Navigating Change in Rural Health Care: Insights from Karla Eischens

Bemidji has deep roots in caring for its community. It all started with a group of Benedictine nuns who opened St. Anthony’s Hospital, also known as “Lumberjack Hospital.” This marked the beginning of a legacy that has lasted over a century.

Throughout the years, this hospital has faced challenges like fires, relocations, and even a pandemic. Yet, it has transformed from a small facility into a vital health hub for the region. Despite changes, the core mission remains the same: to care for our neighbors across generations.

Today, rural health care stands at a crossroads. New regulations, changing care practices, and shifting workforce dynamics are altering how we deliver services. These changes urge us to innovate and rethink our approach, enhancing our connection with patients and supporting our health care workers.

At Sanford Health, we’re tackling these challenges head-on. Our dedicated team analyzes new laws and policies to understand their impact on care in our rural community. Recently, our Community Health Needs Assessment highlighted issues like affordable housing and access to specialty care, and we are focused on addressing these priorities.

Exploring new care models and technologies is also on our agenda. These innovations can help us reach patients more effectively and strengthen our commitment to community health.

Being part of a larger health system gives us a valuable advantage. We collaborate with specialists across multiple states, improving access for our patients. For instance, our partnerships with Fargo-based specialists have expanded telemedicine services and brought expert care closer to home for many.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in our strategy too. We maintain strong ties with state and federal officials to ensure our community’s needs are heard. As part of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA), we work with hospitals nationwide to advocate for policies that support rural health care.

Historical efforts show that our community excels when we come together. From securing funding for behavioral health programs to launching initiatives like 3D mobile mammography, we partner with local leaders and organizations to make a real difference.

Although the future will demand flexibility, our mission is clear: to provide high-quality care while navigating the realities we face. We are inspired by the vision of our founders—those who saw possibilities in challenges. With persistence and teamwork, we can turn visions into reality.

The journey of rural health care is one we take together. Your engagement and questions are vital as we shape the future of care in our community. We’ve successfully embraced change before, and with your support, we will continue to do so.

As the President and CEO of Sanford Health’s Bemidji region, I invite you to join this journey. Together, we can strengthen our health care system and ensure a brighter future for everyone.

Karla Eischens, RPh, President and CEO of Sanford Health’s Bemidji region. Reach me at (218) 333-5264 or karla.eischens@sanfordhealth.org.

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