Spotlight shines on Sawtooth Mountain Clinic staff during National Health Center Week

Every August, the National Association of Community Health Centers sponsors National Health Center Week “to celebrate and increase awareness of America’s 1,400 Community Health Centers.

Among the healthcare facilities celebrated during this annual event is Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Grand Marais.

For many decades, the health care needs of Cook County were met by tireless, dedicated solo practice doctors. Receiving payment in the form of chickens or wild rice was not uncommon, according to the team at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic who assembled a history of healthcare in the community.

The Clinic became an official nonprofit medical provided in Cook County in 1979.  Over the years, the Clinic has provided all manner of local healthcare to community members.

As part of the 2023 National Health Center Week, WTIP is highlighting the work of community members in making Sawtooth Mountain a valuable healthcare facility. Included in the interviews below are the stories of Margaret Martin, Becky Frost, Jackiemae Deschampe, Erin Watson, Margaret Johnson, Rita Plourde, Kate Surbaugh, and Clare Shirley. Find all of the interviews and features in the audio below.

Joe Friedrichs August 6, 2023