Collaboration to Improve Community Health

We’re part of a unique operating model with Sakakawea Medical Center designed to maximize the use of available resources and provide quality services in our communities.

In 2011, we created an arrangement that outlined an integrated management and governance model. This model encourages communication and transparency while meeting the programmatic and regulatory requirements that each individual organization must operate under. Specifically, this model

• defines a shared CEO that optimizes community/service area leadership and the sharing of other resources.
• requires two board members to serve on the other organization’s board to ensure transparency and remain focused on improving the delivery of healthcare.
• allows the organizations to collaborate in strategic planning and conducting community health needs assessments and improvement plans.

The results of this relationship are seen in the reduction and elimination of duplicative health services along with improved care coordination and use of resources. Ultimately, these benefits allow both entities to provide services in a more cost-effective and efficient manner while improving quality and health outcomes.

Every three years, we work with other local healthcare organizations to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment for our service area. The goal is to identify opportunities to improve the health of our communities and meet the needs of area citizens.

We work with Sakakawea Medical Center, Knife River Care Center, Western Plains Public Health, Southwestern District Health Unit, Hilltop Home of Comfort, and Mercer County Ambulance to gather input from community members and create an actionable plan that will improve health in the surrounding communities.