Dakota has two new Rural Health Outreach Grant awards. In a tight year for new starts, when most states either received none or only one award, North Dakota communities did well. A network involving the rural hospitals in Elgin and Richardton was awarded a new grant in October and the Northland Healthcare Alliance, Bismarck, received approval too.
Projects can address the direct delivery of health services or assist in increasing access to care.
This network will provide elder and Alzheimer's care, education, and training to all area health care providers, care givers, volunteers, and community members. The two rural hospitals will train two registered nurses in the specialty areas of elder and Alzheimer's care. According to Jacobson administrator, Jacqueline Seibel, adult day and respite care services are to be expanded. We are trying to give the home care provider, the family member, a break. Kurt Waldbillig, administrator, Richardton Health Center, Inc., views working together with other providers in the network as a means to better address regional health issues.