steering Committee are delighted to announce that they have exceeded their $2 million goal for cancer and infusion care at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, thanks to a generous outpouring from the community.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital recently received a $300,000 grant for the Close to Home capital campaign for cancer and infusion care from Iron Range Resource & Rehabilitation. In late-2016, the agency committed to the $300,000 with the stipulation that Grand Itasca Foundation and the Close to Home Steering Committee raise $1.7 million of their $2 million fundraising goal. The $300,000 gift would then close out the $2 million Close to Home campaign goal.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital Home Care recently completed a mandatory review by the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The rigorous three-day review process included a number of home visits, review of patient charts, review of personnel files, and review of policies and procedures. The reviewers cited zero violations during their most recent survey.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was recently redesginated as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health ("MDH"). This means Grand Itasca meets all the criteria set forth by MDH to be able to provide the best care possible to stroke patients. Criteria include designated acute stroke team, 24/7 imaging and lab capabilities, established collaboration with EMS, written protocols for treatment and transfer of stroke patients, education for staff, and demonstrated collection and utilization of data.

The 4th Annual Burggraf's Ace Hardware Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic held on June 1st at Pokegama Golf Course was a huge success! Burggraf's Ace Hardware and Grand Itasca Foundation raised $72,000 to expand, develop and enhance pediatric care at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is excited to announce that Todd Christensen has joined the organization as Vice President of Finance. Todd grew up on a wheat and soybean farm in Thief River Falls, MN and attended college at North Dakota State University. After college, he became a Certified Public Accountant and took his first job auditing hospitals. He later went on to work as the Chief Financial Officer at Kitson Memorial Healthcare Center in Hallock, MN and most recently as the Executive Director of Fiscal Services at Sanford Health in Thief River Falls.

Hibbing & Grand Rapids, MN – Fairview Range and Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital are proud to announce the expansion of cardiology (heart care) services in Hibbing, Minn., and Grand Rapids, Minn.

Grand Rapids, MN – Burggraf’s Ace Hardware, in partnership with Grand Itasca Foundation, is hosting the 4th Annual Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic set for June 1st at Pokegama Golf Course. The casual, 9-hole golf scramble was established to highlight the impact that local fundraising can have on local health care. Since its inception in 2014, Caring Fore Kids has funded over $100,000 in projects, programs and equipment that directly expand, develop and enhance pediatric care for kids at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.

Grand Rapids, MN – You may be trained in CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, but would you know how to help someone in a mental health emergency?

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital recently welcomed a new Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Jared Onder, to its medical team. Jared grew up in International Falls, MN. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then Masters of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of North Dakota.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in nuclear medicine as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Nuclear medicine, also known as molecular imaging, uses a gamma camera to take detailed pictures of what is happening inside the body at the molecular and cellular level. Different from other diagnostic imaging procedures, such as mammography which takes pictures of physical structure, molecular imaging allows physicians to see how the body is functioning and measures its chemical and biological processes.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Dr. Derek Beyer, OB/Gyn recently received the RPAP Specialty Preceptor Achievement Award. The University of Minnesota’s Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) places third year medical students in rural communities for a hands-on educational experience. During the nine-month long program, the students shadow physicians in a variety of specialties. Each year students have the opportunity to nominate their physician preceptors to be recognized for their commitment to the program.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has partnered with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office to host a Drug Disposal Day on February 25th from 10am-1pm at Grand Itasca. Left in your home, medicine can lead to accidental poisoning, theft and drug abuse, and if flushed down your toilet or disposed of in the trash, can cause environmental problems. Protect your family and the environment by properly disposing of your unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Foundation announces the launch of their “Close to Home” Capital Campaign, a new effort to enhance cancer care at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital. The campaign is a $2 million community-led fundraising effort that will help fund a new cancer and infusion center on the Grand Rapids campus.

Minneapolis, MN – Fairview Health Services and Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital announced today that the Grand Rapids integrated clinic and hospital has joined the Fairview system as a wholly owned subsidiary, effective Jan. 1.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is excited to announce that Joni Morse, RN has joined the organization as a new Director of Clinic Nursing. Joni grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Itasca Community College. Her first nursing job was at Itasca Medical Center in Grand Rapids. She then moved to the Twin Cities where she pursued her RN degree, after which she worked at Park Nicollet for 15 years in various roles, including managing eight urgent care clinics. Most recently Joni worked as the Clinic Manager at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, where she was responsible for two primary care clinics. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Nursing.

Grand Rapids, MN – Since 1971, University of Minnesota medical students have had the opportunity to train in rural communities, such as Grand Rapids, as part of the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP). RPAP is a nine-month hands-on educational experience where third-year medical students shadow physicians in a variety of specialties, while giving them the opportunity to learn what it’s really like to work and live in rural areas. Over 35 students have been hosted in Grand Rapids since the program’s inception. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is happy to continue the long-standing tradition and wishes to welcome and introduce this year’s students, Carter Rohling and Kelly McKinnon.

Grand Rapids, MN - Steve Burggraf and Sean Burggraf, of Burggraf’s ACE Hardware, presented a check in the amount of $68,500 to Grand Itasca Foundation Director, Kelly Kirwin and Caring Fore Kids committee members Bri Solem, B.J. Hansen, Andy Shermoen and Molly Miskovich.

Grand Rapids, MN – Burggraf’s Ace Hardware, in partnership with Grand Itasca Foundation, is hosting the 3rd Annual Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic set for June 2nd at Pokegama Golf Course. The casual 9-hole golf scramble was established to highlight the impact that local fundraising can have on local health care. In its first two years, this event funded over $43,000 in projects that directly expand, develop and enhance pediatric care for kids at Grand Itasca.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Stacy Holl, DO to the Internal Medicine Department. Dr. Holl grew up in Grand Rapids, graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 2001, attended Iowa State University and went on to medical school at Des Moines University. She completed her medical residency in Internal Medicine at University of Iowa-Des Moines. Following this, she stayed at University of Iowa-Des Moines for a chief year of residency, where she served as junior faculty member and was able to mentor younger residents in her program.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is proud to announce that Cortney Orstad, PT, CLT has attained the American Physical Therapy Associations’ Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (CAPP). The CAPP signifies Orstad’s dedication to women's health physical therapy and patients with pelvic floor disorders. Orstad is the only Physical Therapist in Northern Minnesota to have achieved this certificate.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was recently awarded the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate for its diabetes self-management education program.

Grand Rapids, MN - Burggraf’s Ace Hardware recently presented a check to Grand Itasca Foundation in the amount of $3,537 for the Caring Fore Kids fund. This check represents dollars raised in 2015 through Ace Hardware's new Round-Up Program. Round-Up dollars are generous donations from Ace Hardware customers who “round-up” their purchase to the nearest dollar, donating their remaining change to the Caring Fore Kids fund.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is proud to announce that it has earned the Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation and was recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States.

Grand Rapids, MN – Are you ready to quit smoking? Beginning on Monday, January 25th, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital will be leading a new program to help people quit smoking. The American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking program is a seven-week group program that is lead by an American Lung Association trained instructor. This program has been the leading adult smoking cessation program for over 30 years.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital would like to recognize Marva Jean Hutchens and Dr. Charles Kampen for their commitment and service to Grand Itasca as members of the Board of Directors.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in ultrasound as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury, or other medical problems.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Pharmacy Technician, Calley Caron, recently received the Minnesota Pharmacists Association (MPhA) 2015 Pharmacy Technician Award.

Grand Rapids, MN - Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was among 155 hospitals and nursing homes from around the state recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for achieving high employee influenza vaccination rates during the 2014-2015 flu season.

Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was recently re-designated as a Level III trauma hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health. Grand Itasca voluntarily participated in the intense re-designation process to remain part of Minnesota’s statewide trauma system. The process included an outside review of the hospital’s resources and capabilities to care for trauma patients.

Grand Rapids, MN - Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of three local professionals to its Board of Directors. The new board members are Steve Burggraf, Jamie Lemke, RN and Denny Roy. “Grand Itasca is very fortunate to have these individuals step forward and volunteer their time and talent to care for their community and their community clinic and hospital,” said Elizabeth Miskovich, Grand Itasca Board Chair.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was recently honored for leading hospitals across the state in improvements to cleaning procedures and hygiene standards. As part of the Minnesota Hospital Association’s (MHA) Leading Edge Advanced Practice Topics (LEAPT) project, Grand Itasca acted as one of the exploratory hospitals, working with MHA and a few mentor hospitals.

Grand Rapids, Mn – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital recently welcomed a new Orthopedic Surgeon, Kurt Possai, DO, FAOAO, to its medical team. Dr. Possai had been practicing orthopedic medicine for more than 20 years, most recently at Sanford Health in Thief River Falls, before moving to Grand Rapids in April. Dr. Possai obtained his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He did his residency at Oakland General Hospital and completed an Arthritis & Adult Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at University of Southern California and Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in Los Angeles.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Leslie Fedraw has joined the leadership team as the Director of Patient Access. Fedraw was most recently a Project Manager at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN., where she managed numerous enterprise-wide projects including standardizing practices, lowering costs and reducing hospital acquired infections.

Grand Rapids, MN – For the second consecutive year, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has been recognized for reducing the number of elective inductions and Cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. March of Dimes, a leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health, says this will give more babies a healthy start in life. Babies delivered before full term (39 to 41 weeks completed gestation) are at increased risk of serious health problems in their first year of life.

Grand Rapids, MN – In an effort to better serve Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital patients needing a higher level of care than provided in Grand Rapids, the Hibbing-based Life Link III helicopter will be now be stationed at Grand Itasca three days a week. Since April of 2015, the Life Link III (LLIII) helicopter has been based in Grand Rapids every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. With LLIII based on-site various times throughout the week, Grand Itasca patients in critical condition are able to be sent out to other health care facilities for advanced care much quicker.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital and the Itasca County Family YMCA (“YMCA”) will host the first of Grand Rapids’ “JustWalk™” Walk With a Doc walking program on Thursday, August 13th at 11:00am. Dr. Toni Youngdahl, Grand Itasca Family Medicine Physician, will give a short talk about a relevant health topic and lead the group on a refreshing and rejuvenating walk. The walks will take place on an ongoing basis, the 2nd Thursday of every month. The group will walk either outside on the trails at the YMCA or inside on the track at the YMCA, weather dependent.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is proud to welcome new Clinic Manager, Jennifer Miller, RN, to its leadership team. Originally from Bovey, MN, Jennifer comes to Grand Rapids from St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin where she was most recently a clinic supervisor.

Grand Rapids, MN - Steve Burggraf and Sean Burggraf, of Burggraf’s Ace Hardware presented a check in the amount of $41,300 to Grand Itasca Foundation board chair, Dale Adams, and Grand Itasca Foundation Director, Kelly Kirwin. The check represents the money raised at the 2nd Annual Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic held at Pokegama Golf Course on June 4, 2015.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Inpatient Pharmacist, Tyler Waller, PharmD, was recently recognized as Preceptor of the Year by the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy coordinates clinical rotations for pharmacy students across the state and each year it recognizes two individuals as Preceptors of the Year. The award recipients are nominated by the students. This year, Grand Itasca’s Tyler Waller, PharmD received this prestigious award.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is excited to announce a new patient partnership program called Include Always©. In partnership with Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA), Include Always©, offers an opportunity to transform health care by authentically engaging patients and families at all levels of their care.

Grand Rapids, MN – Burggraf's Ace Hardware, in partnership with Grand Itasca Foundation, has established an annual fundraiser to support health care for local kids and looks forward to holding this year's event on June 4th at Pokegama Golf Course. Nationwide, Ace Hardware stores have a tradition of supporting their communities with a special focus on raising money for kids. Since 1991, the Ace Foundation has donated over $58 million nationally to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Steve Burggraf, owner of Burggraf's Ace Hardware in Grand Rapids wanted to make a difference locally, in addition to continuing to support the national fundraising efforts by Ace. Thus, in 2014, the Burggraf family created the Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic where every dollar raised directly benefits pediatric care at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital.

Grand Rapids, MN – Brenda Parks, RN, a nurse in the Emergency Department at Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, is the recipient of the 2014 Robyn Kucera Emergency Department Staff Award. The Arrowhead Regional EMS System Recognition Award Program recognizes individuals whose performance and commitment toward providing emergency medical services (EMS) care is exemplary.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital is pleased to announce that Deborah Hogenson has joined our leadership team as the Director of Human Resources. A native of Grand Rapids, Hogenson was most recently the Director of Human Resources at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. Hogenson brings an extensive background of human resource management in non-profit healthcare and higher education.

Grand Rapids, MN – In 2014, 103 active volunteers donated their time and energy to make Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital an even better place to receive care. Those 103 volunteers worked a total of 10,372 hours, which equates to a value of $236,482 to Grand Itasca.

Grand Rapids, MN - For the past three years, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has participated in a patient safety initiative as part of the Partnership for Patients Hospital Engagement Network, which is supported by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA). The initiative worked to address and decrease the top 10 hospital acquired conditions (HACs) across the state, which include pressure ulcers, falls, obstetrical adverse events, venous thromboembolism, adverse drug events, surgical site infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infections and readmissions.

Grand Rapids, MN – There’s nothing that warms the heart more than a community coming together to raise funds for a worthy cause. On June 5th, Grand Rapids experienced that special feeling as the owners and employees of Burggraf’s ACE Hardware partnered with Grand Itasca Foundation and the employees of Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital to launch the 1st Annual Burggraf’s ACE Hardware Caring Fore Kids Charity Classic.

Grand Rapids, MN – Eleven Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital staff recently completed training offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama. The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is the only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training facility in the nation. Responders participating in CDP training gain critical skills and confidence to respond effectively to local incidents or potential WMD events.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital was recently recognized for reducing the number of elective inductions and Cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. March of Dimes says this will give more babies a healthy start in life. Babies delivered before full term (39 to 41 weeks completed gestation) are at increased risk of serious health problems and death in their first year of life.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Foundation is starting 2014 off with a new mission statement and the addition of five new board members. New board members beginning a 3-year term with Grand Itasca Foundation include: Joe Cargill, Mandy Dick, Cory Jackson, Sue Mattson and Dr. Nathan Tiwari. This group will join Grand Itasca Foundation’s current board members: Dale Adams, Board Chair, Dr. Patty Carlin-Janssen, Cricket Guyer, Vice Chair, Dr. Ron Johnson, Dr. Hans Kaldahl, Tina Kane, Donna Kelly, Tara Makinen, Andy Shermoen, Diane Weber, Treasurer, and Steve Wright, Secretary.

Grand Rapids MN – As an extension of Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital’s new wellness initiative, all two and three year olds who have a well child clinic visit will receive a portioned meal plate to take home with them. Aligned with the USDA MyPlate icon, the colorful plate has appropriately-sized portion areas with illustrations of the five food groups that are building blocks for a healthy diet: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy. Using a familiar image for each food group, it teaches proper portioning and encourages children and parents to build a healthy meal each time they use the plate.

Grand Rapids MN – Those driving to Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital will see new signage at the main and Emergency Department entrances. The signage reminds employees, patients and visitors that Grand Itasca is a tobacco-free campus. Since opening the doors of its new facility on Golf Course Road in 2005, Grand Itasca has been a tobacco-free facility. 

Grand Rapids, MN - Trauma cases involving children are rare but results are more commonly tragic. According to the Minnesota State Ambulance Reporting (MNSTAR), less than 6 percent of all ambulance runs statewide in 2009 involved pediatric patients. Particularly in rural areas, where low population density usually means fewer EMS calls, providers see even fewer pediatric cases. It is especially difficult for emergency responders in rural areas to retain the necessary knowledge when practiced so infrequently. 

Grand Rapids – Grand Itasca Volunteer Services (GIVS) recently released their annual report for 2013, detailing the broad ancillary benefits the over 100 volunteers contribute to Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital.

Grand Rapids MN - In an effort to improve the health and well-being of its employees, patients and the community, Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is changing its policy on the types of beverages served and sold in its facilities.  Beginning on March 2, 2013, all sugar-sweetened beverages will be removed from the beverage choices available in the cafeteria, coffee bar and vending areas.

Grand Rapids MN - Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital will be opening the doors to its Rapid Clinic (walk-in clinic) on January 2, 2013.  The hours of operation for the clinic are 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday through Friday and Noon – 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday. 

Grand Rapids MN - The statistics are real – at least 40 percent of the deaths and 75 percent of all chronic diseases in the U.S. are attributed to four lifestyle behaviors: unhealthy eating, inadequate exercise, smoking and hazardous drinking. These and additional facts that support the importance of prevention and wellness were what Dr. Courtney Baechler, Vice President of the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing with Allina Hospitals, presented to Grand Itasca providers at their weekly Continuing Medical Education conference on November 9th.

Grand Rapids MN – Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital would like to welcome Simon Lick, MD, to our team of hospitalist.  A native of Grand Rapids, Dr. Lick completed his undergraduate schooling at the College of St. Scholastica in 2004.    He then completed his doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis in 2009. In 2012, Dr. Lick completed his residency at the University of Minnesota in Internal Medicine.

Grand Rapids MN –  Grand Itasca Foundation and Itasca Hospice Foundation are jointly sponsoring two workshops on end-of-life care in late September. The featured speaker at the scheduled workshops on September 26 and September 27 is Barbara Karnes, RN, an award winning hospice nurse and nationally prominent speaker on the dynamics of dying. 

Grand Rapids MN – Allina Health and George Family Foundation have announced a regional health improvement partnership with 13 health care organizations in communities across Greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The named organizations, including Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, are:  First Light Health System, Mora, MN; Hutchinson Area Health Care, Hutchinson, MN; Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia, MN; Baldwin Area Medical Center, Baldwin, WI; District One Hospital, Faribault, MN; Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo MN; Cambridge Medical Center, Cambridge, MN; River Falls Area Hospital, River Falls, WI; Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Crosby, MN; Regina Medical Center, Hastings, MN; Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar, MN; and Riverwood Healthcare Center, Aitkin, MN.

Grand Rapids MN - Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding during the implementation of our new electronic health record, Excellian. 

We understand wait times for appointment scheduling and registration have increased during this process. To accommodate your scheduling needs, we are bringing in additional resources to better serve you.

A big thanks and congratulations t our employees for their hard-work and dedication as we move forward with this new system.

Again, thank you for your patience and understanding as our staff becomes familiar with this new system.

Grand Rapids, MN - On August 17, 2012, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital will be adopting a new electronic medical record (EMR) system.  This computerized system completely replaces patient’s paper charts.  Patients will now have one electronic medical record that is shared by all of their Grand Itasca care providers including -  both the clinic and hospital, home care, rehab and more.  This delivers a more complete picture of one’s medical history, allowing providers to make the best recommendation about medical care.

Grand Rapids, MN - Grand Itasca Foundation and Grand Itasca Volunteer Services awarded $15,500 to area high school graduates as well as college and non-traditional students pursuing an education in a health science field.  

Grand Rapids, MN - In July of 2012, Grand Itasca received its recertification as a Level III Trauma Hospital. Trauma is the third leading cause of death in Minnesota. On average, trauma claims the lives of 2,400 Minnesotans annually. In states where trauma systems are in place, survival rates for trauma victims have increased by 15 to 20 percent.

Grand Rapids, MN – Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is excited to announce the implementation of EPIC, the industry leader in electronic health record management systems in the United States. This will provide access to your medical record from within all of Grand Itasca (including both the clinic and hospital, home care, rehab and more).

Grand Rapids, MN - Grand Itasca will again offer sports physicals to area athletes at a reduced rate. The cost of the exam will be $49 if the exam is conducted during the scheduled sports physical nights on July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm nightly.