Fosston City Administrator clarifies Essentia Health objection, calls Essentia Press Release “misleading”

Earlier this week, Essentia Health announced a $12 million investment to upgrade their emergency department at the Essentia Health hospital in Fosston. In their press release Essentia Health stated that funding for the project was “approved via a 2-1 vote by the First Care Medical Services Board on March 18,” and that  “The sole vote against this critical community investment came from the Board member appointed by the City of Fosston.” R&J News talked with Fosston City Administrator Cassie Heide, who was the lone no vote, and she clarifies the reasoning for the objection. 

Heide also made it clear that she, and the City of Fosston are supportive of the $12 million dollar investment by Essentia, but called the timing of the announcement “poor”. 

Heide also called Essentia’s statement in the press release announcing the investment “misleading” 

Heide says the City of Fosston is still pursuing ways to end their partnership with Essentia Health, despite the investment. The City of Fosston has been in a dispute with Essentia since  January of 2024, when Essentia Health ended their labor and delivery services in Fosston.