Health dept. to host a July 28 public hearing on Silver Bay clinic closure

SILVER BAY — The Minnesota Department of Health will host a public hearing 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, on the closure of Aspirus Health’s Lake View Silver Bay Clinic.

The clinic will close at the end of the year, according to the notice. Future visits, labs and radiology will move to the Lake View Two Harbors location about 30 miles away.

In a news release, the department of health stated the change-in-service hearing allows impacted residents to give feedback before final changes are made. The public may also provide comments online.

Legislation passed in 2021 requires a public notice and hearing before a hospital moves, closes or cuts specific community health services.

The statute gives the Department of Health the authority to host the meeting and to inform the public. However, the agency doesn’t have the power to delay or prevent the proposed changes, closures or relocations.

The hearing will occur virtually via Microsoft Teams and in person at the Aspirus Health Lake View Two Harbors Clinic.