Essentia Health Recognized as Outstanding Disability Employer

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is receiving recognition for its commitment to hiring people with disabilities.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded Essentia with the Outstanding Disability Employer Award. The presentation took place in the hospital’s new atrium on Second Street and included an exhibit by the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Essentia’s Support Services Director describes the efforts that led to this award.

“During the presentation, we had an individual, Patrick, that that spoke, and hearing him explain how this has been so rewarding for him and how this has really been, you know, for him to be able to have meaningful work to earn a wage, things that maybe some of us take for granted. But to hear how important that was to him was, was probably the highlight of the day,” said Chad Nurminen, Essentia Health.

Essentia says that despite taking a hit during COVID, they have worked with outside organizations like UDAC to connect with disabled workers and expand their program.