Clinic CEO discusses safety and training after shooting at healthcare facility in Minnesota

Media across the country reported on the news from Minnesota this week where a shooting incident took place at healthcare facility located about 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cities.

The incident left one person dead and four others wounded. Authorities arrested a 67-year-old Minnesota man at the scene of the shooting. The man told authorities he was angry with the care he received at the healthcare facility.  
 
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic CEO Kate Surbaugh spoke with WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs one day after the shooting at a clinic in Buffalo, Minn. Surbaugh shared her thoughts on the situation and various trainings for staff  and safety policies in place at the local healthcare facility in Grand Marais.

News of the shooting was a grim and extreme reminder of the many challenges healthcare workers face on day-to-day basis, Surbaugh acknowledged, including dealing with a worldwide health crisis. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Cook County continues to be a bright spot on the state’s map when it comes to a percentage of the local population getting vaccinated. Surbaugh also shares an update on the vaccination events for Cook County in the audio posted below.
 
In more healthcare news, after months of planning, construction and recruiting, a new pharmacy located inside SMC is fully staffed, stocked with inventory and ready to do business.

Led by Pharmacist Jeremy Gerspacher, the pharmacy staff are ready to serve community members, Surbaugh said.

In addition to working closely with SMC Providers, filling prescriptions and providing healthcare counseling, the new pharmacy is also stocked with commonly used over the counter medications and other healthcare supplies. 

Surbaugh shared an update on the pharmacy at SMC and other news related to healthcare in Minnesota and Cook County during an interview that aired live Feb. 10. Listen to the audio below to hear the full discussion.