-
- Find A Provider
-
Services
- Addiction Recovery
- Audiology
- Behavioral Health
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Cardiology
- Chiropractic Care
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Dermatology Services
- Diabetes Education
- ER & Urgent Care
- Family Medicine
- Home Care
- Hospice
- Infusion Therapy
- Internal Medicine
- Laboratory
- Long Term Care Facility
- Men's Health
- Nutrition Services
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Podiatry
- Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging
- Rehabilitation Services
- Respiratory Care
- Senior Care Unit
- Sleep Medicine
- Surgery
- Swing Bed/Transitional Care
- Women's Health
- Patients & Visitors
- Facilities & Pharmacy
- About Us
-
MLHS Establishes Dedicated Social Services Department
March 6, 2026
March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the important role social workers play in supporting patients and families through complex medical and personal challenges. At Mille Lacs Health System, that role has continued to grow with the development of a dedicated Social Services Department serving patients across multiple areas of care.
The MLHS Social Services team includes three licensed social workers who provide support in the Senior Care Unit, Acute Care, the Emergency Department, and Hospice. Their work focuses on addressing the social, emotional, and practical factors that influence health and recovery.
Jill Schlegel, LISW, serves as Director of Social Services and works closely with patients and families in the Senior Care Unit, MLHS’s acute geriatric psychiatric unit. In this setting, social workers complete psychosocial assessments, guide families through complex decisions, and coordinate discharge plans that promote safety and stability.
Paula Maxson, LSW, also serves patients in the Senior Care Unit, offering specialized support to older adults experiencing mental health crises. Natalie St. John, LSW, provides social work services across Acute Care, the Emergency Department, and Hospice, helping patients and families navigate some of the most difficult moments in their care journey.
Social workers at MLHS respond to crises, address safety concerns, connect patients with community resources, and help coordinate smooth transitions between levels of care. In Hospice, they provide emotional support, counseling, and guidance through end-of-life planning and grief. Their work ensures that medical treatment is supported by thoughtful planning, resource coordination, and compassionate communication.
In addition to licensed social workers, MLHS also supports patients through community health coordination services, helping individuals address barriers such as transportation, insurance navigation, and access to local resources.
The development of a dedicated Social Services Department reflects MLHS’s commitment to whole-person care. By integrating social services across care settings, the team strengthens the continuum of care and supports patients and families during times when clarity, coordination, and compassion matter most.