Sanford Health launches two free cancer support groups in Bemidji

On Jan. 7, Sanford Health said it will start two community-based cancer support groups in Bemidji to expand local supports for people affected by cancer. Cancer Connections, an open monthly group for anyone navigating cancer, will meet the first Tuesday of each month at Cantabria Coffee beginning Feb. 3, 2026. Women’s Cancer Connections, a monthly group for women affected by cancer, will meet the third Thursday of each month at Fiddlesticks Fiber Arts starting Feb. 19, 2026. Both groups are free and require no prior registration.

The groups are intended to provide peer connection and practical support outside the clinical setting. Locating meetings in neighborhood businesses aims to make support more accessible and less clinical for people who may be juggling treatment, work, caregiving, or transportation challenges. For residents across Beltrami County, including rural communities and tribal areas that already face persistent healthcare access gaps, local peer groups can help reduce social isolation and supplement formal medical and psychosocial services.

From a public health perspective, community-based peer support can improve mental health outcomes, increase adherence to follow-up care, and provide practical problem-solving for issues that clinics may not be resourced to address alone. Clinics and hospitals across the state have been exploring nonclinical supports as part of a broader shift toward holistic care and population health management. Sanford Health’s initiative in Bemidji aligns with that trend by targeting survivorship needs in community settings.

Community impact will depend on outreach, transportation, and whether meeting times and locations meet the needs of working caregivers, elders, and people who rely on public transit. Making groups free and registration-free removes some administrative barriers, but additional supports such as sliding-scale transportation, childcare, or virtual options would broaden access for residents who cannot attend in person. Equitable design is particularly important in Beltrami County, where economic and geographic disparities affect health outcomes and where Native communities have historically experienced disproportionate barriers to culturally responsive care.

These groups create an opportunity for local providers, tribal health programs, social services, and volunteers to coordinate supports and refer people to clinical resources when needed. For more information, contact Sanford Health Bemidji or visit Sanford Health’s website to confirm meeting details and any updates. Community members, caregivers, and local organizations can also consider partnering to help extend outreach and ensure these spaces are welcoming and accessible to all who need them.