I enjoyed reading a story a couple of Fridays ago in the News-Herald about Rita Plourde being given the Hero’s Award by the Minnesota Department of Health. Unfortunately I guess this would classify as “old news” since most of us in Cook County have long known that Rita is a hero.
I recall listening to WTIP a number of years ago as Jay Andersen interviewed Rita and while I do not remember the exact question Jay asked her it was something to the effect of what was the most significant decision she had made since coming to the clinic. Rita’s answer was, “I decided to stay.” I thought at the time, and still do what a profound decision that was for the quality of health care here in the Northland.
The job that Rita Plourde has done as CEO of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in attracting and keeping experienced and dedicated providers, in recruiting the staff, most of whom have been here decades, and in growing and expanding the outreach of the clinic has been nothing less than amazing.
While all her friends and colleagues are excited for her retirement it is hard to imagine SMC without Rita Plourde. The clinic board made what I think to be a brilliant choice in naming Kate Surbaugh as the new CEO but Rita has set the bar pretty high. The quality of our health care and the positive effect the clinic has had on the Cook County community cannot be overstated. We are fortunate to have this vital asset in the community.
Rita would be the first to tell you that this is because of the hard work of many and not just one. But having served on the clinic board I can tell you that Rita helped create the environment that allowed the efforts of others to flourish.
Thank you, Rita, for being a difference maker in our community and in our lives. Best wishes on your retirement; you have more than earned it.
Bob Carter
Grand Marais
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