Rural Minnesota hospitals face struggles

(ABC 6 News) – Earlier this week, Essentia Health announced it will eliminate labor and delivery services at its hospital in Fosston, Minn.

The closure highlights the struggle residents in rural Minnesota face when seeking medical care.

Over the past decade, similar closures have happened across Greater Minnesota: from Ely to Grand Marias and Albert Lea.

It’s become a public health priority, with some effort at progress. For instance, telemedicine gives more patients some access to a variety of medical care.