rural health

Lakewood Health System invites the public to its new cancer center in Staples for an open house 4-6 p.m. Oct. 10, 2025.

The MN trauma system is a voluntary network of hospitals designated at various levels, reflecting their resources and capabilities, which aim to match severely injured patients with the most appropriate care.

Plus: Walz appointed a Roseau County attorney to be the next Ninth District judge; a new study from the U of M School of Public Health found that access to obstetric care across the country has declined, hitting rural communities the hardest; the Superior National Forest will begin prescribed burns this week; and Paul Bunyan Communications says progress is on track for its broadband expansion projects in St. Louis and Itasca counties.

North Memorial's three-year contract with Itasca County starts Jan. 1, 2026, but the nonprofit wanted to take over the municipal-run Nashwauk ambulance sooner.

Access to obstetric care is eroding in both rural and urban communities, which is occurring alongside a maternal health crisis as state health policies are changing rapidly.

The Miracle-Ear Foundation is partnering with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Tribal Public Health to offer free hearing screenings and hearing aids for up to 100 people.

The need to expand services continues to grow as cuts to Medicaid and Medicare threaten the stability of rural hospitals, which already run on thin margins.

President and CEO Karla Eischens will retire at the end of the year after more than two decades of service and Dr. Jason Caron will be her replacement.

Essentia Health advanced practice providers ended their strike, but Essentia still refuses to bargain as it appeals the certification of the bargaining unit.

Dr. Hilary Seligman from the University of California, San Francisco, explains how the recent cuts to SNAP will impact the physical and economic health of rural communities.