Healing with Heart: Rugby’s Healthcare Transformation
How Community, Leadership, and InterOffice Brought Big-City Care to a Small Town
Nestled in the rural town of Rugby, North Dakota, the Heart of America Medical Center has long been the backbone of the community. Thanks to unwavering support and strong leadership, this small-town hospital has become a modern healthcare hub. Leading the charge is Melissa Shepard, Chief Financial Officer at Heart of America, whose vision and dedication have helped transform the facility into what it is today. Now, area residents have access to high-quality healthcare without the need to travel to distant city centers—a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together.
A Small Town with Big Dreams
Joining the organization in 2017, Melissa quickly recognized the potential of Heart of America Medical Center. “We may be small, but we have big dreams,” she said. The hospital, part of the Good Samaritan Hospital Association, includes a 25-bed critical access hospital, three rural health clinics, and a long-term care facility. Despite its size, it offers an impressive range of services, from surgery and chemotherapy to a robust pain clinic, ensuring that the community’s healthcare needs are met locally.
“We provide the same services you’d expect from larger city hospitals,” Melissa added proudly. The goal was clear: to make big-city care accessible in Rugby, North Dakota.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
When Melissa joined Heart of America, the hospital faced significant financial challenges. But through transparency, collaboration, and her relentless commitment, she led the charge to stabilize the hospital’s finances. By establishing internal controls and creating a revenue cycle committee, she ensured that everyone—from board members to staff—had visibility into the hospital’s financial health.
“It was about transparency,” Melissa explained. “When everyone is invested in the outcome, that’s when real change happens.” Her leadership laid the groundwork for the hospital’s transformation and set the stage for future growth.
A New Era for Rugby Heart of America
The culmination of Melissa’s and her team’s hard work came in September 2024 with the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the-art $64.2 million healthcare facility. This milestone represents a significant leap forward for the community, providing modern, patient-centered care in a facility that reflects both the town’s values and its vision for the future.
The facility’s design was a critical element in this transformation, and that’s where InterOffice played a key role. With a focus on creating functional, beautiful spaces, InterOffice helped outfit the hospital’s public and office areas to ensure they were not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of staff and patient needs.
“Our goal was to create a beautiful and functional new hospital for the Rugby community,” said Sarah Huckle, an InterOffice Workplace Expert. The project included everything from MillerKnoll workspaces Sit On It task and guest seating to Weiland Healthcare lounge furniture in patient rooms and extended care areas. Every space, from exam rooms to waiting areas, was thoughtfully designed with high-quality furnishings tailored to the hospital’s specific needs.
Even the colors throughout the facility reflect Rugby’s identity, with neutral tones and pops of “Panther Orange,” a nod to the local high school. This thoughtful detail creates a sense of pride and connection for the community.
”We may be smaller, but we offer all the same things as city hospitals.
Melissa ShepardChief Financial Officer
Community Support at the Core
None of this transformation would have been possible without the overwhelming support of the Rugby community. The new facility was funded, in part, by a capital campaign that raised $6.2 million in owner’s equity. Local businesses, the Hoffert Foundation, and countless community members contributed, demonstrating the strong bond between the hospital and those it serves.
“The community came together to meet our goal and raise the capital we needed,” Melissa shared. This kind of collaboration is what has made Heart of America Medical Center a beacon of hope for the region.
Looking Ahead with a Focus on Care
Now that the new facility is up and running, Melissa and her team remain dedicated to providing exceptional care to Rugby’s residents. For Melissa, it’s about more than just numbers—it’s about making a meaningful difference.
“I love knowing that I’m part of something bigger—that I help create a place where 300 people can come to work each day and do something that matters,” she reflected.
As Heart of America Medical Center continues to grow, its success remains a testament to the power of community support, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence. With a brand-new facility and the continued backing of its residents, Rugby Heart of America is truly a small town with big dreams—and the drive to make them happen.
