Clinic and hospital work together—but are separate entities

I’d like to begin by saying I enjoy reading the Cook County News-Herald – for its informational and (near) correct reporting of the news. And I enjoy reading articles by Brian Larsen. Yet…

In the reporting of Senator Franken’s visit to the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) on January 17, 2015, several misconceptions were passed along to the public.

As the community relations committee of the SMC Board of Directors convenes their monthly meetings, of late the discussion has been “how to get our story out.” And so with that in mind, I feel I need to correct the misconceptions in Brian’s article.

“Finding enough operating money is hard and only with the continued help of state and federal money and a patchwork of grants can these institutions stay in business.” The statement should read institution (no “s”)…. in reference to the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, which is a notfor profit Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC). The above statement by no means should include the hospital or care center – which are supported by the county as a “Hospital District,” receiving levied county tax dollars as a “Critical Access Hospital,” and which does not rely on grant dollars for its operation, as SMC does. I am aware that the hospital does apply and receive small grants for specific projects however.

Also of note – Rick Anderson, representing Grand Portage is in addition a member of the SMC board of directors and sits on SMC’s community relations committee. I would have liked that comment included in the article.

As Rick stated, our story is that SMC is a community health center on the same medical campus as the hospital and care center and the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is here to serve its patients together through life.

Another item to add for clarification – the physicians and nurse practitioner in our community are recruited and hired by the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and have hospital privileges at the Cook County North Shore Hospital and Care Center. Much collaboration exists between the two institutions, yet the SMC is a separate Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC).

I thank you for your time and the opportunity to get it straight. And again – thank you Brian for the work you do at the Cook County News-Herald and for our community.

Sue Nordman
Chief Operating Officer
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic