Healthcare access and quality were identified as critical needs in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment completed for Buffalo and Pepin counties in Wisconsin.
In response, AdventHealth Durand, a critical access hospital serving these two communities, developed a plan to address healthcare access and quality in collaboration with local organizations to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the communities.
Empowering the community through education
As the main medical care facility in a rural community where there are no other hospitals within 35 miles, AdventHealth Durand has committed to improving health outcomes through education.
In 2025, the hospital continued offering free nutrition consults to patients in response to the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment.
“In our community, 38.1% of residents are obese,” said Kailyn Niebur, registered dietitian at AdventHealth Durand. “This is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 37.7%. In addition, 11.5% of local residents have diabetes. When questioned, 22.5% of adult residents had not exercised in the past 30 days. In order to support our community members to live a healthier life, we continue to offer free nutrition consults.”
Nutrition consults and ongoing support can look different depending on the level of support needed by each patient.
Once a referral is made, the patient receives a call from Niebur to schedule an appointment for the initial nutrition consult.
Afterward, dependent on the patient and their health goals, they may continue with biweekly visits for up to two months.
When that patient is seen to be making a marked improvement, they will graduate to monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly visits.
Niebur sees patients from all walks of life seeking to improve their health through changes in nutrition.
In guiding them through these changes, she is able to help patients live a more whole life.
“No two patients are alike in regard to their health, eating habits, relationship with food or what works for them,” Niebur said. “I meet people where they are and support them along their health journey. Because my services are free, I am able to truly support patients. Neither insurance nor cost are a barrier.”
Niebur’s patients shared how their journey through learning better nutrition habits and implementing those habits have improved not only their health but their quality of life.
One patient, who lost weight by implementing these better nutrition habits—and kept the weight off—said: “I didn't expect to feel this good. Before, I couldn't carry my grandchild or climb a flight of stairs before needing to rest. I can now. I’m thankful to Kaitlyn for supporting me.”
A continued focus on healthcare access and quality
Following the results of the Community Health Needs Assessment, AdventHealth Durand created a Community Health Plan with Health Care Access and Quality as an area of focus for the next two years.
As part of that plan, the hospital is committed to exploring partnerships with other organizations in the community that will help further expand access to nutrition and wellness resources.
This year, Niebur has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul, a local organization hosting monthly mobile food distributions.
Each month, the organization provides 100 boxes of food to local families.
Niebur developed handouts that are distributed with the boxes covering nutrition and health information plus a recipe that utilizes the food in each box.
“So often, participants at food pantries receive foods they do not know how to cook or prepare,” Niebur said. “That is where the education and handouts I create come into play.
“It takes a team to help us feel our best. Nutrition is one piece of the puzzle and AdventHealth Durand is here to support you along the way.”
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
Social Media Post
Patients feel the difference with safer, more personal care
AdventHealth was named one of Modern Healthcare’s 15 Top Health Systems, recognizing care that helps patients, families and communities feel supported and confident.
News
Stroke survivor reunites with team that saved his life
A stroke survivor returned to AdventHealth East Orlando to personally thank the team members whose rapid, coordinated response helped save his life.
News
Why patients can feel more confident at AdventHealth Daniel Boone Clinic
AdventHealth Daniel Boone Clinic has earned a QUAD A certification, a milestone that speaks to safety, quality and a stronger patient experience.
News
AdventHealth expands primary and urgent care access in Palm Coast
AdventHealth has opened a new Centra Care clinic and Primary Care+ office on State Road 100 in Palm Coast, adding urgent and primary care services in one location for Flagler County residents.
News
AdventHealth Porter team delivers care and compassion in Peru
A team of AdventHealth Porter employees served remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon through a long-running mission partnership.
News
Purpose in Practice: Seeing the person behind the symptoms
From a family of physicians to the front lines of inpatient care, Dr. Natesha Ambs brings calm, curiosity and compassion to every patient encounter.
Media Coverage
AdventHealth's smart rooms enable, not dampen, human connection
The health system avoided cold, ultramodern smart hospital rooms by opting for technology that brings people and information together for the patient.
News
Growing hope, restoring lives: AdventHealth Manchester partners with Volunteers of America
At AdventHealth Manchester, we believe healing reaches far beyond the walls of a hospital.
News
New emergency room expands access to emergency care in west Orange County
AdventHealth Ocoee ER is now open and providing whole-person care to the fast-growing area.
Media Coverage
Serving communities worldwide: AdventHealth Global Missions sets a landmark year
The year ahead reflects a growing commitment to community-focused and faith-driven care far beyond AdventHealth’s walls.
News
Meeting patients where they are: How at-home research is changing cancer care
By bringing research directly into patients’ homes, AdventHealth is removing barriers and expanding access to whole-person cancer care.
Press Release
New AdventHealth Wauchula Wellness Center upgrades expand access to health and fitness to community members
Wauchula community members now have better access to health and wellness resources thanks to recent upgrades at the AdventHealth Wauchula Wellness Center.