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In 2023 and 2024, Forward Health Foundation partnered with many of our area resort owners to bring AED (automated external defibrillators) into our most remote and rural areas to provide access to these life-saving devices to our residents, their employees, and our visitors alike. Because of the popularity of this initiative, and several requests from the community, our board of directors voted to expand this initiative in 2025 to all businesses and organizations that operate in, support, or serve the Deer River area. We are launching the application process, and invite your participation if this also aligns with your needs or wants for

In early 2024, a community member approached Forward Health Foundation with a heartfelt desire to help alleviate hunger in our area. After coming into an unexpected sum of money, they generously chose to donate $5,000 to the Foundation, with the stipulation that the funds be used for hunger-related initiatives. The donor entrusted the distribution of the donation to the discretion of our board. After careful consideration, the Foundation’s board allocated the $5,000 donation to three local organizations dedicated to supporting food and nutrition outreach in our community: $2,000 to Deer River Community Café The Deer River Community Café serves an

Due to the rural nature of the area and the lack of accessible public transportation, residents of Deer River face significant isolation and accessibility challenges. These barriers impact not only essential medical visits and necessary errands but also opportunities for community engagement and activities that enhance quality of life. For residents requiring mobility assistance, such as walkers or wheelchairs, these challenges are further compounded. Existing transportation options are often limited or fully utilized, making the need for sustainable solutions urgent. Forward Health Foundation has been selected as one of only four organizations in the United States (and Guam) to receive

Forward Health Foundation and United Way of 1,000 Lakes form new partnership to address dental access in our region If you have attempted to make a dental appointment, seek a new provider, or establish a dental home within the last few years, you likely have experienced the dental access crisis firsthand. Every day, especially in rural parts of the state, households face difficulties finding a dental provider with openings, transportation to and from appointments, and navigating insurance and medical assistance programs. A 2021 Community Needs Assessment, conducted by United Way of 1000 Lakes, underscored access to dental care among the

This spring, we were able to partner with six more resort owners to install AED’s on their properties for use by visitors, employees, and residents alike. Due to the generosity of our donors and community partners, we were able to provide grants to resort owners toward the purchase of AED’s along with the ability to negotiate discounts prices. Resort owners who participated in wilderness first aid, CPR and AED training became eligible for these grants allowing them the ability to more affordably equip their properties with these lifesaving devices while installing them in locations available to the public and our