Central Area Health Education Center Hires Regional Director

Fergus Falls, Minn. (Jan. 23, 2007) -- Following a national search, the Central Minnesota Area Health Education Center, under the direction of the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Community and Technical College-Fergus Falls has hired Laurissa Stigen, Fergus Falls, to lead the Central Minnesota AHEC as executive director.

AHEC is a federal/state cooperative agreement that works through the University of Minnesota and with communities to address the needs of medically underserved areas of the state and to increase the number of health care professionals practicing in greater Minnesota.

Fergus Falls serves as the host community for the Central AHEC, which encompasses a 13-county area. Stigen will lead the effort in collaborating with other communities in the region to promote existing health programs and address health-care workforce concerns in the region.

“Laurissa will bring the energy and leadership necessary to promote the goals of AHEC and contribute to the health of all communities in the region,” said Barbara Brandt, Ph.D., Minnesota AHEC program director and assistant vice president for education at the University’s Academic Health Center.

Stigen previously worked as the nutrition and wellness facilitator for the Lakes Country Service Cooperative, Fergus Falls. She earned her bachelor’s degree in rural health and wellness from the University of Minnesota, and her master’s degree in health and human development from Montana State University.

“Laurissa brings a wonderful set of experiences and perspectives to this new position.  Her educational and work background has given her a strong understanding of our area communities and the health care issues that they face,” said Jerry Migler, Ph.D., Interim Provost at MSCTC-Fergus Falls.

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

Contact: Angela Bowlus, Minnesota Area  Health Education  Center, 612-624-1946
Sara E. Buss, Academic Health Center, 612-624-2449