Archives for 2025

OAHS is partnering with the Big Stone County Child Care team to expand childcare options in Ortonville! See the details in the accompanying graphic, and contact Lisa Graphenteen to learn more.

David Collins, MD, FACEP

Dr. David Collins, FACEP, Emergency Medicine Physician at Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS), recently received the Dean’s Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Clinical Community Faculty from the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences. This award was presented during the school’s commencement ceremony in early May.

The award recognizes dedicated community faculty members who provide exemplary instruction in the art and science of medicine within their hospitals and clinics. It highlights the critical role these physicians play in teaching, training, and mentoring medical students and residents. Recipients are nominated by department chairs or peers for their ongoing contributions to medical education and patient care. Dr. Collins was one of just ten faculty members honored from a pool of more than 1,300 community faculty across the UND system.

Dr. David Collins after receiving the Dean’s Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Clinical Community Faculty.

This recognition reflects Dr. Collins’ dedication to rural healthcare and his commitment to educating the next generation of medical professionals. His strong mentorship, both in clinical settings and the classroom, played a key role in his selection. In addition to his work at OAHS, Dr. Collins has contributed meaningfully to UND’s medical education initiatives, including helping develop a Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum and creating a POCUS elective that some students have completed through OAHS. In addition, he assists with student rotations at OAHS and dedicates time to lecturing first- and second-year students at the UND campus.

“My love for education started at a young age but truly took shape during my undergraduate studies,” said Dr. Collins. “That passion was further fueled during my time at Ortonville, where my preceptors involved me in every aspect of patient care and ensured my learning was hands-on. Their mentorship reinforced my belief that the best education comes from immersive experiences. Now, I make it my mission to provide those same opportunities for future generations, so they can develop the skills and confidence to thrive in medicine.”

Dr. Collins and his wife, Michelle, who is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at OAHS.

As a native of Carrington, North Dakota, a rural town similar to Ortonville, Dr. Collins grew up understanding the essential role of healthcare in small communities. His interest in science and learning led him to pursue a career in medicine. After earning his medical degree in 2017 from the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Grand Forks, Dr. Collins completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Missouri – Columbia.

During his medical training, Dr. Collins completed his third-year family medicine clerkship at OAHS with Dr. Robert Ross and returned in his fourth year for an acting internship with Dr. Allan Ross and Dr. Stacy Longnecker. These experiences deeply shaped his commitment to rural medicine and affirmed his desire to provide acute care in a community setting similar to his hometown.

Dr. Collins is board certified in Emergency Medicine and holds the FACEP (Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians) designation, reflecting his ongoing leadership and commitment to education in the field of emergency medicine.

We are delighted to share our annual Stork Review, celebrating the newest arrivals at OAHS! Thank you to the families who choose OAHS for this incredible journey. We cherish the opportunity to care for you and your little ones.

Click the link below to view the full Stork Review PDF and celebrate with us!

Listen to a recent episode of Health Corner at the link below to learn more about OB services at Ortonville Area Health Services.

The Minnesota School Based Health Alliance and the Minnesota Department of Health recently visited OAHS Trojan Clinic and Ortonville School to provide technical support and enhance their partnership. Their shared goal is to expand school-based healthcare services for students and families in this rural school-based health care clinic.

OAHS Trojan Clinic, operated by Ortonville Area Health Services and located within Ortonville School, provides a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to healthcare for children and adolescents. Services available to students K-12 include flu shots, annual physicals, dental and vision exams, mental health counseling, and more—all in a safe, convenient environment.

Key leaders gather during a recent visit to discuss the impact and future of school-based healthcare in Ortonville. Pictured left to right: Kristopher Evje (Superintendent, Ortonville School), Shawna Hedlund (Executive Director, MN School Based Health Alliance), Jennifer Marshall (School-Based Health Centers Program Manager, MN Department of Health), Julie Neitzel Carr (Supervisor, Adolescent & School Health Unit, MN Department of Health), Kristyanna Brandriet (Elementary Principal, Ortonville School), Connie Sheenan (Program Manager, MN School Based Health Alliance), Jamie Kindelberger (RN, OAHS Trojan Clinic), Michelle Collins (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, OAHS Trojan Clinic), Kelsey Henningson-Kaye (Physician Assistant, OAHS Trojan Clinic).

By eliminating common barriers to care, school-based health centers ensure students can focus on learning and achieving their full potential. There is strong evidence that school-based healthcare improves academic achievement, with studies showing increased attendance, reduced disciplinary referrals, lower dropout rates, and higher graduation rates. Schools with integrated health services also report an improved school climate as described by students, teachers, and parents.

The OAHS Trojan Clinic was created as a community-driven partnership when Ortonville School’s long-time nurse retired. At the time, a partnership already existed between OAHS and the school, with OAHS providing health-related training to school staff and faculty. This collaboration evolved as OAHS and Ortonville School worked together to address the school’s nursing needs. In 2019, the OAHS Trojan Clinic officially opened its doors, providing students, faculty, and families with access to primary care, mental and behavioral health services, and nursing care. The Minnesota School Based Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining and expanding school-based healthcare in Minnesota, has played an integral role in supporting this project.

“This partnership is a transformational approach to delivering healthcare,” said Kelsey Henningson-Kaye, Physician Assistant at OAHS Trojan Clinic. “I love working with the students, staff, and teachers. We are all working toward one common goal: helping kids reach their highest potential. Being part of a school that is truly the heart of the community is one of the best parts of my job.”

The Trojan Clinic has become a valuable resource and made a real impact on local families. Holly Koval, a school librarian and parent of three, shared her experience: “The clinic has saved us valuable time. Students don’t miss significant instructional time, and the school doesn’t need to arrange substitutes. One visit that stands out was the day before a trip to Florida. My youngest daughter had strep symptoms, and thanks to Kelsey, we got her tested, prescribed medication, and ready to travel, all in the same morning. This resource has been a true blessing.”

Lynn Vangsness, another parent, echoed similar sentiments. “Our family appreciates the clinic at the school. From well-child checkups to ear infections and stomachaches, having Kelsey and Jamie available has been amazing. My kids trust and feel confident with them. It’s like talking to someone they already know. It’s been a huge win for us as parents.”

With support from the Minnesota School Based Health Alliance and the Minnesota Department of Health, the partnership between OAHS Trojan Clinic and Ortonville Schools demonstrates how school-based healthcare can transform the lives of children and their families. By addressing health needs in a familiar and accessible environment, the clinic supports the academic success and overall well-being of its students.