Guest Column, By Peggy Bennett

Rural health care is facing significant challenges, and that can be seen right here in Albert Lea with our local hospital. Although we’re in uncertain times as to the future direction of the hospital, it’s important to continue to look for solutions that are best for the community.

I am committed to working hard on this issue for our area and continue to meet frequently with local constituents, local government leaders and state officials on this very important subject. There are a number of pieces of legislation that I am currently working on for the 2018 session aimed at helping our local situation, as well as the rest of rural Minnesota. Rural health care has moved to a crisis level, and the Legislature needs to act on this issue.

Some of the legislation I’m working on will seek to bring incentives for health care providers to move services into unserved and underserved areas of Minnesota. This could not only help cities like Albert Lea bring back critical services to our area, but also communities like Blooming Prairie and others around the state that are losing even the most basic clinic services.

Other legislation I’m working on would provide for health impact studies at various levels to evaluate areas that are losing or at risk of losing critical health services. I will also be ready to act legislatively if Albert Lea needs adjustments to the hospital bed moratorium should a new hospital provider desire to move into our area. All of these bills seek to address the critical issues of both rural health care access and affordability.

Last Tuesday evening, Quorum Health Services released the results of their report concerning the feasibility of having a full service acute care hospital in Albert Lea. This report was commissioned and paid for by the Albert Lea City Council, Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, and the Save Our Hospital organization. For me, this report is a valuable resource when looking to tackle issues specific to our community.

We live in challenging times in regard to rural health care, and that also applies to Albert Lea and our other local communities. In light of the new report, I believe it is important that we move forward carefully and thoughtfully with the hospital situation in Albert Lea while leaving all options open, and always keeping in mind the goals of high quality health care, good access and affordable prices.

Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, is the District 27A representative.