Steele, ND

During a recent community rural forum, representatives from Steele discussed what it took to keep medical services available in the community.  The partnerships formed and the combined efforts of individuals and businesses to open a medical clinic to ensure access to basic medical care deserve applause.  Their story is an inspiration for those who want to learn what it takes to retain basic services in a rural community.

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for the post. 

We are very proud of our community clinic and we were one of the first cities in ND to earmark 1% of our city sales tax for health care.  I’m not sure if you are of aware of this but the repayment of medicare and medicaid do not keep up with today’s cost of medical care.  Health care facilities are only reimbursed a percentage of the actual billing.  So having this little cushion of tax money every quarter is most helpful.  Plus being able to use our sales tax money like this lets everyone in the community support the clinic.  Each time we fill gas, buy groceries or eat at the cafe we can say we have “donated” to the clinic.

Alva