Construction begins on Regional Community Well-Being Center

Todd County area residents are one step closer to having access to a community facility focused on preventative health and wellness following a ceremonial groundbreaking event that was held on Aug. 28. Construction of the $4.5-million, 12,000-square-foot Regional Community Well-Being Center, located adjacent to the CentraCare Health – Long Prairie Medical Campus, 50 CentraCare Drive, has officially started and is expected to be completed by June 2019.

CentraCare Health – Long Prairie has been shifting its focus to the model of preventive care and wellness to enhance quality of life, strengthen cultural unity and promote healthy lifestyles.

“This project embodies the spirit of rural optimism that is crucial to keeping our community healthy, successful and inclusive, while providing opportunities of growth and betterment for all,” said Dan Swenson, Administrator of CentraCare Health – Long Prairie.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka spoke to event attendees stating that he hopes, “The Long Prairie Wellness Center can become the model for rural Minnesota committees across the state.”

A 2018 survey by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on County Health Rankings found that only 43 percent of Todd County residents reported access to exercise opportunities as compared to the state average of 88 percent, ranking the county as 76 out of 87 Minnesota counties for Overall Health Factor. Specifically lacking were holistic health and wellness opportunities, which is a disadvantage for the large population of aging adults and other isolated individuals.

The Well-Being Center will address the facilities and services found to be lacking and will be accessible to all who live, work and play throughout the region. The center will include a community/outpatient physical therapy gym, warm-water therapy pool, locker rooms and showers, additional rehabilitation services, and multi-use space for fitness classes, education and support groups.

CentraCare Health has committed $1.3 million to this project; however, this project is truly championed by community members who have, for many years, voiced a clear desire for local access to health and wellness opportunities. To date, $2.6 million of the $3.2 million fundraising goal has been raised, thanks to generous donations from numerous local community members, businesses, civic organizations, foundations including The Rosen Family Foundation, and grants; namely, funding received in the 2018 Legislative session from the Minnesota State Bonding Bill and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Live Well at Home grant.

Assistant Commissioner Claire Wilson stated that projects like the Long Prairie Wellness Center “Are exactly what the Live Well at Home grant program is all about.”

“We are excited to proceed with this project and are confident that the community will help us raise the $600,000 funding gap to ensure all the Center’s amenities can be incorporated to best meet the community’s needs” said Nicole Bjerke, CentraCare Health – Long Prairie Foundation.

To support this project or for information about giving opportunities, please contact Nicole Bjerke at BjerkeN@CentraCare.com or 320-732-7337.

For additional project information visit www.CentraCare.com/WellnessWins.