Rachel Gischia Named Clinic Manager for Two Harbors, Silver Bay Locations

Rachel Gischia, a Two Harbors native and long-time Aspirus employee, was named clinic manager for the Aspirus Lake View Two Harbors and Aspirus Lake View Silver Bay clinics, according to an Aspirus Health press release dated March 9, 2026. Gischia previously served as Manager of Community Outreach and Emergency Preparedness at Aspirus Lake View, a role listed on the hospital's leadership directory before her promotion to oversee both Lake County clinic locations.

The announcement arrived alongside a broader rebranding milestone for the regional health system. St. Luke's and Lake View unveiled new names and logos during ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Duluth and Two Harbors, with leaders from both communities on hand. The two hospitals are now known as Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital and Aspirus Lakeview Hospital, and their affiliated clinics have adopted the Aspirus name as well. The Silver Bay location where Gischia will now have oversight is formally named the Aspirus Lake View Silver Bay Clinic. A full list of updated clinic names is available at slhduluth.com/Aspirus.

Dr. Nick Van Deelen, Aspirus Senior Vice President, Minnesota Region President, and Chief Medical Officer, framed the transition as a turning point for the region. "This is a major step forward for our communities," Van Deelen said. "We are proud to officially add Aspirus to our names and continue caring for our community as part of this incredible system while providing the same top-quality care you've come to expect."

The Aspirus name itself carries deliberate meaning: the organization says it is formed by combining Latin words meaning "to breathe upon" and "as one," producing a single word meaning "to live with united spirit." The system's dew drop leaf logo is described as symbolizing health and growth, with colors chosen to represent woods and water, and life and vitality.

Aspirus Health, headquartered in Wausau, Wisconsin, operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations, employing nearly 14,000 team members including 1,300 physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Aspirus Lake View Hospital, located at 325 11th Avenue in Two Harbors, has served Lake County since its founding in 1956, when it was built with community donations and Hill-Burton Fund assistance. The facility opened in July 1957 and holds designations including a Level IV Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons and Acute Stroke Ready Hospital status from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Gischia's expanded role puts local leadership in charge of both clinics at a moment when the system is navigating labor negotiations alongside its rebranding effort. Nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association held an informational picket outside Aspirus Lake View Hospital on Feb. 25, advocating for fair wages and preservation of existing insurance and retirement benefits. Registered nurse Renee Lasky stated at the time that "Aspirus Lake View has not made meaningful progress toward addressing nurses' concerns about retention and recruitment," adding that consistent staffing is foundational to patient care quality. Bargaining between the MNA and Aspirus St. Luke's began in late September.