Congratulations to Surgeon Paul Severson, M.D., who will receive the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation’s inaugural Global Humanitarian Award on July 14 in recognition of his kindness, generosity, and passion for helping others. Each year, the organization recognizes people who have made charitable contributions to the community.

Dr. Severson is being recognized for helping raise millions of dollars for Haiti’s healthcare facilities and serving as a volunteer physician for 30 years with Project Haiti, a non-profit organization he founded that now has 800 volunteers who provide humanitarian relief to the impoverished people of rural Haiti. Dr. Severson made over 70 trips to Haiti as a missionary volunteer to teach laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery to more than 300 surgeons. Project Haiti also supported Hospital Bienfaisance in Pignon by improving its infrastructure, building a second story, surgery, and education wings in addition to a dormitory, airport, and primary school in its community.

He learned of the award this week at a surprise announcement with CRMC colleagues Todd Bymark, Dr. Howard McCollister, Lea Carlson, Amy Hart, BLACF Board Treasurer Tim Bergin, and Executive Director Karl Samp.

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