Riverwood Healthcare Center

11/26/2025

From all of us at Riverwood Healthcare Center, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and time with those you love. We’re honored to serve our communities and deeply thankful for the trust you place in us to care for you and your family.

Please note: Our clinic will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, if you need emergency care, we’re here—because your health and safety are always our priority.

Thank you for being part of the Riverwood family.

11/25/2025

This past Sunday, our community gathered for the 40th Annual Lights of Love ceremony, a tradition that honors those we’ve lost and reminds us to be a light for others. Hosted by the Riverwood Auxiliary, the afternoon featured prayer, music by Abby and Alec Kinzer, and reflections from Honorary Chairpersons Dr. Joselito and Nurse Practitioner Jen Burgos, who spoke about the enduring power of love, connection, and community.

Our Christmas tree shines in remembrance of loved ones and with gratitude for those we hold dear. You can still dedicate a light in memory of someone special for $5 through the end of the year. Forms are available in Riverwood’s gift shop, with proceeds supporting special needs at Riverwood.

Pictured: Dr. Joselito and Nurse Practitioner Jen Burgos; planning committee members Chris Hedberg, Rose Appel, Audrey Koehler, and Lynn Sandberg

11/25/2025

𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞
For more than 12 years, Riverwood patient Brian Johnson lived with constant heartburn—daily medication, little relief, and few answers. When he began exploring treatment options, Riverwood stood out. Our advanced reflux procedures, proven surgical expertise, and compassionate, patient-focused care made the 80-mile drive from Proctor to Aitkin worth it.

After meeting with our reflux specialist team, surgeon Dr. Andrew Loveitt recommended a minimally invasive Toupet fundoplication. Confident in the plan, Brian moved forward—and the results have been life-changing.

Since his surgery in April, Brian says he feels like a new person:
“I don’t remember what heartburn feels like. The relief is a miracle.”

Brian credits his experience to expert care, friendly staff, and top-tier facilities—calling Riverwood “a little gem out in the woods.” We’re grateful he made the trip, and even more grateful he’s feeling his best again.

As we recognize GERD Awareness Month, Brian’s story is a powerful reminder: You don’t have to settle for heartburn. At the Minnesota Reflux & Heartburn Center at Riverwood, fellowship-trained specialists, personalized care, quick appointments, and no referral needed make lasting relief closer than you think.

📞 To schedule an appointment: Contact Dawn Harcey, GI Nurse Coordinator, at 218-429-3930.
🔗 Read Brian’s full story: https://bit.ly/4oZdPy3

11/23/2025

Say hello to Jason Brunko, PharmD—returning to Riverwood as Pharmacy Manager at Aitkin Pharmacy. Jason brings years of experience and a patient-first approach, guided by a simple principle: treat every patient like family. His dedication shines through in the relationships he builds and the personalized care he provides every day.
📍 Aitkin Pharmacy inside Paulbeck’s, 171 Red Oak Drive
🕒 Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Weekends, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn more about Jason and our pharmacy services: https://bit.ly/3XaBz6c

11/23/2025

Join us in a round of applause for Jen, Riverwood Foundation board member!

Assistant Chief Jen Elleraas of Garrison, Minnesota, has built her life around serving others. From leading a human services organization that supports peopl...

11/22/2025

Dr. Loveitt appreciated the chance to meet with attendees at our recent seminar on GERD and hernia.

GERD is more common than many realize—but the good news is that relief is possible. Our team is here to help you understand your symptoms and explore solutions that fit your life.

If heartburn is becoming a regular visitor, let’s talk. The Minnesota Reflux & Heartburn Center at Riverwood in Aitkin specializes in leading-edge treatments to help you feel better.

Call Dawn Harcey, GI Coordinator, at 218-429-3930. No referral is needed to see our specialists.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4bRnBwq

11/21/2025

Riverwood is honored to receive the 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Patient Perspective from the Chartis Center for Rural Health. This recognition celebrates rural hospitals that rank among the top nationally for quality, outcomes, and patient experience. It reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care close to home. Thank you to our incredible staff for your dedication, and to our patients for trusting us to serve you with heart and excellence.
Read the full story: https://bit.ly/47Shs2I

11/20/2025

On National Rural Health Day, we celebrate our entire Riverwood team—every department, every role—for delivering exceptional care close to home. Thank you to our staff for making a difference each day, and to our communities for trusting us with your health. You are at the heart of everything we do.

11/20/2025

Riverwood Auxiliary invites you to the 40th Annual Lights of Love event on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 1:00 p.m. in the Aitkin Clinic lobby. Join us as we remember loved ones, celebrate the season, and support Riverwood through Auxiliary fundraising.

This year’s honorary chairpersons are Dr. Joselito and Nurse Practitioner Jen Burgos, recognized for their commitment to caring for our community. The program will feature music, reflections, and a tree-lighting ceremony.

To honor someone special, you can dedicate a light with a $5 donation. Forms are available in Riverwood’s main lobby and gift shop. Names will be displayed beside the decorated trees through the end of the year.

11/19/2025

Riverwood recently honored 27 incredible employees and retirees at our annual Milestone Anniversary Celebration at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge—representing more than 450 years of combined service.

Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and the countless ways you make Riverwood a great place for care and community.

Honorees attending and pictured, back row from left: Lane Fischer, Heidi Olesen, Andy Barneveld, and Jeff Bare. Front row from left: Tanya Pietz, Carol Magness, Julie Orbeck, Cora Nelson, Arlene Wheaton, and Jean Gravelle.

Honorees recognized in absence: Ryan Anderson, Naomi Backstrom, Victoria Breun, Greg Canfield, Janice Collins, Beth Henry, Peter Landgren, Shawn Mackenzie, Shawn McCusker, Heather Oleson, Erin Rach, Nicole Skattum, Paula Soderquist, Karen Tate, Faye Torgerson, Amy Turnock, and Mali Wasserzieher.

Congratulations—and thank you for your years of service and dedication!
To read full story go to: https://bit.ly/485ZF74

11/16/2025

Heartburn and reflux can make everyday life uncomfortable—but you don’t have to live with it. Join us during GERD Awareness Week for a free dinner seminar with Dr. Andrew Loveitt, general surgeon and hernia/reflux specialist. He’ll explain what’s behind your symptoms, how to manage them, and treatment options that bring lasting relief.
📌 Thursday, Nov. 20 | 5:30 PM
Timberlake Lodge
144 SE 17th St, Grand Rapids
Reserve your spot:
📧 Email healthyliving@rwhealth.org
📞 Call 218-927-2611
🌐 Sign up online https://bit.ly/47XCoVO

To learn more about reflux and heartburn care:
https://bit.ly/4bRnBwq

11/15/2025

We’re proud to celebrate OR Manager Jacki Rinta for taking patient safety and efficiency to the national stage. Jacki designed and implemented a One Directional Endoscopy Workflow that streamlines processes and aligns with best practices and medical standards.

Her leadership and innovation earned her invitations to present at two national conferences: the HSPA Conference in Louisville, KY and the OR Manager Conference in Anaheim, CA. Jacki’s presentation earned the 3rd place ribbon at the OR Manager Conference.

Congratulations, Jacki, and thank you for your commitment to excellence at Riverwood!