Welcome to LifeCare
Dr. Ralph Herseth, wife Kathy, and cousin Carol Klotz show off the new LifeCare Medical Center logo.
Welcome to LifeCare Medical Center and the beginning of a new era in rural healthcare. Roseau Area Hospital and Homes officially changed its name to LifeCare Medical Center on October 1, ushering in the next generation of medical care to Roseau County.
The third largest employer in Roseau County behind Marvin Windows and Polaris Industries, LifeCare Medical Center boasts more than 450 employees. A nonprofit organization, LifeCare offers an impressive list of services including a state-of-the-art hospital, Home Health Care, Rehabilitation Services, Behavioral Health, after-hours Convenience Care, Hospice, Public Health, and nursing homes in Greenbush and Roseau.
“The name change brings all our departments and services together, unifying us under a single name,” says Keith Okeson, President/CEO. “It simplifies things for our patients and their insurance companies and provides better alignment for referrals from other facilities and caregivers.”
The name change was brought about by a lengthy evaluation of the organization initiated by the hospital’s Board of Directors. According to hospital board Chairman Mike Hetteen, one reason for the change was the organization’s expending service region, which had grown to reach beyond the boundaries of Roseau County. Okeson credits the Board for its foresight.
“The leadership they provided has led to the success of the organization. They have been instrumental in the development and growth in services, taking it from being a district hospital with an adjacent nursing home to the medical center we have today with all its facilities and services.”
Made up of 13 members who live all across Roseau County, the Board includes Chuck Lindner, Warroad; Cory Vatnsdal, Roseau; Pete Helgeson, Roseau; Steve Haugen, Malung; Pete Granger, Swift; Audrey Olson, Badger; Jon Johnson, Badger; Dr. Ralph Herseth, Roseau; Paul Everson, Greenbush; Therese McBride (Treasurer), Warroad; Carmen Przekwas (Secretary), Roseau; Carolyn Eeg (Vice-Chair), Greenbush; and Mike Hetteen (Chairman), Malung. Collectively, they total over 130 years of experience and service.
Okeson says the LifeCare name was chosen by the Board based on the exemplary care provided by the organization, employees and medical staff to patiens and residents of the region.
We are blessed to have very dedicated, talented people working in our organization.the name reflects the lifelong care we offer our patients, Okeson says. The past sucess of the organization, the leadership of the Board of Directors, and the great care provided by our medical staff and employees will ensure we provide this level of care for generations to come.”
Over 100 volunteers from throughout Roseau County helped make the LifeCare celebration a big success.
  
  
Above and Left: Community members of all ages enjoyed a meal of barbecued turkey, bakes beans, and desserts. Doug Hedlund and son Andy keep a watchful eye on the grill as they and crew prepare for an estimated 2,000 hungry guests at the Back Yard Bar-B-Q. |
