Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Devils Lake, N.D. – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) celebrated the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between Essentia Health, Altru Health System, the City of Devils Lake, and Spirit Lake Nation to collaborate on health care initiatives, including the development of a new health care campus. He kicked off the ceremony by congratulating local and health care leaders.
“Local health care leaders, Spirit Lake Nation, and the City of Devils Lake are coming together to build a healing institution, which through its development will have a healing impact on the entire Lake Region. Scripture says ‘a cord of three strands is not easily broken.’ These strands are communities and relationships which depend on trust, but there has been decades of broken trust and promises. Today is a monumental day marking the beginning of a new journey guided by an innovative vision to rebuild strong partnerships, reestablish lost trust, and provide access to quality health care the community of Devils Lake deserves,” said Senator Cramer.
Senator Cramer delivered remarks at the standing room only event packed with local leaders and the medical community. He highlighted his family’s connection to Devils Lake, applauded the vision of Spirit Lake Nation, the City of Devils Lake, and local health care providers on their innovative approach, and discussed the importance of rebuilding strong relationships to ensure the Lake Region receives access to the quality health care services they deserve.
Attendees at the signing ceremony included Spirit Lake Chairman Doug Yankton, Devils Lake Mayor Jim Moe, Essentia CEO David Herman, Essentia West Market President Bill Heegaard, Altru CEO Todd Forkel, and Altru President Josh Deere.
Background:
In June, Senator Cramer joined Spirit Lake Nation Chairman Yankton for a roundtable on regional issues ranging from fish and wildlife to health care initiatives. Participants included Governor Burgum, former Devils Lake Mayor Dick Johnson, community leaders, and stakeholders. Senator Cramer pledged to provide assistance to ensure Spirit Lake Nation and the greater Devils Lake community had access to the resources they need to improve health care access and quality. Learn more here.
In August, Senator Cramer held a roundtable in Northwood, N.D. with North Dakota rural health leaders. It was an informative and instructive meeting to discuss workforce challenges, behavioral health, telehealth, and operations. Learn more here.