Improving Access, Improving Lives: How Aspirus is Shaping Rural Health Care

“Rural health care can thrive with the right people, partnerships, and vision.” 

DULUTH, Minn. – For those living in small communities, access to health care can be a struggle. Hospitals and specialists are often hours away creating a barrier for receiving timely care. However, Aspirus Health is committed to rewriting this story, making health care more accessible for people in rural areas. 

“Patients in rural areas deserve the same high-quality care as anyone in a metro area,” said Greg Ruberg, President of Aspirus Lake View. “That’s why we’re constantly innovating to overcome barriers and deliver personalized care.” 

Mental health care stands out as a persistent challenge. Ruberg explained, “When patients in crisis arrive at our Emergency Department, we can stabilize them, but finding inpatient psychiatric beds—especially for adolescents—is a big challenge.” Aspirus is committed to pushing for bigger changes in the system while working closely with community partners to address these needs. 

One key partnership is with Wilderness Health, a group of independent providers in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. They work to keep care local by developing sustainable models that reduce costs and improve quality. Through shared services and accountable care organizations (ACOs), Aspirus is able to work with this group to expand access and make sure patients can access the care they need. 

General Surgeon Dr. Steve Skube points out another challenge: getting access to specialty care. 

"Traveling long distances not only delays treatment but can also be a financial burden for patients," he said. To make things easier, Aspirus brings specialists and surgeons to smaller communities, cutting down on travel time and improving patient outcomes. 

Aspirus is also investing in the future of health care through its partnership with Duluth’s medical school. Together, they train the next generation of physicians, with a focus on serving rural communities. This initiative ensures a long-term, sustainable supply of skilled providers to meet future needs. 

Collaboration with public health agencies is equally vital. “We focus on prevention and wellness, not just treatment,” Ruberg says. Initiatives like the Community Health Needs Assessment enable Aspirus to tackle health challenges before they escalate, benefiting the entire region.” 

Despite the hurdles, Ruberg is optimistic. “The patient experience scores at Aspirus Lake View are among the best in the nation, thanks to our incredible team. Their dedication shows that rural health care can thrive with the right people, partnerships, and vision.”