Southern Minnesota AHEC promotes rural health educational opportunities and addresses health workforce challenges unique to the 21 county region.

Region

The Southern Minnesota AHEC region features breathtaking scenery and rich cultural and historical traditions. Lakes, vast stretches of prairie, and the Minnesota River Valley offer exceptional recreational opportunities. Our host facility, Rice Memorial Hospital, located in Willmar, is the largest city-owned hospital in Minnesota.

Community Culture

From the vast prairie lands to the historic presence of the Minnesota River Valley, southern Minnesota is your gateway to explore culture, wildlife, and tradition, including Native American history, breathtaking scenery, geological formations and many festivals and unique celebrations.

The Southern Minnesota AHEC region varies greatly, both in community size and geographic landscape. Spread across the southwest corner of the state, major industries in the region include food processing, agriculture, and health care. Explore countless lakes and recreational opportunities, including windsurfing, hiking, biking, and more.

The Southern Minnesota AHEC region includes the counties of Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle,  Lincoln, Lyon, McLoed, Martin, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Swift, Watonwan, and Yellow Medicine.

Learn more about local communities by browsing our community profiles, which showcase local health care, recreational and other opportunities.

Events