Since 1936, Lakewood Health System has made it our business to ensure the health and well-being of our patients and communities.
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04/10/2026
Lakewood’s Education team recently held an RQI training day for medical staff, including a Lunch & Learn focused on strengthening resuscitation skills.
Joining Lakewood's Crystal Kapphahn (pictured at left), RN, Staff Development Coordinator, and Kendra Petersen (right), RN, Certified Nursing Instructor & Onboarding Coordinator, was RQI Impact Manager Rene' Miller (middle) who provided support, along with practical tips to optimize performance during quarterly skills assessments.
The Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) program — an American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical initiative — replaces traditional biennial CPR training with low-dose, high-frequency, simulation-based assessments, according to Kapphahn.
"Using on-site stations, staff receive real-time feedback that builds confidence, supports skill retention, and improves patient outcomes," she explained.
Kapphahn went on to say, through RQI, team members maintain competency in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
"This ongoing approach reinforces Lakewood’s commitment to high-quality CPR, continuous learning, and safe, effective patient care," said Kapphahn.
04/09/2026
We are proud to share that Lakewood CEO & President Lisa Bjerga is at the Minnesota Hospital Association's Healthcare Leadership Institute today where she is a featured speaker on the "Weathering the Storms" panel with other healthcare leaders! 🧡💙
04/09/2026
Spring is in the air at Lakewood Care Center! 🌷 Residents enjoyed a hands-on activity planting peas, sunflowers and nasturtiums as part of the popular “Window Bag Garden” project.
This activity creates a mini-greenhouse right on the window, allowing residents to watch their seeds germinate and grow.
04/09/2026
Lakewood Health System Foundation would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Holistic Pain Management for serving as an 🔶Orange Sponsor🔶 for this year’s GIVE ORANGE fundraiser and auction. Their generous sponsorship helps make this meaningful event possible! To learn more about HPM, go to: https://myhpm.com/minnesota
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Join us on Friday, April 24 for our annual GIVE ORANGE event at Lakewood's Main Campus from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening features delicious heavy appetizers, a $10,000 cash raffle grand prize, along with exciting silent and live auction items too.
Our goal is to raise money to help support Foundation services and programs for patients and families in the communities we serve.
🟠 If you're interested in attending the event or being a sponsor, please visit: https://shorturl.at/Olb9G
🧡💙 | | HPM
04/09/2026
Lakewood oncologist Dr. Wade Swenson is mentoring visiting physician Dr. Mark Mitchell over the next several days through the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Mentorship Program.
Dr. Mitchell, a second-year hematology and oncology fellow, is spending time at Lakewood Cancer Center where he is experiencing what he describes as “immersive shadowing” with Dr. Swenson.
Through the mentorship program, fellows are paired with experienced oncology physicians across the country to explore shared clinical interests and career goals.
“I consider Dr. Swenson an expert in rural oncology,” said Dr. Mitchell. “It’s an incredible opportunity to see this type of care in person.”
Originally from a small town in central Tennessee who attended East Tennessee State University, Dr. Mitchell has long felt called to serve rural communities. His interest in medicine began early while in high school when he was inspired by a family medicine physician.
“One of the moments that stayed with me was observing this physician deliver a cancer diagnosis … Even though it was incredibly difficult news, the patient felt a sense of relief because she had answers and a path forward. That experience showed me how important it is to help guide patients through uncertainty and provide hope.”
According to Dr. Swenson, exposure to rural oncology can open doors many physicians may not have been exposed to.
“By creating opportunities for physicians to experience rural medicine firsthand, we can help inspire future oncologists to consider practicing in communities where their expertise and presence are greatly needed,” he said.
Dr. Swenson is also actively involved in the Rural Cancer Institute, a national initiative focused on improving access to high-quality cancer care in rural communities. The Rural Oncology Conference 2026, hosted by the Rural Cancer Institute, will take place on April 18 in Minneapolis. Dr. Mitchell plans to attend this conference to further his connections in the rural oncology field.
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04/09/2026
Nearly 50 CNAs from across Lakewood’s system gathered this afternoon at Lakewood Care Center for the second CNA Skills Fair — an afternoon filled with hands-on learning and professional growth.
Just like last week’s session, the Skills Fair featured 12 interactive stations focused on real-life care scenarios designed to strengthen confidence and reinforce best practices. Each station provided valuable opportunities for CNAs to learn from one another, ask questions and build skills they use every day in caring for residents and patients.
Thank you to staff who shared their expertise by leading stations and supporting this learning opportunity too. 🧡💙
04/09/2026
It was the perfect time to capture a photo of these incredible team members as they gathered for their quarterly meeting this evening during Patient Access Recognition Week!
Led by Sarah Licari (manager) and Jen Hjelmstad (supervisor), Lakewood’s Patient Access team plays an essential role in helping patients feel welcomed, supported and connected to the care they need.
By the way ... this is not the entire Patient Access team, as they span across our system at our satellite clinics, specialist care, cancer center and emergency department too. 💪
Thank you for all that you do! 🧡💙
04/08/2026
🧡 Faces Behind the Care 💙 Kristie Sistad
Exceptional care starts with exceptional team members in all areas at Lakewood — like Kristie, who serves as the Intake Coordinator for our Hospice and Home Care programs.
🌟 Tell us what you do as an Intake Coordinator.
KRISTIE: "I am the first contact with the Hospice or Home Care patient, reaching out once we have received the referral from a clinic, hospital or rehab center. I explain, discuss and answer questions regarding our home-based services."
🌟 Favorite part of your job?
KRISTIE: "Connecting with the patients. The patient and families are usually super thankful for the help. Oh, and of course, my coworkers! We have a GREAT TEAM!"
🌟 Why are you proud to work at Lakewood?
KRISTIE: "I absolutely love what Lakewood does for the community and what it stands for."
🌟 What’s something people might be surprised to learn about what you do in your job?
KRISTIE: "Acuity and tracking of patients for the nurses: mapping out for our team on what patients are given to which nurse or home health aide."
🌟 If you could switch jobs at Lakewood for a week, what would it be?
KRISTIE: "I would love to work with Lindsay Kirk (palliative care social worker) and Paul Johnson (chaplain) as I see what they do and how our Home Care and Hospice patients and families adore and appreciate what they do for them!"
🌟 Favorite movie, TV show and/or book?
KRISTIE: My current favorite movie is "Family Stone." My favorite TV show is "Chicago Med." And my favorite book is "Lessons in Chemistry" but I have so many favorite books!"
🌟 What brings you joy outside of work?
KRISTIE: "Spending time with my family, traveling, and fishing (both summer and winter)."
🌟 If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
KRISTIE: "Mother Theresa. I just love what she stood for: 'to give wholehearted free service to the poor.' "
We’re thankful for the amazing people who make Lakewood what it is!
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04/08/2026
When possible, we love sharing patients’ meaningful milestones at the Lakewood Cancer Center. 🧡💙
This afternoon, Jeff Mehl rang the Celebration Bell, marking the completion of his radiation therapy.
Surrounded by members of our radiation and infusion therapy teams, Jeff was honored with a congratulatory balloon, a sweet treat, a certificate signed by staff to recognize this important achievement, and oodles of applause and heartfelt hugs!
Jeff (aka Mr. Mehl) is a longtime and beloved teacher at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary, who has shown incredible strength, resilience and hope throughout his cancer journey.
Please join us in congratulating Jeff on his milestone moment! 👏🎉👏🎉
📸 Pictured, from left: Leah Anderson, Kennady Hudalla, Heather Marcyes, Jeff Mehl, Oscar Cruz Martinez, Dr. Mabanta, and Jennifer McKenzie.
🎥 Video credit: Leah Anderson
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04/08/2026
MOVEMENT is Medicine! 👟Come and join us for a fun indoor walk, along with a chance to meet Dr. Adrianne Moen and other walkers, at our weekly "Walk With A Doc" on Thursday, April 9 at Lakewood's Main Campus in Staples.
Meet at the Main Entrance at 5:15 p.m. Dr. Moen will speak on a health topic midway through the walk.
See you there! 👋
04/08/2026
Last year’s Lakewood Health System Foundation's Give Orange fundraiser & auction was truly an unforgettable evening (pictured here)! 🧡👏
Thanks to the incredible support of community members, businesses and Lakewood staff, Give Orange continues to make a real difference for our patients and families. ❤️
Donations and gifts to the Lakewood Foundation help fulfill care needs both in our facilities, as well as in the communities we serve.
This year, attendees will have the unique opportunity to make a difference by choosing the area of impact that resonates with them.
Those funds include:
🧡 NEW! Parkinson's Fund: Supports group physical therapy classes not covered by insurance to help make them accessible for all patients with Parkinson's Disease.
🧡 NEW! Compassionate Care Fund: Assisting patients and families facing difficult circumstances.
🧡 Oncology Support Fund: Provides financial assistance for families undergoing cancer treatment.
🧡 Senior Care Fund: Supports the Lakewood Care Center and home-based services.
🧡 General Fund: A flexible fund that supports the most pressing needs of our patients and community as they arise.
We hope you can join us for an evening of fun, connection and impact on Friday, April 24 at Lakewood's Main Campus in Staples. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a social hour, followed by heavy appetizers at 6 p.m. and the program and auction from 7–8 p.m.
🎟️ Get your tickets at: onecau.se/giveorange
Together, we can make this year’s Give Orange event the most meaningful yet!
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04/07/2026
Lakewood welcomed members of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to our Staples main campus for a visit today.
Through a substantial federal grant from HRSA, Lakewood is launching a rural residency program in collaboration with the University of Minnesota in 2027. Residents will complete year one with our urban partner, North Memorial, before joining us in Staples for years two and three.
📸 Pictured from left: Loren Walz, Melissa Stevens, University of Minnesota; Dr. Alex Harsha, Joseph Mills and Jason Steele, HRSA officers; and Dr. Christine Albrecht.
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The United Hospital District was formed in 1973 when the city of Staples transferred ownership and operation over to the hospital district. The city hospital first started as a 24-bed hospital in 1936, and expanded to a 40-bed facility in 1957. The hospital district consisted of 10 townships and two cities, and at that time elections were held by various townships and cities to form the hospital district.
The purpose of forming the district was to expand board representation and financial support for health care services in the Staples / Motley area. The hospital district is allowed to be formed under state statutes which gives the board more flexibility in securing debt, owning real estate and had fewer restrictions than a 501C6 city facility.
In 1977, a new hospital and nursing home was constructed on Prairie Avenue with the merger of the hospital and the Mary Rondorf Nursing Home. The hospital merged with the clinic in 1997 and a private 501C3 corporation called Lakewood Health System was formed to merge public and private dollars. The district retained the debt and ownership of property, but turned our daily operations through an affiliation agreement and lease with Lakewood Health System.
Clinic Merger / Affiliation Agreement with Lakewood Health System
In the 1990s, it was projected that payment systems across the country would be changed to a capitated dollar system in which a set dollar amount would have to be divided between hospitals, clinics and other health care providers. In response to this proposed change, insurance companies and larger health systems began buying clinics to control the dollars in providing healthcare services. Lakewood Clinic knew that these market changes provided limited time for them to obtain any value in the sale of their practice. There was concern that in the years to come, the opportunity to sell the practice would be significantly reduced or minimized.
In 1995, a proposal was made by the hospital district to the Lakewood Clinic physicians to purchase the practice. The physicians agreed to the purchase by the United Hospital District and two years of negotiations were conducted.
On March 1, 1997, the hospital and clinic officially merged and became Lakewood Health System. The merger consisted of an affiliation agreement in which the district board transferred the assets, equipment, employees and third party contracts over to a new 501C3 private non-profit corporation called Lakewood Health System.
The district board has two representatives on the system board for oversight and to make sure they are effectively managing Lakewood Health System. The structure of the two boards maximizes the benefits of both for the health care system. The two boards each play a significant role providing the most effective support and availability of resources and effort to be focused on the access and delivery of exceptional health services to the Staples / Motley area.
