For over 65 years, First Care Health Center (FCHC) has been a cornerstone of healthcare for the people of Park River, North Dakota, and its surrounding communities. As a nonprofit, community-based critical access hospital and rural health clinic, we are steered by an 11-member Board of Directors, committed to offering professional care with a personal touch.
FCHC was founded on commitment and vision, with the first hospital built in the 1950s, which are qualities that are still present today. Keeping pace with rapidly changing technology, attracting and maintaining highly trained professional staff, and providing services to people at every stage of life are some of the challenges we face. With the support of our patients and community, who see us as a vital part of the community, First Care Health Center looks forward to the future with optimism and hope.
Guided by the mission established by the Presentation Sisters, FCHC strives to carry on the healing mission of Jesus in a rural setting through "Professional Care with a Personal Touch." This mission transcends mere medical care, aspiring instead to foster a healthy, vibrant community built on respect, compassion, and excellence. Our core values include:
First Care Health Center offers a 14-bed critical access hospital situated on the main floor for convenient access. Our hospital is designed to ensure patients receive high-quality, comprehensive care in a comfortable and compassionate setting.
Our numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a Patient-Centered Medical Home by NCQA, underscore our commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction. Looking ahead, FCHC is poised to face the challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare landscape with the support of our community, continuing to serve as a vital healthcare resource and maintaining our tradition of providing "Professional Care with a Personal Touch."
First Care Health Center has a rich history and historical "roots" in several countries.
Nano Nagle founded Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ireland to seek to help people in need. Years later, some of the Sisters arrived in Fargo looking for ways to help those in need.
Park River Hospital Association was formed to raise funds to build a hospital in Park River, ND
Hospital construction began in July 1950, and Dr. Weed asked the Sisters to provide management services for the facility.
St. Ansgar’s Hospital opened its doors for patients on July 10, 1952, with Sister M. Bernadette Liston as the first administrator.
St. Ansgar’s became affiliated with Catholic Health Corporation, a multi-institutional nonprofit, to improve and strengthen the hospital.
St. Ansgar’s became a part of Catholic Health Initiatives.
Catholic Health Initiatives ended its affiliation with St. Ansgar’s Health Center on December 31, 2000, and the facility was renamed First Care Health Center.
A $7.5 million building and renovation project was completed in 2007, modernizing our facilities, including a new clinic addition, an inpatient area, and the emergency room.
The Outpatient Expansion Project was completed, further improving our services by optimizing outpatient care accessibility on the first floor, thereby boosting staff efficiency and patient privacy.
