By: SENATOR RICH DRAHEIM
On August 1, nursing homes in southern Minnesota got some much-needed relief with the second round of emergency aid. This funding — part of a $300 million bipartisan package the legislature passed at the end of the 2023 session — couldn’t have come at a better time. Nursing homes across the state have been in crisis for years, with over 50 closing their doors and many more barely hanging on.
The aid package is not just a stopgap; it’s a real step forward. With direct grants, wage boosts, and a workforce incentive fund, we’re aiming to stabilize these crucial facilities. For some nursing homes, this money could be the difference between staying open and closing for good. For others, it’s a way to keep up the high standards of care that their residents rely on.
Recipients of aid in our region include:
– Benedictine Living Community, St. Peter: $275,407
– Central Healthcare, Le Center: $194,985
– CURA OF LE SUEUR, Le Sueur: $215,606
– Good Sam Society Jackson, Jackson: $207,357
– Good Sam Society St. James, St. James: $201,171
– Hillcrest Care and Rehab Center, Mankato: $287,780
– Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center, Waseca: $199,109
– Lakeview Methodist HCC, Fairmont: $260,973
– Laurels Peak Care and Rehab Center, Mankato: $246,538
– Living Meadows at Luther, Madelia: $194,985
– Mala Strana Care and Rehab Center, New Prague: $254,786
– Mapleton Community Home, Mapleton: $236,227
– Oaklawn Care and Rehab Center, Mankato: $256,848
– Pathstone Living, Mankato: $254,786
– Saint Lukes Lutheran Care Center, Blue Earth: $244,476
– Seasons Healthcare, Trimont: $166,115
– The Lutheran Home Belle Plaine, Belle Plaine: $267,159
– Truman Senior Living, Truman: $174,364
– Whispering Creek, Janesville: $184,674
These payments aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet — they represent our commitment to our most vulnerable neighbors. It’s about making sure that the people who’ve spent their lives building our communities can continue to live with the dignity and care they’ve earned.
This second round of funding marks a crucial step in addressing the crisis, but the work isn’t done. We must continue to prioritize the well-being of our aging and vulnerable loved ones, ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Strengthening Rural EMS: Securing Lifesaving Services
We’ve just opened up applications for a $24 million emergency aid package aimed at supporting rural ambulance services across Minnesota. These are the unsung heroes who are often first on the scene when an emergency strikes. They have been the backbone of emergency care in our rural areas, but they’re really feeling the strain these days. Old equipment, not enough trained staff, and tight budgets have all been pushing them to the limit.
This funding, which was approved during the final days of the 2024 legislative session, is more than just a financial lifeline. It’s a commitment to ensuring that no matter where you live, you can count on quick, expert care in an emergency. Eligible ambulance services—those making 30 or fewer trips per square mile and licensed in 2022—can apply until September 16, 2024, with aid payments expected by December 26, 2024.
But this funding is about more than just keeping the lights on. It includes innovative ideas like the sprint medic pilot program, which aims to provide more flexible, mobile care and prevent unnecessary ambulance trips. Additionally, reforms are underway to improve the effectiveness of the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board, shifting powers to a new Office of Emergency Medical Services.
While this state aid is vital, it’s clear that to fully address the rural EMS crisis there will need to be changes to federal reimbursement rates. Nevertheless, this emergency aid package is a crucial win for small communities across Minnesota. It’s a reminder that, no matter where they live, our residents’ health and safety will always be a top priority.