Innovation is defined as “something new, contrary to established customs, and ahead of the times.”
Our Rural Health examples illustrate each of these definitions. The BCBSND Rural Health Grant program is definitely “something new”. Telemedicine and Technology are finding ways to provide access to health care that are certainly “contrary to established customs”. And the West River Health Services system started out ahead of the times in 1964 and has maintained its position, serving as a national model for rural health care services.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Rural Health Grant Program

Telemedicine and Technology

West River Health Services – Urban level care
in a rural setting

Funding for Life Support is provided by a grant from USDA Rural Development