WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA

HEALTH SYSTEMS AGENCY

209 NORTH SEVENTH STREET BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA 58501 AC 701-223-8085

Monday, March 6, 1978

Senator Quentin Burdick
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Burdick:

Congress, during the near future, is expected to review,
amend, and extend the National Health Planning and Resources
Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-641. The Western
North Dakota Health Systems Agency, one of many rural or
minimally-funded Health Systems Agencies, has provided input
to Congressional Sub-committees through testimony presented
on the Agency's behalf by representatives of the Coalition
of Rural Health Systems Agencies.

A major consideration in revising Public Law 93-641, from
the perspective of rural Health Systems Agencies, is the
issue of appropriate funding levels. The Western North
Dakota Health Systems Agency, like other minimally-funded
Health Systems Agencies, is required to perform at the
same level of expertise and to accomplish the same objectives
as our larger, adequately-funded counterparts in more
populous areas. Yet the Agency must meet these stringent
standards under a very restrictive budget, much of which
must be allocated to travel because of the large geographic
area served.

Furthermore, the Agency must accomplish all Federal mandates
with a very limited staff because of budget restraints.

The Western North Dakota Health Systems Agency respectfully
encourages you to consider the important difficulties exper-
ienced by rural minimally-funded Health Systems Agencies
when this important legislation comes up for your consideration.
Rural area's needs should receive more recognition if health
planning is to be accomplished in an equitable, quality manner.

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The Western North Dakota Health Systems Agency stands ready to assist you in any appropriate means relative to this important issue. Should you desire any documentation of past activities of the Agency or wish to discuss the planning law's impact or significance towards improving access to quality health care in western North Dakota at a reasonable cost, please do not hesitate to contact the Agency's office.

Sincerely,

Barry J. Halm
Executive Director

BJH/blc