Small N.D. hospitals get program funds

The Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences will distribute more than $278,980 from the Small Hospital Improvement Program to 36 rural hospitals in North Dakota.

“The Center for Rural Health is pleased to partner with the state’s 36 rural hospitals to support their ongoing efforts to provide high quality health care services to their local residents. This grant program provides federal funds for projects, identified locally, related to quality improvement,” said Lynette Dickson, associate director at the Center for Rural Health.

Hospitals receiving SHIP funds in this area include:

* Ashley Medical Center, Ashley

* Carrington Health Center, Carrington

* Cooperstown Medical Center, Cooperstown

* Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown

* Linton Hospital, Linton

* Lisbon Area Health Services, Lisbon

* Mercy Hospital, Valley City

* Mercy Medical Center, Williston

* Oakes Community Hospital, Oakes

* St. Aloisius Medical Center, Harvey

* Wishek Community Hospital, Wishek

Administered by the Center for Rural Health, SHIP is funded through a grant from the federal Office of Rural Health Policy. The purpose of the program is to support rural hospitals in providing quality care to rural residents and to fund financial studies designed to help with complex health care billing, coding and reimbursement processes. Funds have been used to upgrade equipment for financial operations and information technology, and for staff training, consultation and educational materials.

Tags: life, health