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Guest column by Mayo Clinic Health System

Celebrating our legacy

We are pleased to announce the completion of the Naeve Commemorative Garden and will celebrate the new space with a community event on Oct. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. This new space will honor the Naeve Hospital’s history and legacy while providing a communal gathering place for the community. As part of the dedication, the time capsule preserved in the former Naeve Hospital will be opened to reveal its contents. The ribbon-cutting and dedication will begin at 5:15 p.m. More information about the event will be shared soon.

Campus investments

Construction on the $14 million expansion (including an additional eight emergency room beds) and modernization of several departments on the Albert Lea campus will begin in October.

The project also includes the renovation of several services and departments, including outpatient behavioral health and Fountain Centers (completed in 2023), radiology, infusion therapy and shared services space. Additionally, we are investing $6 million to relocate and expand dialysis services from 18 to 22 chairs and relocate and modernize rehabilitation therapy services to the main campus for improved patient convenience and safety.

These investments are designed to improve patient care, increase access to services, recruit and retain top talent and enhance the overall patient experience.

Expanding access to care

Mayo Clinic Health System is committed to providing high-quality and safe health care services to the Albert Lea community. In addition to our core offerings, which include primary care, emergency medicine, radiology, rehabilitation, orthopedics, urology, podiatry, cancer care, eye care and pre-and post-natal care, we are expanding our services, including mental health, dialysis, imaging, cancer care, robotics and digital health solutions, to meet the community’s evolving needs.

Mental health services

To address the growing demand for mental health services, we have expanded our programs, hired additional professionals and explored innovative approaches to care delivery. Our recently expanded, remodeled inpatient psychiatry unit features 16 state-of-the art private rooms, a library, fitness center and outdoor courtyard. The second floor houses multi-disciplinary teams of psychiatrists, psychotherapists and substance use counselors. The third floor men’s residential treatment program offers 18 beds for men with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Fountain Center’s residential treatment program in Albert Lea is the only one in a 50-mile radius in southern Minnesota. Our multi-specialty clinic ensures that residential patients receive ongoing care for chronic illnesses.

Cancer care

Our comprehensive cancer center in Albert Lea offers a wide range of services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology and infusion therapy. Our dedicated care team provides comprehensive support throughout the cancer journey, including medical oncology and radiation oncology services, registered nursing care, social work support, clinical pharmacy guidance, financial counseling and RN navigation. This level of comprehensive cancer care is rare for a community of Albert Lea’s size, making it a unique asset to the region.

Digital health solutions

Our Primary Care On Demand service offers 24/7/365 access to care for appropriate medical needs through a convenient app-based platform. This service is available to patients ages 3+ across Mayo Clinic Health System. For more information, visit www.primarycareondemand.mayoclinic.org/Community Outreach.

Our Mobile Health Clinic continues to provide essential care in rural communities. To date, we have served over 7,000 patients through this vital service.

Staff Volunteerism and Annual Cancer Center Symposium

Mayo Clinic Health System actively supports the community through volunteer efforts, financial grants and involvement in local organizations. Our staff contribute to community boards and initiatives such as the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, The Children’s Center, Wind Down Wednesdays and the Pride Festival.

We are excited to announce our annual Cancer Center Symposium, which will be held on Nov. 2, in collaboration with The Hormel Institute and funded by the Naeve Foundation. For more information or to register, call 507-668-2063.