CentraCare - Benson

04/10/2026

Thank you to our communities for your generous support of CentraCare EMS and CentraCare Foundation!

This new equipment improves safety and comfort for patients while also helping protect our EMS crew from injury.

We’re grateful for the support that helps us care for our community every day.

Thanks to generous community support, the CentraCare EMS program purchased a Binder Lift for each of its 21 ambulances.

The Binder Lift is a heavy-duty padded wrap with multiple handles that surrounds the patient’s torso and has two straps that connect between the legs to make it safer and easier for EMS crew members to lift the patient – especially if a patient is larger or has fallen in a small area such as a bathroom. The Binder Lift also helps to reduce back injuries in EMS workers.

“The Binder Lift is a win-win. Not only is it safer for our patients, but it also helps to reduce back injuries in our EMS staff,” said Brad Hanson, Senior Director, CentraCare Emergency Medical Services. “We are truly grateful for the gifts from our community which helped to make it possible for us to purchase these lifts.”

04/10/2026

Check out the latest edition of From the Archives: A Shared Responsibility for Funding the Future with CentraCare host Andreas Haffar.

In the 1950s, healthcare became a grassroots movement. As federal funding paved the way for small towns to build critical access hospitals in places like Redwood Falls, volunteer auxiliaries championed healthcare in the places they called home.

Archivist Brendon Duffy shares the vital role they played between patient and provider, and how they were instrumental in fundraising for the first wave of modern medical technology.

Thank you to the Benson Area Wellness Auxiliary, formerly the Swift County Benson Hospital Auxiliary, for continuing to support area healthcare and wellness initiatives in our community!

04/08/2026

Stacy Peter, CentraCare Nurse for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, is running the upcoming Earth Day Half Marathon Relay in St. Cloud, but for her, it's about more than miles. She's on a journey to prove something powerful, to herself and her family: quitting isn’t the ending. Finishing is.

Interested in participating? There is still time to join Stacy and many others at the Earth Day Run this year, with events happening April 17-18. Sign-up here: runsignup.com/Race/MN/StCloud/EarthDayRun

04/08/2026

CentraCare Hospice invites children in grades K-6 who have lost a loved one to attend Camp GK Bear, a one-day grief camp filled with support, connection, and healing activities like arts & crafts, music, and more.

Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lakeland Auditorium (lower level of CentraCare – Willmar Lakeland Clinic)
502 2nd Street SW, Willmar

Free to attend!

Give your child a safe space to remember, share, and heal. Register by April 10 at CentraCare.com/CampGKBear.

04/07/2026

Your health, and your family’s health, matters every day.

Having a primary care clinician means having someone who knows you, understands your health history and helps you stay on track with preventive care. It’s a trusted partner you can turn to for everything from routine checkups to managing ongoing health needs.

The Family Medicine team at CentraCare – Benson is here for you through every stage of life, providing personalized care for you and your loved ones, close to home.

Call 320-843-2030 to schedule an appointment and get connected to care that’s centered around you. Because health means everything.

04/04/2026

We are constantly being encouraged to drink more water. But how much do we actually need?

In this article, you'll learn the recommendations of how much to drink, along with why water is so vital, signs of dehydration, and some tips to help you get those ounces in!
https://www.centracare.com/articles-stories/how-much-water-do-you-really-need/

04/03/2026

Donate Life flags are a symbol of unity, remembrance, hope and support, honoring those whose lives have been touched by donation and transplantation.

April 1 marks the start of National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Yesterday in Benson, our team members joined others across our system and hospitals nationwide in raising the Donate Life flag, sharing information and starting meaningful conversations. Even the small details, like earth-shaped cookies, served as a reminder of the many lives connected through donation.

It was a simple moment, but a powerful reminder that one choice can make a lasting difference for so many. 💚💙

04/02/2026

As children enter adolescence, their medical privacy rights grow with them—often catching parents by surprise. CentraCare Digital Product Communications Manager Jen Evans explains what MyChart proxy access looks like for teens ages 12–17, how to stay connected to your children’s care, and how to help them set up their own account.

Learn more: https://www.centracare.com/articles-stories/mychart-proxy-access-for-teens/

03/31/2026

Nutrition labels can be confusing. CentraCare dietitian Natalie Mathiowetz shares a few simple things to look for when reading nutrition labels that can help you make informed, health-conscious decisions.

1. Serving Size: All the numbers on the label are based on this. Make sure it matches how much you actually eat.
2. Protein & Fiber: Look for foods that help keep you full and satisfied.
3. Added Sugars: Keep an eye on how much sugar is added, not just what occurs naturally. The lower, the better!

03/30/2026

Today, on National Doctors’ Day, we celebrate the people behind the care. They are the listening ears, steady hands and compassionate hearts who show up for our patients every single day.

From routine checkups to life-changing moments, our doctors make a difference in ways big and small, and we are so grateful.

Join us in saying thank you by watching this special message of appreciation.

03/25/2026

It's officially spring and it’s a great time to think spring cleaning!

Allergy & Immunology Specialist Dr. Eyas Abla shares a simple spring cleaning checklist to get you started.

A few helpful tips:
• Focus on where dust and allergens build up most
• Don’t overlook fabrics, bedding and air filters
• Clean in ways that won’t stir up more irritation

Check out the full article for easy, practical ways to help you breathe a little easier this spring.

Rid your home of dust and irritants with a healthy spring cleaning. Work from top to bottom to avoid spreading dust and dirt to areas you've already cleaned.

03/24/2026

Looking for a simple way to build balanced meals?

CentraCare Dietitian Natalie Mathiowetz walks you through The Plate Method, an easy tool you can use every day.