Dr. Anil Potti offers compassionate cancer care at RiverView Health. Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:40am admin Crookston - In an effort to provide patient-focused cancer care closer to home, RiverView Health partners with Anil Potti, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist with the Cancer Center of North Dakota (CCND) in Grand Forks. Dr. Potti has been delivering services at RiverView since November 2014, offering consultations, follow-up visits, infusion therapy, and diagnostic radiology. He treats all blood disorders and cancer states. While many aspects of cancer care can be provided locally in Crookston, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are offered at CCND, the region's only independently owned and operated cancer center, where many of Dr. Potti's RiverView patients continue their treatment. "Being able to provide care to patients when they are fighting the fight of their life is a huge blessing to me and my colleagues at the Cancer Center of North Dakota," Dr. Potti shared. "RiverView Health was one of the first health systems to welcome me and our cancer services program to the region, and the gratitude I have for the providers and the patients in the region runs very deep." CCND is staffed by four providers, including two with roots in Minnesota - one from McIntosh and one from Warroad. The center emphasizes high-quality, personalized care and maintains a strong commitment to the region. "We have deep roots in this region and our promise is that we will be available 24/7 for our patients, providing services within the first 24 hours of a referral." Dr. Potti earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Christian Medical College and Hospital in Vellore, India, and completed an Internal Medicine residency at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Fargo, where he also served as chief resident. After more than seven years in the Red River Valley, he pursued hematology and oncology training at Duke University, where he later served as a faculty member for four years. A board-certified clinician, Dr. Potti has practiced oncology for more than 20 years and has received numerous honors, including the Alpha Omega Alpha Award, Resident of the Year Award, and multiple Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards. Dr. Potti's services are offered at RiverView once a month, with an average of 40 patients seen during each visit - patients who would otherwise need to travel to Grand Forks or beyond for care. "It is an honor when patients trust us with their care - an honor that I am deeply thankful for," Dr. Potti said. "Every day I realize that patients going through their individual cancer journeys help me more than I could ever help them." To schedule an appointment with Dr. Potti, speak with your primary care provider about a referral or contact the Cancer Center of North Dakota at 701.787.5800 for more information.

Opioid Settlement Grant. Thu, 03/19/2026 - 1:08pm admin Opioid Settlement Grant Allows RiverView Recovery Center to Expand Rural Recovery Services Crookston - RiverView Recovery Center (RRC) has been awarded a $50,000 grant through Polk County's Opioid Settlement Fund to expand access to substance use prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services across the county. The funding will support RRC's initiative, "Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Rural Recovery." The project addresses persistent barriers to care for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges - particularly those who are homeless, involved in the justice system, or living in rural areas with limited transportation options. New Digital Prevention, Early Screening Tools The first objective focuses on expanding countywide access to digital prevention and early screening tools through the implementation of CHESS Health's ePrevention and eRecovery platforms. The initiative aims to reach at least 500 Polk County residents with free digital screening and 24/7 peer-supported recovery resources. CHESS Health is a leading provider of evidence-based digital health solutions designed to address the substance use disorder crisis by enhancing prevention, facilitating care coordination, and improving care plan adherence. "These digital resources allow individuals - including youth and those not currently engaged in formal treatment - to access personalized education anonymously and without fear of judgment," said RRC Director Leane LaFrance, MSML, LADC. "There's also a companion app for families in need of support or to support one another." LaFrance explained that the platform also includes contingency management tools that reward clients who are progressing in treatment and enable RiverView Recovery Center team members to provide connection and assignments outside of traditional treatment hours. Added Medication, Syringe Take-Back The project's second objective strengthens Polk County's harm-reduction network, specifically expanding medication and syringe take-back options. Despite representing less than one percent of Minnesota's population, Polk County experiences disproportionately high rates of drug-related charges, according to LaFrance. Currently, the only syringe take-back location in the county is at the East Grand Forks Police Department. Through this initiative, a neutral disposal site will be established at RiverView Clinic-Crookston. "The goal is that, as a healthcare provider who also offers substance use treatment, having these boxes in a neutral and easily accessible location will encourage more people to safely utilize them," she said. "Many individuals who are struggling with substance use do not feel comfortable disposing of medications or sharps at a local law enforcement agency, so this provides a safer, lower-barrier option." LaFrance expressed gratitude for the grant and the opportunity to expand both digital and take-back options. "These investments allow us to meet people where they are - whether that's online, in the community, or at our clinic," LaFrance said. "They help reduce stigma, improve safety, and create pathways into care that simply haven't existed for many rural residents." Care and Share Collaboration She is particularly enthusiastic about RRC's continued partnership with the Care and Share of Crookston. The collaboration began in 2025 when the Care and Share received settlement funding that enabled RRC to open an office within its facility. "With the rollout of our new digital platform, and through our partnership with Care and Share, we'll be able to make an even greater impact," LaFrance reported. "Even if someone only stays there for a night or two, we're able to offer them access to the digital app, which includes live peer support and resources." Each week, RRC team members meet with individuals at Care and Share - many of whom have recently been released from jail with limited support systems or are managing untreated substance use and mental health conditions. Building trust is essential, though often challenging. LaFrance noted that maintaining an in-person presence has made a meaningful difference. "One client told us, 'To be honest, I didn't really trust you when we first met, but I do now,'" LaFrance shared. "That trust takes time - and for many people in Polk County, barriers like distance, transportation, and fear of judgment prevent that connection from ever forming." Ultimately, Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Rural Recovery seeks to increase public awareness, reduce barriers to treatment, and strengthen Polk County's capacity to provide safe, accessible, and stigma-free recovery support, LaFrance concluded.