History of Scenic Rivers Health Services

 

Scenic Rivers Health Services is a Community Health Center and a Federally Qualified Health Center. Originally started as Cook Area Health Services in 1979, we’ve been expanding into new clinics and gaining new providers ever since. We currently serve an 8,300 square mile area with seven medical clinics and four dental clinics. Scenic Rivers Health Services is associated with critical access hospitals in Cook and Bigfork, allowing us to provide patient care 24 hours a day.

 

Our focus is providing quality primary care. We live, work and play in the communities we serve. Our mission is to provide medical, dental and behavioral health services in a remote, rural area of northern Minnesota. We recognize our patients are the reason we are here, and we know it’s our job to keep our rural communities healthy.
At Scenic Rivers Health Services, we strive for a positive culture. Teamwork is valued in a supportive environment to achieve optimal patient care. We encourage a strong work life balance, with a positive mindset and respect for one another. All employees play a critical role in shaping a culture of accountability, ensuring they and their coworkers meet high standards, thus inspiring everyone on our team.

 

Cook Area Health Services, Inc., dba Scenic Rivers Health Services is FTCA Deemed. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in accordance with the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act (FSHCAA) deems Cook Area Health Services with FTCA Notice of Deeming effective 1/01/2024 through 12/31/2025. Notice of Deeming Action confirms medical malpractice coverage for Cook Area Health Services and its covered individuals.

 

 

Administration

Keith Harvey, Chief Executive Officer
Daniel Heinecke, Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey Scrivner, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Michael Talberg, DDS, Chief Dental Officer
Stephanie Leonard, Human Resources Director
Lucas Eggebraaten, HIT Director

 

For inquiries regarding marketing and advertising, involvement in community activities or donation inquiries, please contact Kara Jean Baker at kbaker@scenicrivershealth.org

 

 

Board of Directors

President – Liz Storm (representing Cook)

Vice President – Wende Nelson (representing Ely)

Secretary/Treasurer – Gail Blackmer (representing Bigfork)

 

Cabinet Members:

Bob Walker (representing Gheen)

Bill Tibbetts (representing Cook)

Karen Lorenzen (representing Northome)

Marian Swang (representing Northome)

Marci Maple (representing Northome)

Robin Harkonen (representing Eveleth)

Joel Karels (representing Effie)

 

If you are looking for a way to serve your community, please consider inquiring about open positions on the Scenic Rivers Health Services Board of Directors. We are currently looking for volunteer Board members to represent Bigfork, Ely, Floodwood, Tower and surrounding areas. If you’re interested in the position but don’t live in one of those areas, please still inquire. We are more than happy to speak with anyone looking to make a positive difference in this organization and the communities we serve!

If you have any questions, or to inquire further, please contact Kara Jean Baker at kbaker@scenicrivershealth.org