A planned Regional Community Well-Being Center in Long Prairie will become a reality after Sen. Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) secured $700,000 in funding for the project through the legislature’s bonding bill, signed by Gov. Dayton last week. According to CentraCare Health, the center will help meet the wellness needs of over 35,000 residents within a 20-mile radius of Long Prairie, by providing “programs, services and amenities designed to promote healthy lifestyles, enhance quality of life and support well-being.”

“I was proud to support the health of Long Prairie residents through this project, which has the potential to change lives not only in Long Prairie, but in the surrounding community as well,” said Sen. Paul Gazelka. “Rural residents have unique health challenges, and this new Regional Community Well-Being Center will help address those needs very specifically, and become a model for other rural communities.”

In a press release, CentraCare Director of Government and Community Relations Dave Borgert added, “”We are grateful to Governor Dayton, Majority Leader Gazelka and Representative Kresha for supporting this investment in rural Minnesota. This investment will positively impact the health and well-being of many local families living in the region.”

Construction is slated to begin this summer, with a planned opening date in March 2019. The new center will be located adjacent to the new CentraCare Health Long Prairie medical campus. More information can be found here.