Fosston Terminates Agreement With Essentia Health

FOSSTON, MN—A dispute between the City of Fosston and Essentia Health over services to be provided reached a boiling point Tuesday.  At a special City Council meeting, the Fosston City Council voted unanimously to terminate its 2009 agreement between the City, Essentia Health and First Care Medical Services.  In a written statement, the City and its legal counsel say they believe termination is a logical and valid legal action.  Mayor Jim Offerdahl said “Health care is a cornerstone of our community and the changes we have seen over the years are not aligned with the needs of our residents.”   Back in June of 2022, Essentia announced it would no longer deliver babies in Fosston due to a lack of doctors and nurses experienced in delivering babies.