AHEC > Northwest Minnesota AHEC
Northwest Minnesota AHEC
Region: The Northwest Minnesota AHEC region is the transition point from the forested areas of the east such as the Chippewa National Forest to the great plains of the Dakotas. Like the rest of rural Minnesota, the area boasts many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Our host facility, RiverView Health Care Association a comprehensive health services provider which remains committed to providing services that reflect specific patient and community needs.
Community Culture:
While the geography of the region is diverse and includes wooded areas and lakes, the most memorable feature noted by visitors is the vast openness of the land. This area served as a connection to Canada with the north flowing Red River of the North as well as serving as a gateway to the western states. The area does not boast large cities but is within quick driving distance of Fargo-Moorhead and, for many areas, Winnipeg, Canada. NW Minnesota communities pride themselves on being family friendly, having strong school and community connections, and being areas with low-crime and short commutes, allowing plenty of time for home and family.
This 18,031 square mile area is home to communities as small as 31 residents with the larger communities, such as Bemidji, having a population around 12,000. The largest industry is the agricultural industry with this area of the state producing large quantities of sugar beets, soy beans and grain crops. This region, encompassing two reservations and part of a third, also includes gaming as a large part of its economic base. The area is also home to several large manufacturing companies.
For most of the small communities, the health care industry is one of the larger community employers. Northwest Minnesota health care providers, along with their Northeast North Dakota counter-parts work together to assure that the health care needs of this area continue to be met.
The Northwest Minnesota AHEC includes the counties of Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Beltrami, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, Norman, Mahnomen, Becker, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Cass.
Contact Information:
Joan D. Porraz, MA
Executive Director
Northwest Minnesota AHEC
323 South Minnesota Street
Crookston, MN 56716-1600
Phone: 218-281-9216
E-mail: jporraz@riverviewhealth.org
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