North Dakota ranks second highest in the nation for healthcare deserts

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Over 80% of U.S. counties lack adequate access to healthcare, according to a recent study done by Nursa, a healthcare staffing company dedicated to connecting nurses to work in facilities in need of help.

The study also reports that North Dakota ranks at the second highest for over 200,000 of its residents having to trek more than 19 miles to reach their nearest healthcare facility.

To tackle the healthcare deserts, the Trump administration introduced the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. The program allows states to apply for funding for over five years.

North Dakota has been authorized for $199 million for the first year. The state anticipates giving out around 37 grants totaling $270,000.

But currently, the North Dakota Health and Human Services site says the rural health system is under growing strain. With workforce shortages, financially fragile facilities, widening outcome gaps for tribal and frontier communities, and fragmented technology threaten access to care close to home.

In the last year, Essentia Health leaders spoke with federal, state, and other rural health care leaders to discuss their opportunities to maximize their impact.

The state’s goal with funds is to rebuild and retain a rural health workforce, restore health and reduce costs, bring care closer to home, and gain efficiency with modern technology and data.

The funding is now available for the 37 critical access hospitals across the state and will continue to be open until April 30th.