(Ortonville, MN) January 30th – Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) is pleased to announce that John Shirkey, MSW, LICSW is now seeing patients at Northside Medical Clinic.

“We are pleased to be able to add additional access to counseling and therapy services here at OAHS by partnering with John Shirkey” said Clinic Director Liz Sorenson. “John’s experience in working with adolescents, families and adults along with his approach to tailoring and partnering with the client is a great add to the current mental health and wellness services the clinic is currently providing.”

“Mental health is one aspect of an individual which contributes to overall wellness and therapy can present an opportunity for people to make progress on their own recovery journey” said Shirkey. “I strive to help empower others to make changes for themselves through building a strong therapeutic relationship”

John is a graduate of Bethel University (St. Paul, MN), and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota. He has a background working in both the private and public sector having worked in schools, county social services, and as part of a large health system. He was previously the treatment director of a residential facility for adolescents struggling with mental health issues.

For more information on Ortonville Area Health Services or to schedule an appointment with John Shirkey, MSW, LICSW please contact 320-839-6157.

Welcome, Drake Taylor, our 2020 New Year’s Baby! He was born to Kelcey, Taylor, and big brother Bentley of Beardsley, MN. Dr. Stacy Longnecker delivered Drake on January 15, weighing 9lbs 2oz and measuring 20.5″ long.
Happy New Year!

It was a very special Christmas for OAHS and Kayla & Josh as they welcomed Lynken Zachary, the OAHS 2019 Christmas baby. Lynken Zachary was born December 27th at 4:10am weighing 7lbs 13oz and measuring 20″. Lynken joins siblings Joshua (15), Ashton (14), Treshawn (11), and Brianna (9).

Ortonville Area Health Services is pleased to announce that Northside Medical Clinic Physician Partners have signed an agreement to provide Physician coverage in the Sanford Wheaton Hospital & Clinic one day per week beginning in January. “We are pleased to put our good fortune in recruiting physicians to our area to good use in helping out our neighbors to the north,” said OAHS CEO David Rogers. Dr. Botker will begin outreaching there in January.
His addition will further improve access to care. Botker received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. He completed his residency in family medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore. He is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He also completed an obstetrics fellowship at Altru Health Systems in Grand Forks, ND.
He specializes in family medicine, including prenatal care for OB patients.
Dr. Botker will see patients at Sanford Wheaton Clinic and is accepting new patients. Please call 320-563-8226 to schedule an appointment.

Every Fall, millions of Americans face the task of choosing a Health Insurance plan for the upcoming year. Choosing the best plan can be an extremely daunting task. With this in mind, we recently talked with Sally Stattelman, Clinic Nurse Manager at OAHS, to get a few tips to help you make the best choice. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help guide you through the process. If you have questions or are looking for assistance in choosing a Health Insurance plan, make sure to check out the list of resources that are linked below.

OAHS Patient Financial Services – 320-839-4096

Senior LinkAge Line® – (800) 333-2433

Linda Kolb with Prairie Five – MNSure Navigator and Counselor – 320-839-2111

Sanford Health Network FAQs

Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement

The Pros and Cons of Switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan

Surplus Sale Items