Altru Health Foundation receives $1 million commitment from Alerus to support new hospital

Grand Forks, N.D. - Altru Health Foundation received a $1 million commitment from Alerus to support Altru’s new hospital. The gift marks one of the institution’s largest gifts in its history and the first gift to be directed to the new hospital.  

“This is an investment in the long-term prosperity of our entire region,” said Chris Wolf, northern valley market president at Alerus. “Access to state-of-the-art health care improves the quality of life and is a critical component in attracting and retaining new businesses and residents. This new hospital will directly impact our employees, our clients, and our community, and we are proud to contribute to a project that will benefit our community’s overall wellbeing for years to come.” 

The seven-floor facility, located at Altru’s Columbia Road Campus, will feature space for 226 licensed patient beds and a 16-bed observation unit. The design has a strong focus on innovation, technology, and wellness.  

“Here at Altru, we believe the residents of our region deserve world-class care close to home. From our patients and their families to our caregivers and staff, Altru’s new hospital will truly transform the healthcare experience for our community,” noted Altru CEO Todd Forkel. “We are incredibly excited to see our hospital vision come to fruition, and we are deeply grateful for Alerus’s partnership in achieving this vision.” 

“Alerus has been a longstanding leader and dedicated partner at the forefront of health and vibrancy across our region. We are inspired by their compassionate leadership once again,” shared Altru’s Chief Philanthropy and Partnership Officer, Kristi Hall-Jiran. “Their support of Altru’s new hospital will enrich the lives of generations to come. We are truly humbled by their transformational and forward-thinking generosity.” 

The new hospital is a part of a larger 25-year campus master plan, which proactively considers the future of healthcare delivery and the facilities needed to provide world-class care close to home. Construction of Altru’s new hospital is expected to be completed in 2024. 

About Altru Health System  

Based in Grand Forks, N.D., Altru Health System is an independent, non-profit healthcare organization. We are physician-led, with over 300 providers and 55 specialties of care. Altru boasts an acute care hospital, specialty hospital, level II trauma center and more than two dozen practice locations throughout northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota. Altru was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic expertise to the patients we serve. Altru employs over 3,600 staff and providers who are empowered to fulfill Altru’s vision of providing world-class care to the residents of our region. For more information, visit altru.org.  

Altru Health Foundation 

As a nonprofit, community health system, Altru Health System relies on the generosity of our community to provide world-class care throughout our region. Since 1983, Altru Health Foundation has aligned donor generosity to impact the needs of Altru through supporting patient assistance programs, enhancing patient care services, and securing state-of-the-art technology and equipment. In 2021, 4100 donors contributed more than $2.7million in fundraising revenue and Altru Health Foundation provided nearly $2 million in philanthropic support to Altru Health System. For more information, visit altru.org/foundation. 

Alerus 

Alerus (Alerus Financial, N.A.) is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Grand Forks, ND. Alerus provides innovative and comprehensive financial solutions to businesses and consumers through four distinct business segments—banking, retirement and benefit services, wealth management, and mortgage. These solutions are delivered through a relationship-oriented primary point of contact along with responsive and client-friendly technology. Alerus banking and wealth management offices are located in Grand Forks and Fargo, ND, the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN metropolitan area and Scottsdale and Mesa, AZ. Alerus Retirement and Benefits plan administration offices are located in St. Paul, MN, East Lansing, MI, and Littleton, CO.