In May 2025, as wildfires swept through northeastern Minnesota, emergency responders from across the region were called into action. Among them was Lake County Ambulance (LCA). When access is limited, roads are rough, and minutes matter, the right equipment can mean the difference between life and loss. During the Camp House fire, it did just that.

Back in 2015, Lake County Ambulance identified a critical need: a rugged, all-weather vehicle capable of reaching residents across Lake County’s vast and often unforgiving terrain. That’s when The Victory Fund stepped in with a grant, helping LCA purchase a specialized ambulance built for the region’s unique challenges. It was more than a piece of equipment—it was a shared investment in the health and safety of a rural community.

That partnership was deeply rooted in a shared history. LCA was once part of the Community Health Center in Two Harbors—Minnesota’s first member-owned health cooperative. From that cooperative, and decades later,  The Victory Fund was later formed. Supporting LCA brought the story full circle: a community-built health system continuing to strengthen itself through local investment and collaboration.

Today, The Victory Fund remains committed to addressing chronic health challenges in northeastern Minnesota. The story of Lake County Ambulance is a powerful reminder of how meaningful partnerships—grounded in local knowledge and long-term vision—can have a lasting impact.

To the entire LCA team: thank you. Your dedication during the Camp House fire, and every day since, reflects the kind of resilience and care that makes rural health systems strong.  

The Victory Fund is proud to be a part of your story.

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Learn more at www.lakecountyambulance.com.