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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01/23/2026
🌟 January STAR Award Recipient (twice nominated!)🌟 Please join us in congratulating Brooke Heldman, Lab Phlebotomist & ED Tech, on being named a STAR Award recipient!
Shelly Whalen, LPN, nominated Brooke and shared how challenging lab draws can be for her dad during frequent emergency room visits. But each time Brooke entered the room, her radiant presence and confidence immediately put both her dad and family at ease.
"Brooke not only delivered exceptional care, but she goes above and beyond, stepping in to help even when she’s not technically on duty in the lab and is working as an ER Tech instead," shared Shelly in her nomination.
Another nomination by co-worker Patrick Schoon, MLT, talked about Brooke’s dedication to the Lab team. Whether she’s handling blood draws, placing orders, covering multiple locations, or staying late during call-ins, Brooke consistently steps up with professionalism and compassion, said Schoon in his nomination letter.
We are incredibly lucky to have Brooke as part of our Lakewood family. THANK YOU, Brooke, for the exceptional care you provide and the difference you make every day!
📸Award presented by, from left, Misty Baker, Director of Lab & Infection Prevention; Missy Lindow, Chief Operations Officer; Brooke; Shelly Whalen, LPN; Patrick Schoon, MLT; and Lisa Bjerga, President & CEO.
01/23/2026
At Lakewood Health System, our culture is built on people, and the way we care for one another shows up in everything we do.
The words you see in this Culture Cloud comes directly from our employees through our most recent workplace survey. They reflect how our team describes Lakewood:
Innovation is the word that pops in this Culture Cloud and it matters here because to remain independent as a healthcare system, we must be willing to think differently, challenge the status quo, and find smarter ways to serve our patients and communities.
That innovation shows up not only in new ideas, but in everyday moments — helping a coworker, listening closely, collaborating across teams, and continuously improving how we do our work.
TOGETHER, we’re building a culture shaped by our people and focused on doing what’s right for those we serve. 🧡💙
01/23/2026
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a visit a bit more fun. 😃🎉
At Lakewood, our wagons at our entrances are for our littlest visitors — perfect for parents who may have their hands full with kiddos, bags and paperwork. And let’s be honest … a wagon ride just makes everything more fun.
Pictured here is 3-year-old Kasem, all smiles while enjoying a ride in one of our wagons with his mom, Kelsey Peterson of Brainerd, who was visiting our Staples Clinic for her appointment.
We’re happy to help make clinic visits easier — and maybe even a little more memorable — for the whole family. 🧡💙
01/22/2026
Due to the extreme cold, this evening's 🚶♀️➡️indoor Walk With A Doc🚶 has been CANCELED to keep everyone safe.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you at next week's walk. Until then, please stay warm and take care! 🧡💙
01/22/2026
Over the holiday season, Lakewood providers came together in a meaningful way to support our local food shelves.
Led by Lakewood’s Community Health Supervisor, Amy W., and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Albrecht, Lakewood providers were invited to donate money as a way to give back to our local food shelves. The response was incredible.
With the generous donations collected, Lakewood purchased 50 boxes of fresh produce (each containing 12–15 pounds of fruits and vegetables) and 50 bags of meat packs, each with four meat items.
These food items were divided among the Motley, Staples and Browerville food shelves, where Amy was warmly welcomed by grateful volunteers when she delivered the boxes.
This was the first time Lakewood has done an effort like this, and what an incredible gift it turned out to be!
THANK YOU, Lakewood providers! 🧡💙
01/22/2026
On brutally cold days like today (and tomorrow), Lakewood’s Guest Services team is ready and waiting to help keep our patients and visitors warm, safe and welcomed. 🧡💙
From rides in our warm shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Main Entrance and Entrance B, to a friendly face holding the door open inside — it’s all about caring for our patients and visitors.
Today, Rodger is busy driving the bus and offering warm rides, while Richard is stationed at the Main Entrance with a ready smile and helping hand. Their kindness and attentiveness make even the coldest days feel a little warmer.
🧡💙
01/22/2026
Movement is Medicine. 🚴♀️🏃➡️ At Lakewood Health System, we believe movement is medicine — and that’s why we’re introducing 🔶Lakewood Motion.🔷 More than treatment, Lakewood Motion is a philosophy built on supporting, respecting, and restoring movement.
Whether you’re living with pain, recovering from injury or surgery, or simply wanting to move better, longer, Lakewood offers the region’s most comprehensive movement-based care available.
Spotted at the Lakewood Clinic in Motley, these two sweet pups took their post seriously, sitting patiently in the front seats, keeping watch for their owners and ready to head home together. 🥰
Just another reminder that care doesn’t stop at the clinic doors … sometimes it’s waiting for you in the parking lot with four paws and a whole lot of love. ❤️
📸 PC: Dana Fischer
01/21/2026
Getting ready to welcome a new baby? 👶👶 Don’t forget the big brothers and sisters!❤️
Lakewood invites families to our upcoming Sibling Preparation Class — a fun, hands-on way to help children feel confident, included and excited about their new role.
During the class, children will practice sibling-related activities, learn how to gently handle and play with a newborn, and discover ways to help parents care for the baby. Families will also enjoy a tour of Lakewood’s Labor & Delivery room and nursery.
Next class:
Monday, February 2
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Lakewood's Main Campus
🔷 Register online at: https://shorturl.at/kyq8r
🔶 Or call (218) 894-8624 or (218) 894-8525 to reserve your spot.
01/21/2026
🏈 Game on at Lakewood! 🏈 At the start of the 2025 NFL season, 194 Lakewood staff stepped up to the challenge and picked the team they thought would be Super Bowl champions.
Fast forward to today … and we’re down to just 10 employees still in the running!
Here’s who they’re cheering for:
🏈 Seattle Seahawks – 5
🏈 New England Patriots – 3
🏈 Los Angeles Rams – 2
🏈 Denver Broncos – 0
By the way, the most popular early picks were the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens.
Win or lose, this Super Bowl Contest has been a FUN way to bring on some friendly competition and conversation! 🎉
01/21/2026
🌟 January STAR Award Recipient: Michelle Anderson, PTA, Rehab Services / Big Stone Therapies 🌟
Congratulations to Michelle Anderson, Physical Therapy Assistant, nominated by Amber Houselog, Senior Communications Specialist, for her passion, creativity, and dedication to patient care.
In her nomination, Houselog shared: "If you walk into the rehab gym at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays or Thursdays, you’ll find smiles, laughter, and hard work in motion — thanks to Michelle. Driven by her passion, Michelle launched a Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!) group exercise class, creating a supportive and engaging space for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
As a PWR!Moves-certified therapist, Michelle designs fun, themed classes that build strength, balance, agility, and confidence. Behind the creativity is impactful work, including practicing how to fall safely, get back up, and navigate daily life with greater independence.
Beyond the exercises, Michelle has created a sense of community. Friendships and encouragement keep participants and volunteers coming back, often calling the class a highlight of their week."
For her compassion, innovation, and positive spirit, Michelle is richly deserving of this recognition. Lakewood and our Parkinson’s community are so GRATEFUL for her! 🧡💙
🎉Please join us in congratulating Michelle Anderson, one of our January STAR Award recipients! 🎉
📸 At the award presentation, from left: David Jeremiason, recovery class volunteer and Foundation Development Officer; Marnie Pogreba, volunteer and Billing Specialist; Michelle Anderson, PTA; class participant; Lisa Bjerga, President/CEO; class participant; Brad Anderson, Chief Development Officer; and Amber Houselog, nominator and volunteer; along with some of the PWR!Moves class participants.
🧡💙stone.therapies
01/20/2026
Lakewood Health System is looking for skilled, compassionate Ultrasound Technologists to join our Radiology Department. If you enjoy working with a team, using your technical expertise, and making a meaningful impact for patients every day, we’d LOVE to meet you!
Plus, Lakewood is offering a $5,000 RETENTION BONUS for new full-time hires!
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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.
