LRH to Host Open House Pain Management Strategies Workshops

LRH to Host Open House Pain Management Strategies Workshops
April 29th at YMCA and June 24th at Fergus Falls Public Library

[Fergus Falls, MN] With chronic pain and opioid misuse on the rise, Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) is one of several rural sites awarded a grant to improve provider skills and community access to holistic chronic pain interventions aimed at reducing the risk for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).  

“Opioids have been used to address chronic pain regardless of underlying cause or severity for the past several years, yet they can carry harmful side effects and are highly addictive,” said Dr. Bruce Money, physician champion for the Integrative Pain Management initiative at LRH.  “I have seen first-hand how the opioid epidemic is hurting our communities and our people. As a community-based healthcare provider, I feel it is our duty at LRH to provide better access and education on integrative, non-pharmacological therapies to address pain.” 

Originating at Hennepin Healthcare System and funded by the MN Department of Human Services, the Teaching, Learning, and Coordination – Wellness on Wheels (TLC-WoW) Program is bringing Integrative Pain Management, community engagement and Shared Medical Appointments for chronic pain training across the state. LRH applied to become a sub-awardee for Hennepin Healthcare System’s TLC-WoW Program in order to deliver this evidence-based program locally. 

“With chronic pain and opioid misuse on the rise, the good news is that shifting to these integrative and non-pharmacological therapies can improve outcomes and reduce harmful side effects,” said Money.  The program will set the foundation for educating care teams about how and when to apply these therapies with patients as alternatives while also equipping the public with their own set of tools and alternative strategies to manage pain. 

Providers and wellness support staff at LRH are currently in the training phase of the program in preparation for two public workshops this spring and a new Shared Medical Appointment group planned for this fall. 

To kick off the program LRH is hosting two Pain Management Strategies Open House event. The first will be held in the community room at the Fergus Falls YMCA from 5:30 to 7pm on Tuesday, April 29th. The public is invited to stop in to explore holistic pain management strategies like essential oils & magnesium, massage, dry needling, yoga, art therapy and more. There is no charge to attend the workshop. More information is available online at www.lrhc.org/PainWorkshop. A second and similar workshop is planned for June 24th at the Fergus Falls Public Library Community Room. 

About the Lake Region Healthcare Enterprise
The Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) enterprise is an independent, community owned and governed, non-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Fergus Falls. With facilities in eight communities, the midsized rural health system primarily serves five counties in west central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. The enterprise operates two hospitals (in Fergus Falls and Elbow Lake), nine clinics, a cancer center, a senior living community (Mill Street Residence), and various other health and wellness related ventures. With over 1,100 employees and 120 Physicians and Advance Practice Providers, we are dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of our communities close to home and delivering specialty and sub-specialty services at our locations in Fergus Falls, Elbow Lake, Ashby, Barnesville, Battle Lake, Evansville, Herman, and Morris, MN. For more information visit: www.lrhc.org and https://millstreet.lrhc.org.

Our Mission: We partner to enrich life through health.

Our Vision: We will create an exceptional, innovative, and personal healthcare experience that allows people to excel and our communities to thrive.

Our Values: Excellence, Person-Centered, Collaboration, Stewardship, Integrity, Respect, Innovation.