Iowa Attorney General, Brenna Bird, underscored her commitment to enhancing rural healthcare and tackling the challenges of substance abuse during her visit to Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) and the Recovery Center on September 12th. 
Attorney General Bird, known for her dedication to addressing critical issues affecting communities, spent the day engaging with healthcare professionals, touring the facility, and discussing key priorities related to rural healthcare access and substance abuse treatment. During a meeting with key hospital leaders, Attorney General Bird emphasized the vital role of rural healthcare in ensuring all Iowans have access to quality medical services.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and it is crucial that we invest in and support healthcare facilities such as Manning Regional Healthcare Center,” Attorney General Bird stated.
The Attorney General toured the various departments meeting doctors, nurses, and other front-line staff to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges they face in delivering healthcare services to rural populations.
One of the key highlights of Attorney General Bird’s visit was her exploration of the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, where she engaged in discussions with addiction treatment specialists, counselors, and individuals in recovery. She expressed her deep concern about the rising prevalence of substance abuse issues in rural areas and emphasized the importance of comprehensive treatment options.
“The opioid epidemic has touched every corner of our state, and rural communities are particularly vulnerable. We must ensure that individuals battling substance abuse have access to effective and compassionate treatment close to home,” Attorney General Bird remarked.
In outlining her priorities related to rural healthcare, Attorney General Bird committed to working closely with healthcare providers and community leaders to address issues such as healthcare workforce shortages, infrastructure improvements, and access to mental health services. She also pledged to advocate for policies that support the expansion of substance abuse treatment programs and improve access to mental health resources in rural areas.
MRHC CEO, Linn Block, expressed gratitude for the Attorney General’s visit, stating, “We appreciate Attorney General Bird’s attention to the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. Her commitment to supporting initiatives that address substance abuse is particularly significant in our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive care to our residents.”
As Attorney General Bird concluded her visit, she reiterated her dedication to collaborative efforts that bridge the gaps in rural healthcare and substance abuse treatment. “By working together, we can build stronger, healthier communities across Iowa,” she affirmed.
Attorney General Bird’s visit to Manning Regional Healthcare Center serves as a testament to her hands-on approach in addressing critical issues impacting the well-being of Iowans.
“We are thankful for the Attorney General’s visit to MRHC and appreciate her taking time to learn about the unique services we offer here as well as the challenges we face with regard to rural healthcare funding and staffing,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block.
Manning Regional Healthcare Center has recently become a popular site for politicians as the organization has been able to successfully manage rural healthcare challenges and continues to work hard every day to provide exceptional patient care. Read about other recent politicians visiting MRHC: U.S. Senator Grassley visited the hospital and Recovery Center. Presidential Candidate & North Dakota Governor Burgum