Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven convened a roundtable in Devils Lake, North Dakota, with local leaders and healthcare providers to discuss CommonSpirit Health's master plan for upgrading the local hospital. This meeting marks the third such roundtable aimed at addressing urgent healthcare needs in the region.

Participants discussed ongoing renovations of the Devils Lake Hospital emergency department, slated for completion by fall 2025. Additionally, Altru has recently invested in expanding dialysis capacity for the community. Hoeven emphasized the need for a clear timeline and committed funds from CommonSpirit for future hospital updates while ensuring community input is considered.

"This is about having an open and honest discussion about where things stand in our work to bring quality health care to the Lake Region," said Hoeven. "We appreciate CommonSpirit Health beginning renovations at the Devils Lake Hospital, but the community needs more certainty on the long-term plans for this facility."

The roundtable builds on previous meetings held by Hoeven with community members and healthcare providers last August and November. In October, he hosted Bricker for a tour of Devils Lake Hospital. Last year, Hoeven met with CommonSpirit Health CEO Wright Lassiter III in Washington, D.C., to address community concerns.

Hoeven's efforts are part of his broader initiative to enhance rural healthcare services across various communities including Grafton, Hazen, and Rugby. As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, he has supported USDA programs crucial for developing new facilities in these areas.