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Riverland Community College will host a panel discussion titled “The Future of Rural Healthcare” at 7:30-9 a.m. on Wednesday.

This event, moderated by Mark Jones, Executive Director of the Minnesota Rural Health Association, will be an engaging and informative session on the evolving landscape of rural healthcare in Minnesota.

The discussion will be held at Riverland Community College’s Albert Lea campus and will begin with a welcome from Kim Nelson, interim dean of academic affairs and Albert Lea’s campus director.

Refreshments, sponsored by Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition and Mayo Health System, will be available starting at 7:15 a.m. in Riverland’s Atrium, located off the north parking lot.

Meet the Panel:

• Representative Joe Schomacker: A seventh-term Minnesota House member, representing District 21A. He is the Republican Lead of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee and an active advocate for rural health.

• Zora Radosevich: Director of the Office of Rural Health & Primary Care in the Minnesota Department of Health, with extensive experience in public policy and rural health.

• Chris Wolf: Dean of Nursing, Health, & Wellness at Riverland Community College, with a rich background in nursing and healthcare leadership.

• Valerie DeFor: Executive Director of the Minnesota State HealthForce Center of Excellence, focusing on developing a diverse and qualified healthcare workforce in Minnesota.

This event is an opportunity for professionals, students, and community members to engage in vital conversations about rural healthcare challenges and innovations. The panelists bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, promising a comprehensive discussion on the future of rural health services in Minnesota.