FARGO, N.D. – Adaptive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers and grab bars can make a huge difference in the health and well-being of an individual, especially if that individual struggles with accessible transportation. Options for public transportation are limited in rural communities, especially for individuals who require special assistance with adaptative equipment.
Sanford Health Hillsboro received a $5,000 BUILD grant in 2024 from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation. The funds purchased adaptive equipment for members of the community that have transportation barriers for health appointments.
"Community members are grateful that Sanford is addressing this issue and are excited to share information about this project to those who may be in need of this transportation help," said Nancy Wietgrefe, grants administrator for Sanford Health.
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions, according to BCBSND's Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) report. Those conditions include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and even death. People who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility and lack of transportation are at particular risk.
“Access to care can be a challenge, especially in a rural area,” said BCBSND Foundation & Community Engagement Executive Director Amber Blomberg. “Removing barriers like transportation is so important to the health of an individual as well as to the vitality of a community.”
Now that the equipment is purchased and inventoried, community members can “check out” the gear as needed. The program benefits individuals in Traill County which includes towns like Hillsboro, Mayville, Buxton, Hatton, Clifford and Galesburg. Traill County is in the northeastern side of the state, south of Grand Forks.
Improving access in rural communities
A major factor for small towns is finding health care close to home. BCBSND's SDoH study reported a shortage of primary care physicians, dentists and mental health providers in North Dakota even with low uninsured rates and advances in telehealth. This is even more prolific in rural areas affected by access and affordability issues. Programs like this one in Hillsboro help bridge the gap for individuals who may need accommodation for transportation to visit their providers miles away from work or home. Those residents can comfortably use this resource and feel confident in their health journey.
BUILD grants work to transform the health of rural North Dakotans. This year, the grants invested more than $45,000 into eight organizations. In addition to Sanford Health Hillsboro, those organizations include:
- Cooperstown Center Medical Foundation – Cooperstown: The focus of this project was to create a handicap accessible garden that is a safe environment for care residents and community to connect to nature, associated with improving physical and mental health.
- Eckert Youth Homes – Williston: In this project, Eckert Youth Homes purchased the RealCare Baby 3 Simulator and curriculum to incorporate this education into existing programming.
- House of Everyday Learning - Fargo: The focus of this project was to help alleviate the burdens that families experience driving to Fargo for pediatric screenings or therapy services on a weekly or bi-weekly frequency. The Mobile Therapy Unit (MTU) Program brings these services directly to the rural communities and decreases barriers such as transportation, cost and time away from work and school for the families that it serves.
- Langdon Prairie Health - Langdon: The Langdon community educated and provided resources to community members from different socioeconomic backgrounds to raise awareness that mental health services are available by telehealth in a private, confidential and secure setting. This program concentrated on two specific population groups, youth and farmers, to assist in treatment of depression, anxiety and traumatic events.
- Northland Health Center – Turtle Lake: “A Care Closet” provided a free resource for students and their families who are experiencing hardships: food insecurity, lack of weather-appropriate clothing, basic hygiene supplies, school supplies and more.
- Pembina County Memorial Hospital - Cavalier: This project provided an outdoor activity for the residents, staff and community volunteers at Wedgewood Manor, a skilled nursing facility in Cavalier. The Cycling with Love project includes all ages and stages of life.
- Sanford Health – Valley City: The Promotion of Breastfeeding in Rural Populations program addressed several social determinants of health areas including health care access and quality, economic stability and education access and quality. One Certified Lactation Consultant and two nurses travel to other Sanford Health rural clinics where lactation services and support do not exist.
Learn more about BUILD grants at bcbsnd.com/caring-foundation.
About the BCBSND Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Over these 30 years, the Caring Foundation has worked to improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Through collaborations with organizations across North Dakota, it is our goal to support sustainable and innovative efforts that promote better outcomes and create lasting change.
Contact:
Melissa Richard
Director of Communications
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH DAKOTA, FARGO
952-240-3477 (mobile) | melissa.richard@bcbsnd.com | www.bcbsnd.com
