North Memorial Health Hospital Seeks $1 Million in Federal Funding

North Memorial Health Hospital is gathering support in seeking $1 million in funding through Congress.

Robbinsdale City Council members are among those who indicated they will sign off on a letter in support of funding that will go to U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and local House representatives.

The $1 million would help pay for additional negative air pressure rooms that reduce the circulation of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. In the letter, North Memorial health officials say they “foresee the immediate need to modify protocols, upgrade equipment and modify indoor air flows in existing patient rooms, core administrative space and in waiting rooms to accommodate negative air pressure.”

“I am happy to sign on to this letter,” said Robbinsdale City Council member Tyler Kline. “North Memorial is a big part of our community.”

‘Astounding’ Increase in Uncompensated Care

Another reason for the request is what the letter described as an “astounding” increase in uncompensated care last year. North Memorial Health Hospital, which is a Level I trauma center, provided more than $35 million in care to patients who were either uninsured or unable to pay for the care they received.

“We’re lucky to have North Memorial there, very lucky,” added Robbinsdale Mayor Bill Blonigan.

Robbinsdale