Henning alum to be honored at state conference

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

A Henning native is being recognized for her excellence in rural healthcare.

Mattie Ellenson, who is a 2009 graduate from Henning High School, was recently honored as the 2023-24 Minnesota Rural Health Association Emerging Rural Health Leader Award recipient. The award recognizes an individual who has emerged as “leading the charge” to improve rural health on a local, regional or statewide level. 

Ellenson said she was surprised to learn that she was being recognized for the prestigious statewide award.

“I was shocked and humbled to find out I was selected for this award,” she said. 

Ellenson is currently attending the University of Minnesota and will graduate in May with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Women’s Health. Prior to attending the University of Minnesota, and through her first year in the program, Ellenson worked at Otter Tail County Public Health as a public health nurse.

The Henning native has spent her nursing career in maternal child health, working in hospital labor and delivery units and public health family home visiting programs. She also worked for Otter Tail County Public Health during the COVID-19 pandemic as a cultural liaison and was on the vaccination response team. 

While some people may prefer to work in a medical field in a larger community, Ellenson said she enjoys being able to bring healthcare options to people who live in a rural setting.

“My favorite part of being a nurse is partnering with and empowering patients to reach their goals, no matter the size. I also enjoy the critical thinking and problem solving we do as nurse,” she said. “Providing healthcare in rural areas is critical to improving overall population health. Rural dwellers often travel further and wait longer to access healthcare, particularly specialized services, which is why it is important to me to practice rurally.”

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Ellenson plans to provide comprehensive women’s health in rural Minnesota. This includes sexual health, menopause symptom management, well woman care and prenatal/postpartum care in collaboration with CNM/OBGYN. 

She will be honored at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference from June 17-18, along with the recipients of the Minnesota Department of Heath’s Hero Award, Team Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Ellenson credits the mentoring and guidance she received from Amy Severson and Diane Thorson for helping her on her path to the healthcare community, 

“A special thank you to Amy Severson and Diane Thorson for teaching, mentoring, and believing in me. They are exemplars in what it means to be a rural health leader,” she said.