Breaking Barriers: How Sanford Health Empowers Kids to Overcome Challenges

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and safe. But in places like northern Minnesota, many kids face serious challenges that can hold them back.

Did you know one in five children in rural areas live in poverty? Many struggle to get basic healthcare, food, or even books. Without regular doctor’s visits, families might skip important appointments. This can lead to bigger health issues later on, especially if kids don’t have enough to eat—these struggles can impact their schooling and overall well-being.

These challenges aren’t just about one family; they affect our entire community. At Sanford Health, we believe it’s our job to step in and fill these gaps. We partner with local schools, community leaders, and families to ensure that kids in northern Minnesota get the support they need.

We’ve made it easier for families to access specialized care. Thanks to partnerships with specialists from Fargo, children in Bemidji can now see local doctors in several areas, like cardiology and surgery, without needing to travel far. We also brought maternal fetal medicine expertise to our area, an essential service given that our hospital is one of only two still offering labor and delivery services in several surrounding counties.

This August, we welcomed Dr. Musa Bolkent to our Children’s Clinic. Having local pediatricians makes a huge difference for families, allowing them to receive care right in their own community.

We’re focusing on prevention, too. In our fight against type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, we’ve screened more than 10,000 children for genetic risks since 2020. This early detection tool helps families take action before problems arise, which is especially crucial in rural areas where specialized care may be sparse.

Mental health is another growing concern for children and teens, particularly in rural settings. A CDC report found that 4 in 10 students often feel sad or hopeless, which affects their daily activities. To tackle this, we’re offering virtual therapy sessions during school hours, making mental health care more accessible.

Our new Child Life program, supported by a community fundraising event, helps children cope during hospital visits and treatments. We provide activities like music and art therapy to ease their fears and make hospital experiences less intimidating.

Food insecurity is alarming in our country, affecting over 20% of children nationwide, with most of the hardest-hit counties located in rural regions. To combat this, we created a food pantry at our clinic, providing healthy, shelf-stable food to families who come in for care. Since we started, we’ve distributed over 18,000 pounds of food to nearly 500 families, which has made a real difference.

We’re also promoting reading through the Reach Out and Read program, giving children books during check-ups. This builds home libraries and supports early learning, which is vital for child development.

Finally, we encourage physical activity and offer various sports programs to help kids stay fit and healthy. Our Sanford Sports Academy provides specialized training for young athletes, helping them develop skills while learning how to prevent injuries.

There’s no single solution to the issues our kids face, but by working together—healthcare providers, schools, and community members—we can create a brighter future. Imagine a world where kids have easy access to specialists, don’t go hungry, and can receive therapy when needed. Investing in our children means investing in our community’s future.

This mission is close to the heart of leaders like Karla Eischens, the President and CEO of Sanford Health’s Bemidji region, who is dedicated to making a difference. For more information, you can reach out to her directly.

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