Unity Medical Center Reinvests in Grafton with $1.8 Million Commitment to New Community Pool
August 5, 2026
Nearly two decades ago, the people of Grafton made an investment in the future of Unity Medical Center. Today, Unity Medical Center is proud to return that investment by committing $1.8 million over the next 15 years to help build the new Grafton Community Pool.
In 2008, Grafton voters approved a one-half percent city sales tax that helped the hospital finance a major renovation project during a challenging time for rural healthcare. That investment allowed Unity Medical Center to modernize its facilities, expand services, and continue providing high-quality healthcare close to home.
"The citizens of Grafton believed in Unity Medical Center when we needed them most," said Paul Mohagen, Unity Medical Center Board of Trustees President. "Their support helped create the strong organization we are today. We have never forgotten that investment, and this commitment is our opportunity to reinvest in the community that has always invested in us."
While the debt associated with the hospital renovation will be retired in 2038, the impact of the community's support has extended far beyond a building project. It helped position Unity Medical Center for long-term success, allowing the organization to expand services, invest in advanced technology, recruit exceptional providers, and remain an independent healthcare resource for northeastern North Dakota.
The Unity Medical Center Board of Trustees has been thoughtfully considering the request from Grafton Parks and Recreation Foundation since the beginning of the year, carefully weighing the opportunity alongside the hospital’s long-term financial responsibilities and commitment to the community. Ultimately, the Board recognized the new community pool as an opportunity to make a meaningful investment in Grafton’s future.
Today, Unity Medical Center is financially strong because of responsible stewardship, dedicated employees, and the continued trust of the patients and communities it serves. Although healthcare continues to face an evolving and often unpredictable reimbursement environment, the hospital believes investing in the health and vitality of its community remains one of the best investments it can make.
"A healthy community is about much more than healthcare," said Mark Bertilrud, Chief Executive Officer of Unity Medical Center. "It's about creating a place where families want to live, children have opportunities to thrive, and businesses can attract talented employees. When Grafton is stronger, Unity Medical Center is stronger."
The new community pool represents an investment in quality of life, economic development, and workforce recruitment. As Unity Medical Center competes to recruit and retain talented employees, community amenities increasingly influence where people choose to build their careers and raise their families.
The pool also serves as an important entry point into the workforce for rural youth. Through employment as lifeguards and swimming instructors, young people gain valuable hands-on work experience while earning lifesaving and lifeguard certifications. These roles help develop transferable skills in responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and public safety—building confidence and strengthening long-term workforce readiness.
"People don't just choose a job—they choose a community," said Bill Dahl, Grafton Parks and Recreation Director. "When prospective employees visit Grafton, they see our schools, parks, businesses, and recreational opportunities. Investments like this help ensure Grafton remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family."
The hospital's commitment also reflects priorities identified in the Walsh County Community Health Needs Assessment, which emphasizes promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging physical activity, and partnering with community organizations to improve overall community wellness. The new pool will provide opportunities for exercise, swimming lessons, rehabilitation, youth programming, and recreation for residents of all ages. It will also enhance public safety, promote physical and mental wellness, and provide essential relief during periods of summer heat. Together, these benefits will help create a healthier, safer, and more resilient community for generations to come.
The announcement comes as Grafton continues to gain statewide recognition as a great place to live and work. On July 28, representatives of the Find the Good Life in North Dakota initiative visited Grafton to showcase the community and highlight in-demand healthcare careers at Unity Medical Center. The visit reinforces what local residents already know—that thriving rural communities are built through strong partnerships, meaningful careers, and exceptional quality of life.
Unity Medical Center is honored to join the City of Grafton, the Grafton Parks and Recreation Foundation and Pool Committee, local businesses, and community members in bringing this transformative project to life.
"This isn't simply a donation," said Bertilrud. "It's a continuation of a partnership that has existed for generations. Our community invested in Unity Medical Center, and today we're proud to invest back in our community. Together, we're building a healthier, stronger Grafton for today and for future generations."
Photo L-R: Bill Dahl, Grafton Parks & Recreation Director, Paul Mohagen, Unity Medical Center Board of Trustees President, Mark Bertilrud, CEO Unity Medical Center
Unity Medical Center Announces Recruitment of Future Family Physician Dr. Kenny Ryan
July 27, 2026
At a time when rural communities across the nation are facing increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, Unity Medical Center is proud to announce that Dr. Kenny Ryan has committed to joining its medical staff following the completion of his Family Medicine Residency at Altru Health System in 2027.
The recruitment represents another step in Unity Medical Center's long-term commitment to ensuring residents of northeastern North Dakota continue to have access to high-quality primary care close to home.
Originally from Illinois, Dr. Ryan moved to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota, where he completed his undergraduate studies before earning his medical degree from the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He is currently completing the Altru Family Medicine Residency Program and plans to relocate to Grafton upon joining Unity Medical Center.
Dr. Ryan and his wife, Taylor, recently experienced the community firsthand while participating in the Unity Medical Center Foundation's 36th Annual Golf Tournament. The event provided an opportunity to connect with local residents, Foundation supporters, and future colleagues while beginning to build relationships within the community they will soon call home.
"Recruiting physicians to rural communities has become increasingly competitive nationwide, making commitments like Dr. Ryan's especially meaningful," said Mark Bertirud, Chief Executive Officer of Unity Medical Center. "Family medicine physicians are the cornerstone of rural healthcare, providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages while building lasting relationships with families. Dr. Ryan's decision to practice in Grafton reflects both his passion for rural medicine and our organization's commitment to investing in the long-term health of our region. We are thrilled to welcome him and know he will make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and community."
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ryan enjoys golfing, playing volleyball, watching sports, and spending time with his wife, Taylor, and their dog, Albert.
"Taylor and I are excited to make Grafton our home and become part of this community," said Dr. Ryan. "Everyone we met at the Foundation Golf Tournament made us feel incredibly welcome. I'm looking forward to building relationships with my patients, caring for families across the region, and becoming involved in the community both inside and outside the clinic."
According to national workforce projections, rural communities continue to experience significant physician shortages, with family medicine among the most critical specialties needed to meet the growing healthcare demands of aging populations. By recruiting physicians early in their careers and fostering strong connections to the community, Unity Medical Center is taking a proactive approach to strengthening access to local healthcare for years to come.
As an independent Critical Access Hospital, Unity Medical Center remains committed to recruiting exceptional healthcare professionals who share its mission of delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Dr. Ryan's recruitment reflects the organization's continued investment in the health, vitality, and future of the communities it serves. He will join Drs. Marquardt, Midgarden, Shaw and Viscito as he establishes his practice next year.
L-R: Taylor Ryan, Dr. Kenny Ryan, Mark Bertilrud, CEO Unity Medical Center
Unity Medical Center is nationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in cardiovascular care
July 6, 2026
The American Heart Association presents the Get With The Guidelines® awards for proven dedicationto best practices, life-saving care
Unity Medical Center has received three American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions.
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest science-backed guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, Unity Medical Center qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of cardiovascular care.
“Unity Medical Center is committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely, appropriate care for heart attacks and strokes,” Lindsey Gellner, Emergency Department Manager. “Get With The Guidelines programs help our teams put proven science into practice every day, supporting better outcomes so more people in Grafton and the surrounding communities can live longer, healthier lives.”
This year, Unity Medical Center received these achievement awards:
- Get with the Guidelines – Rural Stroke GOLD
- Get with the Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease STEMI SILVER
- Get with the Guidelines – Rural Coronary Artery Disease NSTE-ACS BRONZE
“These awards reflect Unity Medical Center’s commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Unity Medical Center can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for patients, families and health care systems.”
Unity Medical Center Earns Best Place to Work Award for Fifth Consecutive Year
June 4, 2026
Unity Medical Center (UMC) has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Healthcare for a fifth year in a row. This annual award program identifies and recognizes 150 outstanding employers in the healthcare industry nationwide. Half of these organizations are a combination of healthcare providers and insurance companies while the other half are vendors.
Employee feedback played a key role in the selection process and reflects the culture UMC strives to create every day.
“This organization has such a family-based culture. Our employees are cared for and appreciated just as much as our patients are. It’s very apparent that this is an excellent place to work.”
Another employee shared, “Employees are treated as family, everyone goes above and beyond to support and better each and every staff member both professionally and personally. Staff are recognized and appreciated on a daily basis, and the facility is highly involved in and supportive of the community.”
Employees also highlighted strong leadership, opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and the ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.
Modern Healthcare partners with Workforce Research Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey with questions pertaining to how well employees feel they are treated by the organization, if they feel they are recognized appropriately, and if they are engaged with their work and helping to identify opportunities/strategies to improve the workplace culture and productivity.
UMC will find out their ranking on the Best Places list and be celebrated at the 2026 Best Places to Work in Healthcare Awards Gala taking place September 16 in Houston, Texas.
Unity Medical Center Named to 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital List
February 24, 2026
Unity Medical Center, a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in Grafton, North Dakota, has been named one of the Top 100 CAHs in the U.S. for 2026, according to the Chartis Center for Rural Health. North Dakota has ten CAHs named to this year’s Top 100.
Top 100 hospitals are top performers, excelling in financial efficiency, achieving higher quality, securing better outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and operating at a lower cost than their peers across the U.S.
Jody Ward, grant program director for the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, oversees the North Dakota CAH Quality Network and the North Dakota Rural Health Clinic Network located at the Center for Rural Health (CRH), part of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
“We are proud to see so many North Dakota CAHs represented this year,” said Ward. “Our hospitals have continually kept up with an influx of patients while maintaining the high-quality patient care we are known for across North Dakota. To see ten of our hospitals being recognized in the Top 100 means we are doing things correctly.”
Jacob Warren, director of CRH, emphasized the importance of rural health throughout the state. “Particularly for our state, rural hospitals are the heartbeat of our communities, and the high level of care they provide, along with being mindful of costs, will continue to improve the health of our citizens.”
Other North Dakota hospitals receiving Top 100 recognition include: CHI Mercy Health of Valley City; CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington Medical Center; Langdon Prairie Health; Linton Regional Medical Center; McKenzie Health in Watford City; Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier; Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen; South Central Health in Wishek; and Towner County Medical Center in Cando.
The Chartis Group provides comprehensive advisory services and analytics to the healthcare industry. With an unparalleled depth of expertise in strategic planning, performance excellence, informatics and technology, and health analytics, Chartis helps leading academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks, children’s hospitals, and healthcare service organizations achieve transformative results. The Chartis Center for Rural Health is a division of the Chartis Group.
About the Center for Rural Health
Established in 1980 at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, the Center for Rural Health is one of the nation’s most experienced rural health organizations. It has developed a full complement of programs to assist researchers, educators, policymakers, healthcare providers, and most important, rural residents to address changing rural environments by identifying and researching rural health issues, analyzing health policy, strengthening local capabilities, developing community-based alternatives, and advocating for rural concerns. For more information, visit RuralHealth.und.edu.
Unity Medical Center – Park River and Grafton Family Clinics recognized as a Level 2 Age-Friendly Health System
February 2, 2026
As an active participant in the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement, Unity Medical Center is proud to have achieved special recognition as an Age-Friendly Health Systems — Committed to Care Excellence by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
This distinction reflects ongoing work to reliably implement the 4Ms Framework, a set of proven care elements designed to address what matters most to older patients:
- What Matters – Listening to and honoring each individual’s goals, preferences, and values
- Mentation – Supporting cognitive health, emotional well-being, and preventing delirium
- Medications – Using age-appropriate medications and reducing harm from polypharmacy
- Mobility – Promoting safe movement to maintain functional independence
By embedding the 4Ms into everyday practice, the care teams at Park River and Grafton Family Clinics are helping ensure that older adults receive respectful, personalized, and holistic care at every encounter.
“This recognition reflects the deep commitment our care teams have to truly listening to and caring for older adults in our community,” said Dr. Jennifer Shaw. “Age-friendly care is about more than clinical excellence—it’s about honoring what matters most to each patient, supporting their independence, and treating every person with dignity and respect. We are proud to serve our older adults and grateful for the trust they place in us every day.”
Unity Medical Center is proud to join the ranks of organizations globally achieving success toward excellence in care for older adults.
The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative continues to be an important part of our overarching vision to provide every older adult in our community with the best care possible. We strive to achieve recognition of excellent care from older adults and carers in our community, whom we serve.
Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Catholic Health Association of the US (CHA). For more information, visit www.ihi.org/agefriendly.
Unity Medical Center builds rural education into its walls — and its mission
Education is literally built into Unity Medical Center.
In 2019, CEO Alan O’Neil was supervising the 2019-2021 expansion of the Grafton, N.D., hospital when he noticed that part of the third floor “was designated to be just a flat roof,” O’Neil told the AHA. “I asked the architect, ‘Does that mean we could shell that in and build a really creative space?”
They could, and they did. What was once going to be empty space is now used for everything from staff meetings to community medical events, but its main purpose is serving as the Rural Medical Education Center, supporting Unity's commitment to health care education at all levels. Also, one wall was designated as a Veteran’s Wall and hosts pictures of nearly 300 area veterans.
One of those education levels (Scrubs Camp) is a partnership with local high schools that enables students to come in and get a first-hand look at careers in health care. “The first time we did this, I was really skeptical,” O’Neil said. “I thought there would be a lack of focus. I was completely wrong — the students were extremely focused.” Visiting students can see their community hospital in action and get some hands-on learning in many departments, including a session with the hospital’s da Vinci surgical robot. “The accolades the students and faculty give us are very positive,” O’Neil said. “I know we have created a pathway for many of them to pursue a career in health care.”
Unity is also a designated ROME (Rural Opportunities in Medical Education) site. The University of North Dakota School of Medicine is about 45 miles away, “and they send medical students out here, as these students have expressed an interest in potentially practicing in a rural environment,” O’Neil said. The hospital owns a house near the facility where ROME students can live during their five-month rotation and “can really get exposure to living in a rural community, and what a rural practice is like.” Unity also offers educational opportunities for advanced practice providers, nurses, dietitians, lab technicians, radiology professionals, and physical, occupational and speech therapists. Of course, Unity doesn’t keep all those students to themselves; most go on to work in other facilities, many of them rural. “They go elsewhere, but I’m very comfortable saying they’ve really enjoyed the training environment and the time they’ve spent here. We have an incredibly dedicated team that loves to teach and mentor.”
Unity Medical Center Earns 3-Year Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital Designation
August 18, 2025
Unity Medical Center (UMC) has received the full three-year Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital designation from the North Dakota Cardiac System of Care (part of the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services). UMC is the third hospital in North Dakota to receive this designation along with CHI Mercy Hospital in Valley City and Jamestown Regional Medical Center.
This means that UMC is recognized as a STEMI referring center. A STEMI, or ST-elevation myocardial infarction, is a severe type of heart attack characterized by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, causing significant damage to the heart muscle. Rapid identification, treatment, and transfer of STEMI patients offer the greatest chance of recovery.
According to Lindsey Gellner, RN, Emergency Department Manager, “After a yearlong process of developing and refining treatment protocols and performing internal reviews, in addition to developing a STEMI performance improvement program, we have received the highest recognition of cardiac care. Our function at UMC is to provide excellent stabilizing care and work closely with EMS and regional partners to provide definitive transport and management of our patients. We have always strived to provide excellent care for our patients. This recognition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide excellent care to not only our cardiac patients but all of our patients.”
Helmsley Charitable Trust grants $646,571 to help Unity Medical Center purchase state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment
February 18, 2025
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $646,571 to Unity Medical Center (Unity) to purchase ultrasound equipment including four GE Venue, one GE Voluson, one Philips Epiq Elite, two Trophon units (high level disinfection for probes), and six storage cabinets for the clean probes as part of a $27.4 million ultrasound initiative in North Dakota.
The initiative includes more than $21.8 million to help 69 North Dakota hospitals and health centers purchase ultrasound imaging devices and nearly $5.7 million to boost sonography and point of care ultrasound (POCUS) training opportunities across the state.
Alan O’Neil, Unity CEO shared, “The Helmsley Charitable Trust has been a wonderful supporter of healthcare technology and beyond. It is so apparent that leading edge technology is a critical component of providing the best patient care possible. Especially in a rural setting, where miles and minutes matter when it comes to taking care of patients. We thank them for their continued support.”
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. This safe, cost-effective tool supports other clinical information to help providers make timely diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment. The grant money from the Helmsley Charitable Trust has allowed Unity to bring services to those in need, by purchasing four GE Venue Point of Care Ultrasound Machines and one GE Voluson OB machine with 3D/4D capabilities for the providers, and one diagnostic Philips Epiq Elite Ultrasound Machine for the Ultrasound department. The equipment has allowed for new services to be offered at Unity. The Point of Care Ultrasound Machines have given the providers opportunities to perform in-office ultrasound procedures. This grant has provided a positive impact on the community since more is offered from the use of the equipment. The community has experienced reduced wait times and expenses from not having to travel to another facility for diagnostic ultrasound services and procedures. This helps fulfill Unity’s commitment of bringing services to those in need.
Walter Panzirer, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, said the grants will help improve access to top-notch medical treatment for North Dakotans, whether they live in Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks, or a smaller rural community such as Bottineau, Rugby, or Hettinger.
“These grants will help ensure that hospitals and health centers across North Dakota have the latest in state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and training,” Panzirer said. “Facilities need to stay current with rapidly advancing technology so they can continue to provide the very best healthcare close to home.”
The majority (134) of the devices purchased through the grants are POCUS machines, which are used by providers at the bed or tableside for immediate assessment of a patient to quickly determine a course of action. The grants will also provide 57 general ultrasound systems and 24 cardiovascular ultrasound systems, which aid in imaging of the heart.
The initiative also includes nearly $1.9 million to North Dakota State University and nearly $3.8 million to High Quality Medical Education (HQMEDED) to expand sonographer expertise and provide comprehensive POCUS training to doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Additionally, more than $64,000 will go to individual facilities to boost sonographer training.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust has committed a total of $72 million to fund ultrasound equipment and training initiatives for rural communities and underserved populations in Nevada, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming.
2024 80% in Every Community National Achievement Award Honoree
The latest blog from the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable highlights our work to increase colorectal cancer screening rates and reach #80PercentinEveryCommunity, but especially ours in Grafton, ND! Read more about all we’ve done since October 2022 to increase rates to 71.5% screened for colorectal cancer.
https://nccrt.org/2024-honoree-blog-unity-medical-center/
2023 Annual Report
Click HERE to read our 2023 Annual Report.
