Kittson Healthcare

02/16/2026

Measles Awareness – A confirmed case of measles was recently reported in a neighboring county. At this time, there is no known impact to Kittson Healthcare, but we want to keep our community informed and prepared.
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The good news: Measles is preventable.

✔️ Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are about 97% effective
✔️ One dose is about 93% effective
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Early symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

A rash typically appears a few days later, often starting on the face and spreading downward.
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👉 If you think you may have measles:
• Call ahead before coming to the clinic or hospital so staff can guide you on next steps
• Wear a mask if in-person care is needed
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions

Vaccination and early communication help protect infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
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If you have questions about your vaccination status or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic.

We are here to keep our community healthy—calmly, carefully, and together. 💙

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/downloads/measles-isnt-just-a-little-rash-infographic-508.pdf

02/12/2026

🫀 February is Heart Month! 🫀
This week, we’re especially proud to celebrate Cardiac Rehab Week and recognize the dedicated team at Kittson Healthcare who make local recovery and heart health possible—Joni Peterson and Ruth Quanbeck.

❤️ Cardiac rehab at Kittson includes supervised exercise, risk factor management, nutrition support, medication education, and stress reduction.

🏥 Patients recovering from heart attacks, surgeries, heart failure, or stent placements can receive care close to home—without the long drive.

🗣️ “We’re proud to offer these life-changing services right here in Hallock. It’s personalized care, focused on healing and heart health—delivered by people you know and trust.”

Let’s keep hearts healthy and healing, together.

02/11/2026

🩺 Skilled Hands. Small-Town Heart. 💙
Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a meaningful move, Kittson Healthcare offers the opportunity to make a real impact—right here in northwest Minnesota.
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🔗 Read how a career in rural healthcare offers purpose, connection, and community → https://kittsonhc.org/newsroom.html/article/2026/02/11/join-the-heart-of-healthcare-in-kittson-county-we-re-hiring-across-departments-
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From Hallock to Karlstad and towns across Kittson County, our team is made up of professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and heart to rural healthcare.

👩‍⚕️👨‍🔬 We’re hiring across departments—nursing, EMT, radiology, lab, dietary, and more.

📍Live here. Commute here. Make a difference here.

Explore expert health tips, wellness advice, and community news on the Kittson Healthcare blog. Stay connected and take charge of your health!

02/05/2026

Stay Local. Heal Local. Why travel for care when high-quality outpatient services are right here in Kittson County?

“You don’t need to travel far to get the care you need. We can provide many treatments right here at Kittson," says Director of Nursing, Kalie Bjerke.

"From IV hydration, iron infusions, ZIO placements, and bone density injections to therapeutic blood draws, our outpatient department provides the care you need—close to home."

👩‍⚕️ Ask your provider to send your orders to Kittson Healthcare.

See more Q&A on Outpatient Services 👇
https://kittsonhc.org/newsroom.html/article/2026/02/05/outpatient-services-at-kittson-healthcare-local-care-big-impact

📅 Appointments are often available within the week.
📞 We'll call you to schedule—no stress, no long drives.

By choosing care locally, you support our staff, help sustain services, and make future expansions possible. Together, we keep rural healthcare strong.

Explore expert health tips, wellness advice, and community news on the Kittson Healthcare blog. Stay connected and take charge of your health!

01/21/2026

🚨 Provider Opportunity in Rural MN - Help Shape the Future of Local Healthcare 🩺🌾

Kittson Healthcare is seeking a physician to join our compassionate, close-knit care team in Hallock, MN — serving across our clinic, hospital, ER, and long-term care settings.

We’re currently looking for a provider to work on a rotating 7–14 day stretch opposite our current MD. Flexible options available — full-time, part-time, or flex scheduling.

📍 Location: Hallock, MN (Critical Access Hospital + Rural Health Clinic)
💼 Schedule: Flexible rotation – opposite current MD
💰 Salary Range: $70,000 – $275,000
🩺 Care Settings: Clinic, ER, Hospital, Long-Term Care
🎓 Eligible Candidates: Board-Certified/Eligible in Family Med, Emergency Med, Internal Med, or Pediatrics

💡 Why Choose Kittson?
✅ Rewarding work across multiple care settings
✅ Flexible schedule to match your lifestyle
✅ Generous benefits – including 403(b), PTO, CME, & more
✅ Be a vital part of a community that truly values its caregivers

📩 Learn more and apply: https://kittsonhc.org/careers/career-opportunities.html

Have questions or want to chat about the opportunity? Message us!

Looking for a meaningful career in healthcare? Kittson Healthcare is hiring! Competitive benefits, great team, and the chance to make a real impact. Apply today!

01/16/2026

🩺 Keeping Kids Healthy, Close to Home - Spotlight on Well-Child Visits with Karrah Oliver, PA-C | Karlstad Clinic

At Kittson Healthcare, we believe every child deserves accessible, compassionate, and consistent care—right here at home. That’s why we’re proud to offer well-child visits at both our Karlstad and Hallock clinics, making it easier than ever for families to stay on track with their child’s development, vaccinations, and overall wellness.

Many families are still driving to Grand Forks or Thief River Falls for their child’s check-ups—often because that’s where they delivered their baby. But there’s no need to travel far anymore. Kittson Healthcare provides the same services, closer to home.

“You don’t have to leave the county to receive excellent pediatric care.”

“A lot of families don’t realize they can schedule well-child visits right here in Karlstad or Hallock—even if they delivered somewhere else,” says Karrah Oliver, PA-C, a trusted provider at our Karlstad Clinic.

“We’re able to complete all the necessary screenings, monitor growth and development, and ensure your child stays up to date on their immunizations. These visits are an important part of your child’s health, and we want to make them convenient for busy families.”

Familiar Faces. Local Care. No Long Drives.

Whether it’s a back-to-school physical, developmental milestone check, or a chance to ask questions about your child’s health and behavior, well-child visits are an essential part of raising a healthy child. And now, you don’t have to sacrifice half a day driving to get them done.

“We love seeing local kids grow up right before our eyes,” Karrah adds. “It’s part of what makes our job so rewarding—we’re not just your care providers, we’re part of your community.”

Call Today to Schedule a Well-Child Visit

📍 Karlstad Clinic: 218-436-2251
📍 Hallock Clinic: 218-843-3612
🔗 kittsonhc.org

Let’s keep care close. Let’s keep kids thriving.

01/16/2026

Due to road closures, road conditions, and forecasted weather, Kittson Healthcare and Kittson Pharmacy are closed today. Our Emergency Room services remain open 24/7.

01/13/2026

📣 Provider Farewell: Dr. Vanessa Cook, MD
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Kittson Healthcare would like to inform our patients and community that Dr. Vanessa Cook, MD, will be concluding her time with us in early 2026. Dr. Cook has served patients at our Hallock Clinic since December 2021, providing compassionate, full-spectrum care in both the clinic and hospital setting.

She will continue seeing patients through January and February, and we are grateful for her service to the Kittson County community.
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🔄 Need to transition care?
If Dr. Cook is your current provider, our team is here to assist you in seamlessly transferring your care to another primary care provider within Kittson Healthcare. Please reach out to us as soon as possible, and we’ll be happy to help you make the transition smooth and personalized to your needs.

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📞 Call us or visit kittsonhealthcare.org to learn more.
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Thank you, Dr. Cook, for your dedication and care over the past three years.

01/08/2026

📢 Start Your Career in Pharmacy at Kittson Healthcare!
Looking for a meaningful career that blends healthcare, learning, and community impact? 💊👩‍⚕️

Kittson Pharmacy is now hiring:

🔹 Full-Time Retail Pharmacy Technician – No certification yet? No problem! Start working while you go to school online and become a nationally certified Pharmacy Technician within 6–12 months. We’ll help you get there!

🔹 Flex Retail Pharmacy Technician (Certified) – Already certified and looking for flexible, PRN-style shifts? Join our team and pick up hours that fit your schedule.

📍 Location: Hallock, MN
💰 Pay Range: $19.25–$31.25/hr (flex rate starts at $21/hr for certified techs)

✅ Excellent benefits, retirement match, cell discounts, and more!

You’ll be part of a trusted rural healthcare team providing medication and support to your neighbors, teachers, family members, and friends. At Kittson Healthcare, you’re more than just a number—you’re part of our mission.

🖱️ Apply now or learn more: kittsonhc.org/careers/career-opportunities.html

📩 Questions? Message us for more info!

Looking for a meaningful career in healthcare? Kittson Healthcare is hiring! Competitive benefits, great team, and the chance to make a real impact. Apply today!

01/06/2026

🚨 Seasonal Respiratory Illness Update from Kittson Healthcare 🚨 We’re seeing an increase in RSV, influenza, and COVID across the region. While it’s not unusual for this time of year, we want to help you stay informed—and stay well.
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Here’s what you can do:

✅ If symptoms are mild (fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose): Stay home and rest.
✅ Avoid ER or urgent care unless you’re experiencing severe symptoms like trouble breathing.
✅ Wash your hands, cover coughs/sneezes, and avoid touching your face.
✅ Keep your distance from others while you're sick to help stop the spread.
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If you’re unsure what level of care you need, give us a call—we're here to help guide you!

12/30/2025

🎉 Here’s to a Healthy New Year! 🩺Thank you for trusting Kittson Healthcare with your care in 2025. We look forward to serving you in 2026 and beyond! 💙

📅 Holiday Hours Update:
⏰ Closing at 1:00 PM on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31)
🚫 Closed on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1)

Emergency services remain available as always. Stay safe, stay warm, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

12/29/2025

🏡 Winter Wellness Starts at Home. Cold and flu season is here—but that doesn’t mean your health has to take a backseat.

✅ Need a flu shot?
✅ Unsure whether to go to the ER or the clinic?
✅ Wondering how to keep your home healthy this season?

We’ve got you covered—right here in Kittson County.
From vaccines and wellness visits to local tips that keep your whole household healthy, check out our latest blog for winter health guidance that starts close to home.

👉 Read the blog now https://kittsonhc.org/newsroom.html/article/2025/12/22/winter-wellness-starts-at-home-local-tips-for-staying-healthy-this-season and learn how staying local helps you stay well.

Kittson Healthcare provides personalized, competent lifetime care for the health and wellness of the whole person and the whole community.