Who We Are

Committed

Forward Health is firmly rooted in the Deer River area. As an independent, community-focused non-profit organization, we’ve been committed to making an impact on our community’s health since 2012.

Our Mission

As we look into the future, our goal is to serve our community by identifying and responding to needs regarding the health and well-being of our residents. We consider it a privilege to be part of the community and look forward to working with and for the people of our area for many years to come.

Staff

April Jesperson, Executive Director

Sheila Rae Maki, Administrative Assistant

Board


Judy Dimich, Board Chair	Andy Shaw, Vice Chair


Gwenn Smith, Secretary/Treasurer	Beth Anderson


Brad Box	Gerald Dederick


Michael Fairbanks	Jim Gorden


Samantha Martin	Michelle Newberg


Nikki Osse	Pam Thompson

Connected

We call the Deer River area home and are proud to serve the communities of Deer River, Ball Club, Inger, Bowstring & S. Lake. Through our support of Essentia Health in Deer River and Grand Rapids, we serve patients across Northern Minnesota and beyond.

Creative

We lead, support, and fund initiatives for health and wellness in our communities.

Learn More

Support Us

Make a Gift

Gifts to the Forward Health Foundation help support health and wellness in our communities. From groundbreaking new programs and projects to support of critical healthcare efforts, we can provide you with a variety of giving options.