Lakewood Regional Healthcare Foundation Supports Baudette Community Theater with $10,000 Donation

The Lakewood Regional Healthcare Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Baudette Community Foundation’s 2024 Capital Campaign. This campaign aims to revitalize the Grand Theater, a vital community hub, with much-needed renovations. Upgrades include replacing over 20-year-old, broken auditorium seating; converting to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the building, including aisle “runway” lights; installing new LED-lighted poster display frames; and replenishing the theater’s depleted “rainy day fund.” 

The Grand Theater plays a significant role in the Baudette community, providing a safe and enjoyable entertainment venue for families, teens, and seniors. Its creation stemmed from a community need, addressing the lack of local movie theaters and the resulting safety concerns associated with long-distance travel for entertainment. The theater offers a healthy escape, fostering mental well-being and providing a social gathering space for residents of all ages, including special screenings for CHI Lakewood Care Center residents. The Lakewood Regional Healthcare Foundation is proud to support this community asset. 

About LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation 

Established in 1997, the Foundation’s most ambitious fundraising effort raised $500,000 for the design and development of the new hospital and care center facility attached to the original healthcare facility. Today, the Foundation continues its mission to be “Your partner in building healthier communities where we live, work and play”. The Foundation is a subsidiary of CHI LakeWood Health. If you’d like to help the Foundation continue to make an impact in our community, consider donating today at https://chilakewoodhealth.com/lakewood-foundation/. 

About CHI LakeWood Health 

CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, and a family-practice Rural Health Clinic. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services, including Public Health, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Behavioral Health, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services. 

Contact: 

Carrie Davidson 

carrie.davidson@commonspirit.org 

CHI LakeWood Health proudly announces the recipients of its prestigious 2024 Spirit Awards: Katie Levasseur, Registered Nurse; Linda Borowicz, Radiology Technologist; and Stacey Johnson, Occupational Therapist and Therapy Manager.

These esteemed individuals embody LakeWood’s mission, vision, values, and behavioral standards, demonstrating exceptional commitment to both the organization and the community it serves.  Selected through peer nominations, the Spirit Award recognizes their outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication.

The awards were presented at CHI LakeWood Health’s annual Christmas celebration on Friday, December 6th, held at the VFW in Baudette.

The LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation, a subsidiary of CHI LakeWood Health, announced a grant of $25,000 to the Splash Pad Committee for the development of a new splash pad at Timber Mill Park. This generous contribution will support the creation of a safe and enjoyable recreational space for children and families in the community. The LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors recognized the significant community benefit of this project. 

“We are thrilled to support this vital community initiative,” said Tessa Strohl, LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation Board Member. “The Timber Mill Park Splash Pad will offer a much-needed resource for families, promoting a healthy outdoor activity and strengthening community bonds. This aligns perfectly with our Foundation’s mission to support not only healthcare but also community programs that impact health and wellness. Activities like this splash pad are directly connected to the quality of life in our county and surrounding areas.” 

The Timber Mill Splash Pad Committee has been working hard to meet their large goal of raising $350,000. Members of the committee stated they are beyond grateful for the community support, especially from local institutions. 

Established in 1997, the Foundation’s most ambitious fundraising effort raised $500,000 for the design and development of the new hospital and care center facility attached to the original healthcare facility. Today, the Foundation continues its mission to be “Your partner in building healthier communities where we live, work and play”. The Foundation is a subsidiary of CHI LakeWood Health. If you’d like to help the Foundation continue to make an impact in our community, consider donating today at LakeWoodHealthCenter.org/lakewood-foundation. 

About CHI LakeWood Health CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, and a family-practice Rural Health Clinic. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services, including Public Health, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Behavioral Health, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services.

CHI Lakewood Health Renews ACR Mammography Accreditation 

CHI Lakewood Health is pleased to announce the renewal of its accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR) for its mammography services. This prestigious three-year re-accreditation demonstrates CHI Lakewood Health’s continued commitment to providing high-quality, safe mammograms to its patients. 

The ACR Mammography Accreditation Program rigorously evaluates facilities across four critical areas: personnel qualifications, equipment quality, image quality, and patient safety. CHI Lakewood Health successfully completed the comprehensive renewal application process, reaffirming its adherence to the highest standards of care. ACR accreditation is a mandatory requirement for facilities offering mammography services. 

“We are committed to providing safe and high-quality mammograms for our patients, and receiving the ACR Mammography Accreditation proves this commitment,” says McCall Plourde, certified mammographer at CHI Lakewood Health. 

To schedule your mammogram, call CHI Lakewood Health at 218-634-2120. Self-referrals are accepted; however, please check with your insurance provider prior to scheduling. Alternatively, you can have your primary care provider send your mammogram order directly to CHI Lakewood Health. 

About CHI LakeWood Health 

CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, and a family-practice Rural Health Clinic. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services, including Public Health, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Behavioral Health, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services. 

CHI LakeWood Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was

created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthy communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. CommonSpirit Health operates 142 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2023, CommonSpirit Health provided $2.9 billion in community benefit.

CHI LakeWood Health is proud to announce the launch of its new part-time Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service, expanding its commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare to the community. 

This exciting development means that CHI LakeWood Health will now be able to offer advanced medical care, including paramedic-level interventions, during ambulance transports. This enhanced service will provide patients with a higher level of care and potentially faster response times in emergency situations. 

“We are thrilled to bring this vital service to our community,” said Don Castle, CHI LakeWood Health Ambulance Manager. “This expansion reflects our dedication to providing the best possible care to our patients, no matter where they are.” 

While CHI LakeWood Health will prioritize offering ALS services, the organization will continue to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance services when a paramedic is not available. This ensures that all community members have access to essential emergency medical transportation. 

This transition has been made possible through the hard work and dedication of the ambulance service. The organization is grateful for their commitment to providing exceptional care and ensuring a smooth transition to this new service. 

“We are proud of our EMT team and their dedication to serving our community,” said Jeffry Stampohar, CHI LakeWood Health President. “Their expertise and commitment are essential to the success of our new ALS service.”

CHI LakeWood Health is currently hiring for full time paramedics and EMTs to support the new ALS service model. Please visit their website at chilakewoodhealth.com to apply. 

About CHI LakeWood Health 

CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, and a family-practice Rural Health Clinic. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services, including Public Health, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Behavioral Health, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services. 

CHI LakeWood Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthy communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. CommonSpirit Health operates 142 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2023, CommonSpirit Health provided $2.9 billion in community benefit. 

**Contact:** 

Carrie Davidson, Marketing and PR Manager 

218.634.3454 

carrie.davidson@commonspirit.org

Baudette, MN – July 8 – CHI LakeWood Health is pleased to announce the addition of Matt McGee, Physician Assistant, to its primary care team. McGee brings a wealth of experience in urgent care and emergency medicine, coupled with a passion for preventive care, to his new role. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team,” said CeCe Johnson, CHI LakeWood Health Clinic Manager. “His extensive experience and commitment to patient care will make him a valuable asset to our community.” 

McGee, a native of the Minneapolis area, has a deep connection to the Brainerd Lakes region, where he spent much of his youth fishing. His passion for medicine was ignited through volunteer experiences in the ICU family lounge and hospice, leading him to pursue a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

With nearly a decade of experience in urgent care and emergency rooms, McGee excels in same-day clinic and urgent care visits. He has a diverse background, having worked in orthopedics, gastroenterology, pediatrics, and performed minor office procedures. He is 

excited to continue his transition into primary care, where he enjoys the focus on prevention and the variety of patient needs, from ENT and dermatology to women’s health, mental health, and cardiology. 

When not caring for patients, McGee enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, exploring Minnesota’s state parks, and coaching and officiating their youth sports teams. He also hopes to find more time for hunting with his dog. 

Jeffry Stampohar, President of CHI LakeWood Health, added: “We are committed to providing our community with access to high-quality, compassionate care. Matt’s

dedication to patient well-being and his diverse experience make him a perfect fit for our team. We are confident that he will make a positive impact on the lives of our patients.” 

McGee will start seeing patients on Friday, July 12th. To schedule an appointment call 218.634.1655. 

About CHI LakeWood Health 

CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, and a family-practice Rural Health Clinic. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services, including Cardiac Rehab, Public Health, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Behavioral Health, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services. 

CHI LakeWood Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthy communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care. CommonSpirit Health operates 142 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states. In FY 2023, CommonSpirit Health provided $2.9 billion in community benefit. 

At CHI LakeWood Health, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. That’s why we use the CDC STEADI Fall Risk Assessment tool as part of our comprehensive approach to fall prevention. 

This simple questionnaire helps us identify patients who may be at risk for falls so we can take specific precautions and implement appropriate interventions.

You may have already seen this tool or been asked to fill it out at a previous visit with us. As Natasha Kasprowicz, our Surgery Coordinator, emphasizes, “The CDC STEADI has been instrumental in enhancing the safety of our same-day surgery program. By incorporating the assessment into our pre-op phone calls, we can streamline your care and ensure we have the right safety measures in place before you even arrive.” 

While surgery is one area where the assessment is utilized, you’ll encounter it throughout your journey at CHI LakeWood Health. This comprehensive approach ensures we proactively address fall risks in various settings, promoting safety and well-being for all our patients. We do this because falls are more common than people realize. More than one in four older adults reported falling in 2015 alone, according to the CDC. 

There are simple steps you can take anytime to help decrease your or your loved ones’ fall risk. 

1. Focus on strength and balance. Activities like Tai chi can improve balance and make your legs stronger.
2. Use proper footwear. They should fit properly and have good traction.
3. Have your medications reviewed with your doctor or pharmacist, including supplements and over-the-counter medications. 
4. Get an annual eye exam.
5. Make your home safer, remove clutter and use non-slip mats and handrails.
6. Talk to your health care provider, especially if you feel unsteady or have had a recent fall.

Life is all about balance, and so is fall prevention. Whether here or at home, CHI LakeWood Health wants everyone to be safe and well.

Baudette, MN – CHI LakeWood Health is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Daniel Margo to its surgical team. Dr. Margo is a board-certified general surgeon with extensive experience in a variety of surgical procedures.

Dr. Margo earned his undergraduate degree from the University of MN-Duluth and his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He completed his surgical residency at Altru Health System Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and his vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado, where he also served as an instructor for one year.

Dr. Margo is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to his patients. He is excited to join the CHI LakeWood Health team and to serve the Lake of the Woods community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Margo to our team,” said Jeffry Stampohar, President of CHI LakeWood Health. “His expertise and experience will be a great asset to our hospital and to our community.”

Dr. Margo has expertise in same-day surgeries and advanced procedures, including:

Laparoscopic: Appendix and Gallbladder 

Endoscopic: Upper Endoscopy and Colonoscopy  

Skin & Soft Tissue: Skin Cancer, Soft Tissue Abnormalities, Wounds and Complex Lacerations 

Other: Carpal Tunnel Release and Hernia Repair

Tell your healthcare provider you prefer to have your surgery done close to home at CHI LakeWood Health. 

About CHI LakeWood Health

CHI LakeWood Health has been an integral part of the Baudette community since 1950. The campus includes a 15-bed acute-care Critical Access Hospital, a Skilled Nursing Facility, and a family-practice Rural Health Clinic. LakeWood offers a variety of medical services including: Cardiac Rehab, Public Health, Physical and Occupational Therapies, Behavioral Health, Telemedicine, Visiting Nurse and Ambulance Services. LakeWood is a member of CommonSpirit Health, a faith-based national health care system that was formed in February 2019 through the merger of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health.

From pain of all sorts, hip/knee surgery, post-concussion care to balance issues and Parkinson’s disease, there’s a physical therapist who can help you at CHI LakeWood Health. Now, with direct access, a physician referral is not required. 

That means you can call directly to access physical therapy services for a variety of health issues and concerns. Our team will check with your insurance to see if it requires a physician referral. For most, that means easier access to the comprehensive care provided by a physical therapist.

Our physical therapy team can help you achieve your highest functioning following illness, injury, surgery or other factors affecting your daily living. Physical therapy uses exercises, therapeutic treatments and patient education to help decrease pain and/or improve your condition, and in many cases without surgery or the side effects of medication. 

Why wait? If you have pain or a health issue that would benefit from physical therapy, call us today at 218.634.3429. We’ll help you get on the right path.

Local youth hockey players have an extra layer of care on the ice, thanks to a donation by the LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation. 

Two first aid kits – one to be placed at the International Arena and one at the Baudette Arena – were purchased by the Lake of the Woods Youth Hockey Association with funds donated by LakeWood Regional Healthcare Foundation. 

The Foundation is proud to support not only healthcare but also the programs and organizations in our community which make an impact on health and wellness. Activities like youth hockey are directly connected to the health, wellness and quality of life of those living in our county and surrounding areas. 

Established in 1997, the Foundation’s most ambitious fundraising effort raised $500,000 for the design and development of the new hospital and care center facility attached to the original health care facility. 

Today, the Foundation continues its mission to be “Your partner in building healthier communities where we live, work and play”. If you’d like to help the Foundation continue to make an impact in our community, consider donating today at LakeWoodHealthCenter.org/lakewood-foundation.