Jenna Bredahl, quality and risk manager at Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC), received the Outstanding Rural Health Professional Award at the 2026 Rural Health Awards Banquet on June 3 in Grand Forks. The award recognizes a rural North Dakota health professional who demonstrates outstanding leadership in delivering health services and a sustained commitment to improving the health of their rural community and service area.
Bredahl began her career at JRMC more than 20 years ago as a nurse aide and advanced through various roles before leading the organization’s quality, risk and patient safety efforts.
“Jenna’s leadership has helped strengthen the quality and reliability of care across our organization,” said Trisha Jungels, JRMC Chief Nursing Officer “Her commitment to strong processes, data-driven improvement and accountability has helped ensure that rural patients receive care that meets the highest standards.”
Throughout her career, Bredahl has championed initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and enhancing safety practices in Jamestown and surrounding areas. Her efforts have helped JRMC foster a culture of continuous improvement while ensuring patients receive high-quality care close to home.
Bredahl also helped establish JRMC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety, giving patients and families a voice in care experiences and organizational decision-making. The initiative has strengthened collaboration between the organization and the community it serves.
In addition, Bredahl played a key role in advancing JRMC’s organ and tissue donation program, helping expand awareness, education and donation opportunities across the region.
Her dedication to clinical excellence, patient safety and quality improvement has left a lasting impact on JRMC and reflects the organization’s commitment to providing exceptional care close to home.
The Rural Health Awards Banquet recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to rural healthcare across North Dakota. The event was held in conjunction with the Dakota Conference on Rural Health.