News

Sheila Rae Maki has served dual roles between Essentia Health and the Foundation with passion and a get-after-it attitude stretching through all she has done, and continues to do. This year marked her 45th(+) year at Essentia Health, and 12th year with Forward Health Foundation! Starting as a candy-striper in the hospital at age 15,  then evolving through many, many roles she has made an immeasurable impact on both organizations, in her community, and in the lives of the hundreds she has touched. Sheila retired from both roles on May 15 and we will miss her regular presence dearly, but

We were honored to present three $1,000 Forward Health Foundation scholarships, and one $2,000 Byron Hoffman, DDS and Rose Hoffman, RN Health Care Training scholarship in May to four Deer River High School seniors pursuing post-secondary health careers. Thank you to our generous community partners in supporting our mission, enabling the Foundation to provide vital financial support to our community's future healthcare workforce! Pictured L to R: Tia Schultz, April Jesperson, Jenna Evans, Hannah Edwards, Rachel Gardner

Food insecurity remains one of the leading concerns facing low income families, with rural areas especially impacted. Lack of access to affordable food and reliable transportation result in insufficient supplies of food for families and communities. Second Harvest Northland innovated to combat this issue through their Mobile Food Pantry program, serving areas within our support region. Forward Health Foundation provides granting toward this initiative in support of these on-going efforts bringing valuable food supplies right into our rural communities including Deer River, Ball Club, Inger, Marcell, and S. Lake. In 2023, this initiative served over 3,800 individuals in those areas.

One of the ways Forward Health Foundation is able to reach out to our community is through the availability of crisis funds. When a local Essentia Health employee, or patient, is experiencing an unforeseen life event placing a burden on their welfare, we are able to support them through the gifting of VISA gift cards. Employees are referred by their colleagues, and patients are referred by their medical provider for receipt of these gift cards. Also, if the individual or family chooses, they can be referred to additional funds, supports and resources available in our region, where applicable. A crisis

Each year, we distribute up to $10,000 in scholarships to local health care workers pursuing further education.  Our application window opens on January 1 of each year. $1,000 Health Career Scholarships - these scholarships are offered to Essentia Health employees working in Deer River or Grand Rapids and are pursuing health career training, certification, education and advancement. Recipients may re-apply each calendar year. Eligibility: Health-Careers-Scholarship-Guidelines (2) Application: Apply Here NEW FOR 2024 - $500 Deer River High School Senior Scholarship -  these scholarships are offered to Deer River High School seniors pursuing health career training after high school.  Applications are completed