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Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

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President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

ND rural hospitals embrace teamwork mentality to stay afloat

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Wednesday, October 2, 2024   

This month, a North Dakota network of rural hospitals enters its second year of trying to make local operations more efficient, so they can keep the doors open for patients and keep their local communities thriving.

The Rough Rider High-Value Network was announced in October 2023. It is made up of 23 independent, critical access hospitals in smaller towns and cities across the state. Leaders from the facilities share best practices and ways to keep costs lower.

Kylie Nissen, executive director of the North Dakota Rural Health Association, said she is encouraged by the effort, knowing the long-standing struggles hospitals and clinics in these areas have faced.

"It's not only closures that we're concerned about, it's rural community members (who) don't want to see their hospital bought out by a large system, too," Nissen observed. "Because then, the decision-making and the care for their local community just isn't there."

Since it began, the collaborative has secured at least two desirable contracts with commercial health insurers, benefiting all member hospitals. In its August forecast, Becker's Hospital Review reported five North Dakota hospitals were at immediate risk of closing within the next two to three years.

Nissen pointed out the ripple effect of keeping the hospitals independent and running efficiently, while improving patient care, can be felt across an entire community.

"Health care is huge when it comes to economics," Nissen stressed.

She added a healthier population, that does not have to travel as far for appointments or other care needs, results in a stronger workforce. She acknowledged they are still navigating challenges, like reducing maternal care "deserts," noting federal grants are competitive. The state of North Dakota chipped in $3.5 million to help get the Rough Rider Network started.


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