Call it what you want – merger, integration, or consolidation – but the decision by the leaders of Rugby’s Heart of America Medical Center and Johnson Clinic to become one entity is encouraging news for Rugby and the surrounding area.

It was was evident under the current state of health care a change was necessary for the future well being of both entities as well as the region they serve.

And that change is taking the strengths of both and establishing one health care organization that will meet the present and future needs of the area.

Convenient access to quality health care services and professionals is important to people. However, there are those who were beginning to question whether that is being delivered here.

Indeed, both the clinic and medical center have had their setbacks. Among them has been recruiting physicians to replace those who have retired or left for other facilities. And there has been the cutting of services due to budget contraints.

The HAMC intiated the talks toward integration, seeing it as step to meet the future challenges of health care delivery in this region. And eventually the clinic came on board.

Integration of the two entities won’t solve all of the problems and challenges facing rural health care these days and residents need to be mindful and supportive during this transition.

There will continue to be obstacles to overcome, but this move does better position the future organization to meet them.

And from an economic development standpoint, a vibrant health care center is essential for the Rugby area. It employs a number of people. It brings area residents to town, which, in turn, helps other existing businesses.

From two, one will be created, hopefully producing a strong and growing health care center to proudly serve Rugby and region for years to come.

The leadership of the Johnson Clinic and HAMC should be applauded for making this important decision.

And no doubt the community looks forward to this change for the better.