North Dakota Seeks $1 Billion to Transform Rural Health Care

As North Dakota prepares to celebrate National Rural Health Day on November 20, 2023, it has taken a significant step towards enhancing health care in its rural communities. The state has applied for a share of the $50 billion allocated nationwide through the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program. With $1 billion available for North Dakota, this initiative could represent one of the most substantial investments in rural health care the state has ever experienced.

The Rural Health Transformation Program aims to promote innovative and sustainable health care solutions for farmers, ranchers, and small business owners in rural areas. In crafting its application, North Dakota outlined a comprehensive vision to improve health outcomes and stabilize the delivery of health care services across the region.

Essentia Health, a health system serving predominantly rural populations, has actively contributed ideas to ensure that essential services like behavioral health and emergency care are maintained while also fostering workforce development and advancing value-based care. Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, president of Essentia Health West Market, expressed confidence in the strength of North Dakota’s application, noting it reflects the real experiences of dedicated caregivers on the ground.

One of the most pressing challenges facing rural health care is the recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce. North Dakota’s proposal allocates over $162 million to initiatives focused on training and retaining qualified health professionals. This includes new residency programs and recruitment grants. Essentia Health has already seen success with innovative training programs, recently celebrating the first graduate of its surgical technologist apprenticeship program in Fargo.

The potential funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program could significantly enhance efforts to bring quality health care closer to home. “Access to expert care shouldn’t be determined by zip code,” Dr. Gefroh stated. In line with this belief, Essentia Health has launched a mobile mammography program that delivers vital screening services directly to rural communities, increasing accessibility for many who might otherwise forgo such preventive care.

If awarded the funding, North Dakota plans to deploy mobile medical units tailored to the specific needs of underserved areas, further improving access to essential health services. Additionally, the funding will support scalable initiatives such as community health workers and community paramedics. These programs aim to reduce chronic disease rates and minimize emergency room visits, enhancing the overall health of rural populations.

The work to transform rural health care in North Dakota is already in progress at Essentia Health. The Rural Health Transformation Program represents a crucial opportunity to expand on efforts that prioritize prevention, patient outcomes, and accessibility. As National Rural Health Day approaches, there is a growing sense of optimism for the future of rural health care in North Dakota, driven by the dedication of health care professionals committed to serving their communities.