Primghar, IA Northwest Iowa Now) — Maintaining healthcare in rural communities has been a long-time concern, and the parent company of the hospital in Primghar says it’s no longer feasible to continue operating the facility.

MercyOne has announced the hospital itself will close in September, and the clinics it operates in Sutherland, Paulina, and Primghar will be consolidated in Primghar.

O’Brien County Economic Development Director Kianna Johnson says a committee is already looking at options.

Other healthcare organizations have already been contacted about filling the void.

A news release from MercyOne says employees of the hospital in O’Brien County have been given the option of transferring their employment elsewhere in the MercyOne organization.

It cites both economic and workforce challenges as contributing to the decision to discontinue operations.