Essentia Health’s Staples clinic provides accessible and expert care for community

About a year old, one of Essentia Health's nicest, and newest, facilities is the St. Joseph's-Staples Clinic, which includes urgent care. There, Essentia has a team of providers who serve as a vital health care resource for residents and visitors seeking prompt medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. 

Dr. Kevin Bardwell is one of those folks delivering high-quality care in this rural setting. He has worked for Essentia for more than five years.

“I really like seeing patients in a variety of settings,” he said. “I’m family medicine-trained and also work in urgent care. So I see and care for a variety of patients and needs, and it’s really nice knowing I’m making a difference in people’s lives, no matter their ailment.”

As part of Essentia’s extensive network across the Brainerd Lakes area, the Staples urgent care is designed to offer timely, expert care without the need for an appointment, ensuring the community has access to medical services when they’re most needed. The Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Staples Clinic and attached urgent care opened in the summer of 2024.

“I’ve mostly lived in big cities, but during high school, I experienced life in a small Nebraska town, and my wife hails from a rural area as well,” said Dr. Bardwell. “Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for small-town life, which I truly enjoy. Staples is a wonderful place with a strong sense of community. Having lived in rural settings, I feel better equipped to provide health care here because I understand the unique needs and dynamics of these areas firsthand.”

In the clinical space, Essentia offers a variety of care options, including family medicine, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, OB/GYN, urology, gastroenterology, podiatry, physical therapy, radiology (including MRI and mammography) and lab services. There’s also an on-site pharmacy with a convenient drive-through.

The urgent care is designed to treat conditions that require immediate attention but are not severe enough to warrant an emergency room visit. Common ailments addressed include allergies, asthma flare-ups, bronchitis, ear infections, sinus issues, sore throats, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal problems like nausea or diarrhea.

The clinic also manages musculoskeletal injuries, often providing X-rays or lab tests like blood draws. Care is delivered by a skilled team of clinicians.

“We pride ourselves on top-notch facilities staffed by exceptional providers,” said Dr. Bardwell. “We offer a comprehensive, efficient and painless experience with minimal wait times. Our team does everything possible to put patients at ease, ensuring high-quality care that’s both accessible and comforting.”

The Staples clinic and urgent care reflect Essentia’s commitment to the communities it serves. With a link to nationally recognized orthopedic services, including knee and hip replacements, and a focus on patient convenience, the space stands as a beacon of accessible, reliable health care for Staples and surrounding areas.

This clinic is located at 301 Second Ave. NW. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The urgent care is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. To make an appointment at the clinic, please call (218) 894-7870. The urgent care offers walk-in care and can be reached by calling (218) 894-7870.