Community Engagement Monthly Report: April 2026

Community engagement activities seek to improve the health and vitality of our communities by leveraging our organization's capacities and expertise to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Supporting Everyone’s Table in Sandstone

Essentia Health volunteers recently volunteered at Everyone’s Table in Sandstone, where they cooked and served a free dinner to 200 community members. It was a great way to give back and connect with the community.

Supporting Local Students Through United Way Backpack Program

Essentia Health Bismarck donated $4,000 to help buy food for the United Way Backpack Program. United Way matched the donation, doubling the support for local students. Volunteers packed and delivered more than 1,700 backpacks to 37 schools in Bismarck and Mandan, helping provide weekend food for children who need support.

Community Connection at the Crosslake Senior Expo

The Crosslake Senior Expo recently gave us an opportunity to connect with the community, share helpful resources, and support healthy aging in a welcoming space.

Promoting Bike Helmet Safety with Students

Essentia Health team members have been sharing bike helmet safety tips with students at Riverside, Lake Region, and Lowell schools.

Thank you to the schools, volunteers, Easy Riders Bike Shop, and the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Foundation for helping make these events a success and for helping each child go home with a new bike helmet.

Supporting Community Transitional Housing in Moorhead

Essentia Health team members recently toured Youthworks’ new Transitional Housing Community in downtown Moorhead. The program supports youth ages 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness. Essentia Health helped support the project through a grant, helping create a space that can house up to 25 young people and includes private rooms, shared gathering areas, a kitchen, a food pantry, and a free clothing closet.

Volunteers in Action

Thank you to Essentia Health Twin Cities-based team members who volunteered to pack food at Second Harvest Heartland.