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Acupuncture Services Now Available at OAHS

Dr. Allan Ross, Chief Executive Officer

August 31, 2022 By

[ORTONVILLE, MN] 08/31/22 Allan Ross, MD, assumes role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS).

On July 12th, OAHS Health Care Board of Directors, in collaboration with Sanford Health, announced Dr. Ross as upcoming CEO, a long-time medical provider and then-current Chief Medical Officer at OAHS.

Dr. Ross reflected on his new position, “I feel fortunate to be able to continue to serve OAHS in this new capacity. OAHS is a strong organization and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated employees and providers to continue to be the premier healthcare organization in the region and best serve our patients and residents.”

Ross, originally from Ortonville, is a graduate of University of Minnesota earning his M.D. in 1997 and completed his Family Practice Residency with HealthSystems Minnesota/University of Minnesota-Methodist Hospital. Dr. Ross has been a medical provider at OAHS for the past 22 years and was named Chief Medical Officer in 2019. He has also served on the Sanford Health Network Board of Directors since 2021, the Minnesota Community Measurement Advisory Board from 2010-2018, and was on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Rural Health Core Cooperative from 2006-2009. Dr. Ross and his wife, Lisa, raised their three daughters in Ortonville and enjoy traveling to Duluth, Minn. to visit them.

Ortonville Area Health Services is a regional healthcare leader providing personalized, high quality and compassionate care through caring professionals in a healing environment.

OAHS services include:
• Northside Medical Clinic that provides family medicine and specialized care in Family Medicine/Obstetrics, Emergency Medicine, and Psychiatry – with satellite clinics and outreach services in Wheaton, Canby, and Clinton, MN and the OAHS Trojan Clinic within Ortonville Public Schools.
• The Ortonville Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility that provides 25-inpatient beds and obstetrical care, surgery, and outpatient services.
• The comprehensive Fairway View Senior Communities that provides catered living and assisted living apartments with numerous on-site amenities and Fairway View Neighborhoods, a resident-focused facility that provides long-term care nursing services and support.

Photo Credit: Caiti Barr Photography

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New Year, Same You

January 18, 2022 By

Do you enjoy making New Year’s resolutions or do you avoid them?  Have you ever set an unattainable resolution and then been hard on yourself for falling short of your goal?

Why do so many of us make good faith commitments then fail to honor them?  Here are some explanations on why we often fall short on our New Year’s resolutions.

  1. Some resolutions are set up to fail.  Often being set at the beginning of a new year instead of set from a true motivation to make a change.  We may be trying to please or appease a friend or family member; not really wanting to make a change for ourselves. Having internal motivation is a lasting driver that will create long lasting changes.
  2. Some of us tend to be poor long-term planners. Often creating New Year resolutions without a concrete plan; neglecting preparations to take steps forward.  Resolutions are best done by developing a plan. Address how to handle obstacles or change routines. Being outcome driven with unobtainable goals removes joy.  Often goals get abandoned instead of our expectations being properly addressed.
  3. Sometimes we create New Year’s resolutions that involve focusing on our perceived flaws or insecurities. We may create goals related to negative thoughts such as “I am overweight” rather than “I want to be healthier”.   This can chip away at self -esteem and lead us to reflect negatively about who we are.  For people with negative thought patterns; this can increase anxiety or depression.
  4. Some of us are just plain reluctant to change. We tend to like comfort or the familiar things.  Creating change often requires discomfort.  Some go to great lengths to avoid discomfort.

So what can you do?  Consider setting smaller attainable goals! Resolve to make small changes that are sustainable, simple, and realistic.  You got this!  Make the most of 2022 by making it make sense.

Twila Mursu PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

 

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Ortonville Area Health Services – Rural Health Leads the way with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy.

November 18, 2021 By

In the Fall of 2020, monoclonal antibody therapy was approved by the FDA under the emergency use authorization for the treatment of COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody therapy introduces laboratory-produced molecules that act as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, or mimic the immune system’s attack on cells. Not long after the approval from the FDA, the leadership of Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) chose to offer the treatment in Ortonville, MN. “After looking at the data, we saw clear benefits,” explained Dr. Allan Ross, Chief Medical Officer at OAHS. “That led to us being one of the first facilities in the area to use monoclonal antibody therapy.” Dr. Ross continued, “I saw an article at the end of December of 2020 showing the number of infusions Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Medical School) had done. At that point, we had given more infusions at OAHS!”

[Read more…]

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COVID & Flu Shots Available!

September 21, 2021 By

Give yourself and those around you a fighting chance this flu season and get vaccinated. Ortonville Area Health Services has multiple options making it easier and safer than ever to get your COVID or flu shot. Please call 320-839-6157 to pre-register.

 

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Watch out for COVID scams!

April 28, 2021 By

Public health officials or health care providers will never ask for money, your bank account, credit card, or social security number. Offers to sell or ship doses of the vaccine are also a scam. If you believe you are the victim of a COVID-19 scam, visit https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Forms/COVID19Complaint.asp. #VaxMN #StaySafeMN

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Who’s Getting Vaccinated?

March 26, 2021 By

As of March 30, all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible to receive a vaccine.

Minnesota has directed providers to prioritize vaccine appointments for people most at risk of getting COVID-19, or those who could develop severe illness if infected. This includes older Minnesotans, those with underlying health conditions*, and those in essential jobs.

How to get your vaccine:

  • Sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector. The Vaccine Connector will inform you about vaccine opportunities in your area.
  • Use the Vaccine Locator Map to find vaccine providers near you.
  • Contact your primary health care provider or a local pharmacy.
  • Vaccine Connector users may also be randomly selected to make an appointment at one of the state’s COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program sites. If you are selected, you will be notified by text, email, or phone call by one of the state vaccination partners running those sites: Vault Health, Primary Bio or SpeciaLysts (Solv). 
  • Your employer may also reach out with information about vaccination opportunities.

Stay safe before your opportunity to get the vaccine:

While all Minnesotans 16 years and older are eligible, not every Minnesotan will be immediately able to make an appointment. It’s important to continue taking easy steps to slow the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated at the first opportunity you have. After you have been vaccinated, continue following these safe practices to protect your neighbors as they receive their opportunity to get the vaccine.

At this time, providers should prioritize:

  • Minnesotans 65 years of age or older
  • Health care personnel
  • Long-term care residents
  • Pre-k to 12th grade educators and child care personnel
  • People with specific underlying health conditions
    • Sickle cell disease, Down Syndrome, or oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
  • Targeted essential workers
    • Food processing plants
  • People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
  • People 45 years of age and older with ONE or more underlying medical conditions; or, age 16 and over with TWO or more underlying medical conditions*
  • People 50 years of age or older in multi-generational housing
  • Essential frontline workers
    • Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, Postal Service workers
  • Minnesotans 16 years of age and older with any underlying medical condition*
  • Minnesotans age 50-64 (regardless of health condition)
  • All other essential workforces
    • Transportation and logistics, finance, housing/shelter construction, IT/communications, energy, media, legal, public safety, water, and wastewater

https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/whos-getting-vaccinated/index.jsp

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Vaccine Update

March 9, 2021 By

Who can get their vaccine now?

  • Minnesotans aged 65 or older
  • Health care workers and people working at health care facilities, first responders who provide direct patient care as part of the EMS system, and primary caregivers for people with complex medical needs or disabilities
  • Long-term care residents and staff members at long-term care facilities in Minnesota
  • Pre-kindergarten through Adult Basic and Community Education school staff members, or contracted school staff members, at schools in Minnesota
  • Child care staff members at licensed and certified child care centers or programs in Minnesota
  • People with specific underlying health conditions:
    • Sickle cell disease, Down Syndrome, or oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions, and those who are in active cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant
  • Targeted essential workers
    • Food processing plants
  • People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk
  • People age 45 and older with ONE or more underlying medical conditions; or, age 16 and over with TWO or more underlying medical conditions*
  • People 50+ in multi-generational housing
  • Essential frontline workers
    • Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, Postal Service workers

Who will get their vaccine soon?

May-June

  • 16+ with any underlying medical condition*
  • Age 50-64 (regardless of health condition)
  • All other essential workforces
    • Transportation and logistics, finance, housing/shelter construction, IT/communications, energy, media, legal, public safety, water, and wastewater

Summer

  • General public
    By this summer, every Minnesotan who wants a shot will be able to get one!

*Underlying Medical Conditions

  • Active cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Diabetes – Type 1 or 2
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, HIV, bone marrow disease, chronic steroids for more than 30 days, immunodeficiency disease, or taking immunosuppressive medications
  • Obesity – body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
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COVID Vaccine Update

January 15, 2021 By

OAHS’s rollout of vaccine to Phase 1a vaccinations came to completion this week. Local public health also continued vaccination of Phase 1a individuals. 

Vaccine planning is changing rapidly. 

This week following federal guidance, MN Governor announced that individuals 65+ should be able to get the vaccine. We are excited and ready to administer to the 1b group of patients, but we do not yet have the vaccine to do this. South Dakota Department of Health is also moving quickly to meet these changes on priorities. The announcement is overall good news; it opens the vaccine up to many more individuals. However, vaccine shortage still exists making it difficult and, in some cases, impossible to make vaccine widely available in Minnesota and our region. Currently, Minnesota is receiving about 60,000 doses per week, and there are estimated to be over 2 million Minnesota residents ages 65+. Despite the reports that the federal government has released all held doses, Minnesota and other states have not seen an increased allocation and no confirmation on when to expect increased allocations.  

However, SD and MN are approaching this announcement and priority groups differently, making clear messaging for a border community challenging.  

On Monday, January 18th, South Dakota partners will begin scheduling and vaccinating residents in South Dakota’s next phase. Our understanding is that South Dakota is not holding any second dose allocations. SD residents will have designated vaccination sites within each county. South Dakota distribution of vaccination is thru the health systems designated by the county. Sanford, Avera, Monument Health, Mobridge Hospital, and Northern Plains Health Network are the vaccine providers. Patient messaging to South Dakota residents and patients of those South Dakota partners has begun as well as the ability to be screened and to get scheduled. Our understanding is that at this time, MN residents cannot get vaccinated in SD.

Minnesota and our specific region continue to vaccinate any individuals in Phase 1a at this time. Contrary to the South Dakota decision, the Minnesota department of health’s guidance is that all second doses in MN freezers identified for second doses should be held for second doses. The latest information shows that we are at least 2.5 weeks out from the possibility of receiving a vaccine that may be available to begin vaccinating individuals who are 65+.  

We do not yet know when people in phase 1b and 1c will be able to get the vaccine in Minnesota. People do not need to get on a waiting list or make an appointment at this time. Updates will be provided when we are able to start vaccinating more people, and we will provide more information at that time for how eligible people can get vaccinated. OAHS does not know when we will be allocated vaccine to begin Phase 1b or when we can begin to vaccinate the next priority groups.  

If South Dakota patients have the opportunity to get vaccinated, we encourage them to do so at those designated sites and locations.  

Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/index.jsp

South Dakota COVID-19 Vaccine Information

https://doh.sd.gov/COVID/Vaccine/

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When will I get my COVID Vaccine?

January 11, 2021 By

Lots of excitement last week as FWV Senior Communities received COVID vaccinations.

Phase 1a roll out of COVID-19 vaccination had many levels of priority within it, by the end of this week OAHS along with public health will have been able to offer and deliver COVID vaccinations to those Phase 1a groups in our communities.

The Phase 1b groups that will come after the Phase 1a groups are frontline essential workers and adults 75 years and older for phase 1b. For phase 1c, adults ages 65-74 years, people ages 16 to 64 years with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers will be able to get vaccinated. We do not yet know when people in phase 1b and 1c will be able to get the vaccine in Minnesota.This will depend on how much vaccine the manufacturers are able to make and send out, and how many people get vaccinated in the first priority groups. People do not need to get on a waiting list or make an appointment at this time. Updates will be provided when we are able to start vaccinating more people and we will provide more information at that time for how eligible people can get vaccinated. OAHS does not know when we will be allocated vaccine to begin Phase 1b or when we can begin to vaccinate the next priority groups.

Health systems in our region along with Sanford have started to provide patient education with Phase 1b groups thru various messaging and letters.

For more information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/

 

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/vaccine.html

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2021 OAHS New Year’s Baby

January 6, 2021 By

Welcome, Kysen Adriel, our 2021 New Year’s Baby! He was born to Mary and Terry from Twin Brooks, SD and joins siblings Keishana, Chadwin, & Zaiden. Dr. Stacy Longnecker delivered Kysen on January 3rd at 2:05am, weighing 6lbs 6oz and measuring 20.5″ long.

Happy New Year!

Filed Under: News, Spotlight

OAHS Christmas Baby 2020

January 4, 2021 By

Introducing Waylon Nell, the 2020 OAHS Christmas Baby.

Waylon Nell was born December 29th at 8:39 pm to Ashly and Matt from Madison, MN. Waylon measured 19.5″, weighed 7lbs 15oz and was delivered by Dr. Amanda McMahon. Pictured here with with mom, dad, and big brother Wesley. Congratulations!

 

 

 

 

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – What you need to know

March 16, 2020 By

Welcome to our page about the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19). We will use this site to keep you up to date on the preparations being taken at Ortonville Area Health Services and Fairway View Senior Communities as well as any important local information we feel you should know about. Please bookmark this page to continue to see the latest local updates.

Thursday, September 17th, 2020

On Monday, September 14th, all of our 160 FWV staff and contracted staff who serve our residents at Fairway View Senior Communities completed our first round of COVID-testing as required by Medicare. We are pleased to share that all 160 staff members tested NEGATIVE for COVID-19. This is wonderful news! We are so appreciative of all that our staff gives of themselves to serve and protect our residents. Thank you to everyone in our organization and community who continues to take the necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID and protect our seniors and those most vulnerable.

The next round of weekly testing, as required by Medicare, will take place on Monday. Per Medicare, effective September 2nd, all 15,600 nursing homes, serving 1.5 million residents across the United States, are required to test all staff for COVID-19 at least one time per month to at most twice per week based on the positivity rate in our county.

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

OAHS CEO was on KDIO this morning and shared the latest updates on COVID-19 in our area.

 

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

Due to COVID-19 and the push for social distancing most insurance coverages are allowing you to have a telephone or video visit instead of an in person visit (coinsurance and deductible apply). If you are concerned about having an in person visit please call 320-839-6157 to see if you would qualify for a telephone or video visit. Ortonville Area Health Services is dedicated to providing you and our community quality care in a safe and appropriate manner.

First reported cases in Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle counties.

Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

Message from the Medical Staff at OAHS:
We have been hearing from some of you tonight about concerns and worries. OAHS is committed to keeping our communities safe. We are prepared, we have a plan, we will take care of you. There are some things that you can do to help us. First is if you have fever or cough or shortness of breath please call your healthcare provider to discuss whether you need to come in to be seen. Keep in mind even if we test you today it may be several days before we have the result. For most patients the test result does not change the recommended course of action which is go home and self-isolate yourself. Second, please maintain social distance, there are sound reasons why we recommend it. Third, try and limit your exposure by only taking necessary trips outside your home. Keep in mind the more you interact with the public, this increases your chance of infection. When you go to the store and open the door or touch other objects think about the number of people who could have touched that object over the previous 3 hours. Lastly, practice good hand washing or use of hand sanitizer. Again, we are prepared, we have a plan and we will take care of you, please help us in this mission.

The OAHS Medical Staff

 

Community Call to Action……Can You Sew Us these Masks?
We may have a long battle with COVID ahead and we need to think ahead when it comes to protective masks. Tag someone who lives in our area or reach out to them by phone who can sew us some masks.
Comment or PM us if you can help.
https://www.sewgoodgoods.org/face-mask-covid-19

THURsday, March 19th, 2020

OAHS CEO Dave Rogers and Twila Mursu PMHNP gave updates on COVID-19 and shared tips on maintaining good mental health through this this trying time.

Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

Today Jon Rogers was on KDIO to give an update on COVID-19

Monday, March 16th, 2020

NEW VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

 

 

 

 

Friday, March 13th, 2020

For the safety of everyone at Fairway View Senior Communities, beginning today March 13, 2020, visitors will no longer be allowed on the Fairway View Campus.

For more information please call 320-487-4398.

 

If you have concerns about the symptoms related to COVID-19 or the flu, we ask that you please give us a call at 320-839-6157 before you come in for an appointment. Calling ahead allows us to ask additional questions to help direct you to the proper course of action.

For more information on COVID-19 please click the link below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Do you know the proper way to put on a mask?

Put on the N95 respirator.

  1. Hold the respirator in the palm of your hand with the straps facing the floor.
  2. Place the N95 respirator on your face covering your nose and mouth.
  3. Pull the bottom strap up and over top of your head, and put it behind your head below your ears.
  4. Take the upper strap and put it behind your head towards the crown of your head.
  5. Mold the nose piece of the respirator over the bridge of your nose to obtain a tight seal. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wearing a respirator.
  6. Perform a fit check to ensure there is a good seal against the skin.

 

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

Click below to listen to today’s KDIO interview with Dr. Al Ross, Clinic director, Liz Sorenson, and OAHS CEO, Dave Rogers as they discuss Coronavirus and how it is affecting Ortonville Area Health Services and Fairway View Senior Communities.

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

For the safety of the tenants and residents of Fairway View Senior Communities, Donnie’s Diner is closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience, but the health of our seniors is our number one priority.

Please click the link below for tips from the CDC on what you can do to help keep your household ready.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/checklist-household-ready.html

There is a lot of misinformation currently circulating. Click here for the CDC’s list of COVID-19 FAQs.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/faq.html

Monday, March 9th, 2020

The Ortonville Area Health Services Coronavirus Response Team is meeting twice weekly to discuss the information we are collecting from state and national sources regarding data on the spread of coronavirus and recommended actions to take. We are particularly concerned about the health and wellness of our seniors and persons of all ages with chronic illnesses. Beginning Tuesday, March 10th, we will be implementing additional screening questions for patients with appointments at the clinic and hospital. Fairway View Senior Communities continues to discourage visitors who have symptoms of the illness. FWV is also informing groups that host meetings on-site that they will have to find an alternative meeting place for the near future.

This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. The risk may change daily and so will our level of response. We recommend that community members turn to the CDC for reliable information and direction regarding Coronavirus. We will routinely post updates on this page regarding precautionary measures we are taking at our hospital, clinic, home health, and senior community.

The one overarching message we want to pass along is that we are looking to the CDC as our one source of truth when it comes to COVID-19 information. Below you will find a link to their website.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

 

 

 

Filed Under: News, Spotlight
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