rural healthcare

North Dakota officials celebrate being among big winners in federal rural health funding

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., discusses the $199 million awarded to North Dakota from the federal government as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. At left is Gov. Kelly Armstrong and at right is Interim Health and Human Services Commissioner Pat Traynor. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and…

Sen. Cramer sponsors bill to add VA services to critical access hospitals and rural health clinics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Kevin Cramer is touting a bill he says will help veterans receive easier access to health care in rural communities. Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is co-sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana. The bill would help veterans living in rural America to seek health care services at local Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health…

North Dakota lawmakers prepare for potential federal funds for rural healthcare

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Under a new program, fostered by the Big Beautiful Bill Act, states have the chance to receive federal funding. North Dakota is hoping to receive those funds to improve rural health care access, quality, and sustainability. “A fair amount of money will be going to programs that help rural people stay healthier, and help rural people…

North Dakota won’t promise to spend 5% of federal health funds on tribal communities

Rep. Jayme Davis, D-Rolette, speaks during a committee meeting on Oct. 15, 2025. At right is Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A committee of North Dakota lawmakers did not support a proposal this week that sought to guarantee at least 5% of federal rural health care funding go to the…

Upcoming North Dakota special session expected to be ‘rubber stamp’ for federal health care funds

Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, speaks during a committee meeting on Oct. 15, 2025. At left is Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Legislature anticipates a special session early next year to formally earmark federal health care funding that is expected to be awarded by the end of the…

North Dakota lawmakers build wish list for $500M federal rural health care grant

Sen. Brad Bekkedahl, R-Williston, and Legislative Council budget analyst Allen Knudson listen to a presentation on the Rural Health Transformation Program on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A committee of North Dakota lawmakers this week began sifting through an ocean of recommendations for how to spend a $500 million federal rural…

Essentia Expands Mobile Mammography Program for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The healthcare provider is sending their specially outfitted trucks to small, rural communities across Minnesota and North Dakota.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – With the exception of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. By the end of 2025, more than 42,000 women will die from the disease in the U.S. Getting a mammogram, though, can be incredibly inconvenient for those who live multiple hours…

States, providers awaiting specifics on Medicaid changes from US Health and Human Services

Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor/KVRR) — North Dakota health officials, health care providers, and the public are waiting for details on how the state…