Aitkin Community Hospital, d.b.a. Riverwood Healthcare Center, was incorporated in 1948 and opened its doors in 1955. The mission that helped bring the first hospital to Aitkin still holds true today – to provide the people of our area with access to comprehensive, high quality healthcare. While the method of delivery for healthcare services continues to change over time, the commitment by the Governing Board of Directors, physicians and staff to provide healthcare does not change.

Although our main focus is primary care, in keeping with our mission we continue to bring specialty physicians including allergy and immunology; cardiology; dermatology; ear, nose and throat; gastroenterology; hematology/oncology; mental health; neurology; orthopedic; OB/GYN; pulmonary; urology; and rheumatology to our Specialty Clinic on a regular basis. Chemotherapy, pulmonary, physical, occupational, speech therapy plus cardiac rehabilitation are specialty treatment programs available right here in our local healthcare facilities.

Riverwood offers the only hospital and medical clinic services in Aitkin County. Our facility is licensed as a Critical Access hospital with 24-hour emergency room and Urgent Care Services. Under our umbrella are three family practice physician clinics in Aitkin, Garrison, and McGregor, Minnesota.

Riverwood is a private, non-profit 501©(3) corporation governed by an 11-member governing board of directors who are elected from the body of the corporate membership. Our annual meeting of the corporate members conducts the formal business of the corporation and establishes elections as necessary to fill any vacant director positions. With over 400 employees, Riverwood Healthcare Center is the largest employer in Aitkin County. The Riverwood Foundation, a separate 501©(3) organization, supports the mission of Riverwood Healthcare Center and exists to broaden the philanthropic base to ensure Riverwood’s future.

We are committed to listening to our patients and community by responding to the needs identified to enhance the healthcare of the community. I personally review all patient satisfaction surveys, commentsand complaints. We understand that you, the patient, have options for your healthcare provider and we want Riverwood Healthcare Center to be your choice! Please feel free to contact me directly at pr@rhhc.sisunet.org with any comments or suggestions you may have about our services. I guarantee that you will get personal attention about any concerns or questions you may have.

With the opening of our new Critical Access hospital and clinic in 2003, a new chapter for Riverwood Healthcare Center emerged. We look forward to continue meeting the healthcare needs of Aitkin County and surrounding areas for another 50 years.

Michael Hagen, CEO