CROSBY — The Cuyuna Regional Medical Center announced it will open a new same-day clinic in Nisswa by the middle of next year.
The clinic will be located next to Schaefer's Foods, near the intersection of Highway 371 and County Highway 13.
The clinic announcement is among a number of changes to the provider's health care services for the Brainerd lakes area region, CRMC announced in a news release. The changes come with growing demand and shifting demographics.
Among the change are plans for CRMC to move its home care and hospice delivery services to a new company. The transition to Vivie is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
“Our region is growing and changing, and so are the needs of our patients,” stated Amy Hart, CRMC CEO. “This change allows us to align care, while respecting the ongoing needs of our home care and hospice patients. We look forward to working closely with Vivie to ensure a smooth transition for all those involved.”
While CRMC’s home care and hospice services have served the community with compassion for decades, it now represents a decreasing portion of overall care delivery, the company stated. CRMC will work closely with Vivie under a signed letter of intent to transition these services throughout the coming months.
“We are proud to further our work with CRMC and have a long history of collaboration,” stated Mark Anderson, president and CEO of Vivie. “Our deep experience serving this area will make for a seamless transition.”
Vivie is a new name following the 2024 merger of two longtime companies serving older adults: Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist. Vivie serves communities across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, offering services from in-home rehabilitation and chronic illness management to comfort care at the end of life.
Other key investments for CRMC include the addition of a full-time neurologist, Dr. Jacob Goodwin, to expand access to specialized care for rural residents, and continued growth of oncology services, which have seen a 43% increase in patient volume since 2023.
“This isn’t about doing less; it’s about what’s best for the communities we serve,” Hart stated in the release. “We’re investing in care that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges, ensuring CRMC remains a trusted, independent leader in rural health.”
CRMC reported that these updates are part of its long-term strategic vision to "deliver exceptional care, harness technology and strengthen community impact, all while staying true to its legacy of compassion, independence and innovation."
-
This means the potential for severe wind gusts of 75-80 mph or more, embedded tornadoes, hail up to the size of golf balls and locally heavy rainfall with flash flooding possible.
-
A neighbor on Gun Lake called 911 after hearing calls for help and seeing a person struggling. Other neighbors joined rescue efforts and brough Randy Benson to shore.
-
Plus: Causes of BWCAW-area wildfires determined; Brainerd educators reach tentative agreement on overdue contract; and rural Northland athletes take home 87 medals in track and field.
-
A few wilderness campsites may be closed, but there are no other closures in the Boundary Waters. There is currently a campfire ban within the area because of dry conditions.
-
The Gobblers won a close 1-0 game against the top-seeded Duluth-Marshall to advance, while Red Lake County looks to defend the title and Grand Rapids makes its 6th-straight appearance.
-
A conservation easement will protect the property spanning forests, wetlands, cliffs and streams. Half of the protected acreage is considered to be "high biodiversity."
-
The comprehensive plan will help shape topics such as housing, transportation, economic development, parks and recreation, community facilities, infrastructure and taxes.
-
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 8.
-
After a short 2024 season and skipping a season in 2025, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is back with a full season in 2026.
-
Plus: A new conservation easement protects more than 900 acres on North Shore; Cohasset to host comprehensive plan meeting; and more Northland HS sports results.