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.

Several OAHS/FWV caregivers were recognized during the Summit Awards presentation at the recent HealthCare Service Excellence Conference in Orlando, Florida. The Summit Awards celebrate healthcare professionals and leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving the patient, resident, and employee experience.

Carlin Keimig, RN

Congratulations to Carlin Keimig, RN on receiving the Summit Award in the category of Exceptional Nurse. The Exceptional Nurse Summit Award is given to an individual who provides outstanding levels of compassion and quality care, while being supportive, a good listener, and constantly improving.

Carlin has been a valued member of the OAHS team for 29 years, currently serving in the Outreach Department. Whether she’s assisting in the operating room, serving as an outreach or same-day surgery admission/discharge nurse, or stepping up to fill shifts on the medical/surgical unit, Carlin has profoundly impacted not only her team but also the patients and families she serves. Patients often request Carlin by name, a reflection of the trust, comfort, and reassurance she provides through her compassionate care and exceptional skills. Her ability to connect with patients and deliver consistently high-quality care sets her apart as a true leader in the nursing profession.

Betty Karels-Williamson, FWVN Leader

Betty Karels-Williamson, Fairway View Neighborhood Leader, was nominated in the category of Exceptional Employee. Known for her creativity and passion, Betty works tirelessly to enhance life for residents at Fairway View, from organizing fundraisers for campus improvements to making personal dreams come true—like arranging a plane ride for a resident’s birthday. She leads with a can-do attitude, inspiring her team and residents alike, and ensures every voice is heard in her neighborhood. A keynote speaker at the conference specifically highlighted Betty’s incredible contributions during a presentation.

Myka Ross, HR Director

Myka Ross, HR Director, was nominated for Exceptional OASIS Team Captain for her transformative leadership and dedication to enhancing the workplace. In her time at OAHS, Myka has revitalized the HR department, making it approachable and efficient. As Team Captain of the Onboarding and Retention OASIS team, she implemented a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS), streamlined onboarding processes, and introduced innovative initiatives like new hire swag. Known for her positivity and problem-solving skills, Myka consistently uplifts her team, enhances employee morale, and ensures smooth operations across the organization.

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Carlin, Betty, and Myka! Their commitment to excellence and compassion makes a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

During the recent HealthCare Service Excellence Conference (HCSEC) in Orlando, Florida, Ortonville Area Health Services was presented with 12 breakthrough awards for service excellence. These awards are given to healthcare facilities that have demonstrated significant achievements in patient satisfaction and outstanding quality of care.

Dr. Allan Ross, CEO of OAHS notes, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to our caregivers unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. I am incredibly proud of their efforts and well-deserved recognition.”

Of the 12 Breakthrough Awards received, 6 were Diamond Awards, representing the highest level of achievement. OAHS received Diamond Awards in the following categories:

• Communication with Doctors
• Response of Hospital Staff
• Communication about Medicines
• Quiet Hospital Environment
• Transition of Care
• Recommend the Hospital

These Breakthrough Awards reflect the commitment of OAHS to continually improve patient care and satisfaction. By achieving measurable progress and setting new benchmarks in service quality, OAHS reaffirms its role as a trusted leader in healthcare, enhancing the well-being of communities served and fostering a culture of excellence.

About Ortonville Area Health Services
Ortonville Area Health Services is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare throughout the region. OAHS includes a critical access hospital, a nursing home, two provider-based physician clinics, a school-based clinic, a home health agency, and a senior living facility offering independent apartments and assisted living units.With a steadfast focus on excellence and a commitment to innovation, OAHS serves as a vital resource for rural healthcare in Minnesota and beyond.

About the HealthCare Service Excellence Conference
The HealthCare Service Excellence Conference (HCSEC) is an annual event presented and organized by Custom Learning Systems Group Ltd. Custom Learning Systems is recognized as a leading expert in helping organizations transform their service delivery by creating a 5-star culture of healing kindness and accountability.

For the second consecutive year, Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) has achieved a 5-Star rating from the National Rural Rating System (NRRS). This  distinction highlights OAHS’ unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare and its dedication to meeting the needs of rural communities with the highest standards of care. This year, OAHS is proud to be one of only two hospitals in Minnesota to earn this elite 5-Star recognition.

The NRRS evaluates rural and critical access hospitals using a rigorous 1-to-5-star scale, with 5 stars representing the highest level of achievement. Modeled after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-Star Rating, the NRRS applies equally stringent criteria to rural hospitals and clinics. These evaluations emphasize patient satisfaction, quality care, and overall performance, offering a tailored assessment for smaller hospitals not covered by CMS ratings. To learn more about the NRRS and see the full list of 5-Star facilities, visit www.ruralratings.us.

By receiving this recognition, OAHS strengthens its position as a trusted local healthcare provider, delivering top-tier care to the region and ensuring that patients and families experience the highest quality healthcare.

About OAHS
Ortonville Area Health Services is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare throughout the region. OAHS includes a critical access hospital, a nursing home, two provider-based physician clinics, a school-based clinic, a home health agency, and a senior living facility offering independent apartments and assisted living units.With a steadfast focus on excellence and a commitment to innovation, OAHS serves as a vital resource for rural healthcare in Minnesota and beyond.

About the National Rural Rating System
The National Rural Rating System is created to recognize excellence and help rural hospitals stand out and is open to all U.S. rural hospitals. The National Rural Honor Roll designation is awarded annually and is valid for 12 months, provided the participant maintains a high patient experience rating that meets the established criteria.

Thursday, November 21, 2024, marks National Rural Health Day. This annual observance recognizes the efforts of rural providers, communities, organizations, state offices of rural health, and others dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural America.

This year’s theme, “Advancing Maternal Health in Rural Communities,” highlights the importance of addressing maternal health needs in rural America. At Ortonville Area Health Services, we are proud to play a pivotal role in this mission by providing obstetric (OB) services locally. Our dedicated team ensures that expecting mothers in our region receive high-quality, personalized care without the burden of long travel distances or limited access to specialized services. Additionally, we offer 24-hour coverage of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) for pain relief options during labor, ensuring comfort and safety for our patients. By prioritizing maternal health, OAHS is helping rural families grow and thrive right here in our region.

National Rural Health Day is a time to honor the people who make rural healthcare possible while raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Explore the innovative programs addressing rural health needs and learn how you can support these efforts.

helpful links

Maternal Health Resources

• Rural Maternal Health Webinar Series
• Rural Maternity Innovation Summit
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

National rural Health association resources

• National Rural Health Day Information 
• Exploring Rural Health Podcast
• FORHP Announcements

Beginning January 1, 2025, Ortonville Area Health Services will not be part of the Humana Medicare Advantage insurance plan. We are notifying the public in order to reach patients or potential patients of OAHS impacted by this change.

OAHS  is a participating provider in numerous insurance plans, including several other Medicare Advantage plans for the 2025 benefit year. For a list of plans OAHS participates in, feel free to call OAHS at 320-839-4096. Please note that if you are currently enrolled in Humana Medicare Advantage, you have the opportunity to choose a new plan during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7, 2024.

Thank you for your continued trust in Ortonville Area Health Services for your healthcare needs.

Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) is proud to announce its recent advancement from a 4-star to a 5-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a testament to its ongoing commitment to providing quality healthcare in rural communities.

The NRRS Star Rating System evaluates rural and critical access hospitals on a scale of 1-5, with 5-star being the top ranking. This system uses the same metrics and criteria as the 5-star rating system of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offering an assessment for smaller hospitals not covered by CMS ratings.

These star ratings serve as a platform for hospitals/clinics to showcase their success, representing a noteworthy recognition of their commitment to patient satisfaction, quality care, and overall performance. OAHS joins just eight other healthcare organizations in achieving 5-star status in 2024. (View the full list at fivestarratings.org.)

Dr. Allan Ross, CEO of OAHS, notes, “This serves as a testament to the outstanding work that our teams deliver to the patients and residents in our region. I am immensely proud that their unwavering dedication and hard work are being acknowledged and celebrated.”

Moving ahead, OAHS remains committed to further enhancing service excellence and elevating patient care.

OAHS will conduct a childbirth education class in January 2024. These classes are led by OAHS Childbirth Educator Maria Botker, CNS, RN.

When:

Mon., January 8th, 2024 from 6pm-9pm AND
Mon., January 15th, 2024 from 6pm-9pm

Where:

Clinic Conference Room at OAHS (Report to the front lobby of the hospital. Maria will meet you and show you the way to the  education room)

What to Bring:

You and your labor partner or support person

What to Wear:

Comfortable clothes

What You Will Learn:

Nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, labor details, comfort techniques, newborn care, breastfeeding/bottle-feeding, the role of the labor partner, relaxation during labor, and much more…

Cost:

Free for those planning to deliver at OAHS

Registration:

Reserve your spot by calling Maria’s office voicemail at 320-839-4025 or email her at [email protected]. RSVP before January 5th!

We look forward to seeing you in class!

Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS), a committed healthcare provider serving western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious four-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing excellence in rural healthcare.

This esteemed designation is a testament to OAHS’ dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates health systems based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall performance.

Dr. Allan Ross, CEO of OAHS, notes, “Our teams work diligently to provide the best care for the communities we serve, and I am so happy that they are being recognized for the exceptional care they provide for our patients and residents.”

The four-star rating reflects OAHS’ ongoing commitment to meeting the unique healthcare needs of rural communities throughout the region. This recognition highlights their success in providing outstanding medical services despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.

Brian Lee, Chairman of National Rural Rating System, reflects, “This award is a testament to their unwavering commitment, dedication, expertise, and compassionate care provided to the community every day. In a rural setting, where healthcare challenges are unique and often complex, achieving this level of excellence signifies not just clinical capabilities, but also a deep connection to the community. This recognition reaffirms rural healthcare to be a beacon of health, hope, and healing.”

OAHS extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.

About OAHS:
Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) is a city-owned, rural health care system located on the Minnesota side of the Minnesota/South Dakota border. OAHS consists of a 25-bed critical access hospital licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health, a 51-bed nursing home, a home health agency, three provider-based physician clinics, and a senior living facility with catered living and assisted living apartments. The mission of OAHS is to provide personalized, high-quality, and compassionate care through caring professionals in a healing environment. For more information, visit oahs.us.

About the 5-Star Rating System:
The 5-Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify for CMS Ranking because of a low number of qualifying inpatients, but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This new program recognizes the hard work and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide nationwide. The rankings include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors. For more information, visit FiveStarRatings.org.

Kiana Conrad, NP

Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) is pleased to announce that Kiana Conrad, Family Nurse Practitioner, is now seeing patients at Northside Medical Clinic in Ortonville. Kiana was recruited through a long-standing partnership between OAHS and the Big Stone Health Care Foundation, which has brought over twenty providers to the area.

“We are excited to have Kiana as part of the medical team here at OAHS,” said Clinic Director Liz Sorenson. “She is a team player who understands rural medicine and is dedicated to providing compassionate care.”

Kiana obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University, graduating in 2015. In 2021, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing from Bradley University. Kiana most recently worked as a hospitalist nurse practitioner at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Before that, she was a charge nurse at Milbank Area Hospital Avera prior to completing her nurse practitioner requirements.

Kiana lives in Milbank, SD, with her husband, their three boys, and a puppy named Griffey. They are a very active family and are always on the go with sporting events and activities. (Go Twins and Skol, Vikings!) Regarding her role at OAHS, Kiana states, “I am most looking forward to making a positive impact in serving Ortonville and the surrounding communities. We have a phenomenal healthcare team, and I am so grateful to be a part of the OAHS family.”

To schedule an appointment with Kiana Conrad, NP, please call (320) 839-6157.

Ortonville Area Health Services is pleased to announce that Tracy Dozak, Family Nurse Practitioner, has joined Ortonville Area Health Services and will begin seeing patients on July 3. Tracy will provide services at Northside Medical Clinic in Ortonville and the OAHS Clinton Clinic in Clinton, MN. She was recruited to the area through a long-standing partnership between Ortonville Area Health Services and the Big Stone Health Care Foundation, which has brought over twenty providers to the area.

“We are excited to welcome Tracy Dozak to the provider group and medical team here at OAHS,” said Clinic Director Liz Sorenson. “She has a great understanding of what it takes to provide whole-person and family care. In addition, Tracy has strong ties to the area, and we look forward to utilizing her expertise in staffing the Clinton Clinic.”

Tracy obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bemidji State University in 2009. In 2013, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Most recently, Tracy has worked as a Nurse Practitioner at Essentia Health in Wahpeton for the past eight years. She brings a wide range of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, and Registered Nurse before her current role as a Family Nurse Practitioner providing holistic care for patients within the scope of family practice, primarily focusing on preventative, evidenced-based medicine.

Tracy is originally from Blackduck, MN and has resided in Wahpeton, ND for the past 15 years, along with her husband and two sons, ages 13 and 9. She and her family have been coming to our region for recreational purposes for the past several years, so this area is not unfamiliar to them. Tracy and her family are excited to relocate and enjoy all the outdoor opportunities this location offers. She states, “My sons love to fish, hunt, play sports, basically love to be outside, and they are thrilled to be able to fish every day!”

In anticipation of her new role, Tracy notes, “I look forward to the privilege of helping to keep the community healthy. It takes a community to raise a family. Therefore, we must be invested in the health and wellness of the community so they can assist in raising our children.”

For more information on Ortonville Area Health Services or to schedule an appointment with Tracy Dozak, NP, please call (320) 839-6157.