FARGO, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — North Dakota lawmakers are expecting to receive federal funding that would 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 get to health care providers quickly and in matter of where it is workable for them,” said Sen. Tim Mathern of Fargo.
Lawmakers are hoping to receive up to $500 million dollars over the next five years. The University of North Dakota says rural North Dakota residents face higher rates of chronic conditions and mortality. Nearly half of North Dakotans live in rural communities.
“A lot of us need to watch our weight, not only for diabetes purposes, but for other health conditions. And so we have to think about what we’re eating, when we eat, and all of that kind of things. And if somebody isn’t seeing their doctor very often, or whoever their primary care provider is…you can’t make anybody do something, but that’s a big change for somebody who’s lived a long time,” said Sen. Judy Lee of West Fargo.
The federal funding will be awarded December 31.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has identified January 21 as a tentative date for a special session to act on the anticipated funding.
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