Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently announced the appointment of an International Falls man to the Rural Health Advisory Committee.
Dr. Jeffrey Hardwig was appointed to the committee, along with Jode Freyholtz, and Minnesota Sen. Yvonne Prettner-Solon. Pawlenty also announced the reappointment of Dr. Raymond Christensen, Thomas Crowley, Diane Muckenhirn, Nancy Stratmand, and Sen. Betsy Wergin to the committee. With the exception of Solon, who is filling an unscheduled vacancy, all are appointed to four-year terms that expire Jan. 2, 2012.
Hardwig, of International Falls, works as a staff physician in psychiatry at the Duluth Clinic and as a contract psychiatrist for Northland Counseling Center in International Falls. He is board certified in psychiatry and neurology. Hardwig is past-president of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society and a member of the American Psychiatric Associations. He earned his degree in medicine at the Mayo Medical School in Rochester and his bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Hardwig is appointed as the physician member and replaced Dr. Darrell Carted on the committee.
The rural Health Advisory Committee advises the Commissioner of Health and other state agencies on rural health issues. It consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor.