Rural hospitals called ‘not optional’ as North Dakota acts to keep one open

By: Jacob Orledge

Outlets: North Dakota Monitor

Published: January 23, 2026

Words: 814

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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The community hospital in southwest North Dakota in financial distress is one step closer to solvency after the Legislature voted to pass emergency legislation this week.

Senate Bill 2403 authorizes the state-owned Bank of North Dakota to issue a low-interest loan of up to $5 million to nonprofit hospitals in small communities in financial distress.

Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin, which is operating “payroll to payroll” and in danger of shutting …

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