Caledonia clinic closure prompts county discussion of support, possible reuse and small‑practice expansions

Commissioners told the board that Mayo Clinic has informed local leaders it will close the Caledonia clinic effective Nov. 7. The mayor of Caledonia asked the county to consider a joint letter urging Mayo either to remain or to make the building available so another provider can deliver clinic services.

Commissioner comments focused on protecting local access to care and coordinating with the city and economic development authorities. "If they're not going to continue with the clinic here, Caledonia's position is to get the building so we can put somebody in it," a commissioner said during discussion about partnering with the city and the Houston County EDA.

County public‑health staff noted that nurse practitioner Amanda Mittenberg has opened a small practice and is taking some referrals; Mittenberg can prescribe medications and handle many adult care needs but currently lacks pediatric services and the staffing volume to replicate Mayo's full clinic services. Staff described Mittenberg’s operation as a piece of the puzzle but not large enough to replace the clinic’s full capacity.

Commissioners asked county staff to coordinate with the city and EDAs to explore options that could preserve services in town without leaving the city stuck with ownership of an unused medical building. They also cautioned that Mayo owns the building and decisions appear to be driven by the health system’s financial choices.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to track developments, coordinate with the mayor and EDAs, and consider drafting a joint letter or advocacy to Mayo if the city requests it.