Altru and CommonSpirit Health Sign Definitive Agreement for CHI St. Alexius Health Facilities to Join Altru

Grand Forks, N.D. - Altru Health System and CommonSpirit Health have signed a definitive agreement for CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, Turtle Lake and Garrison to join Altru. The transaction is expected to close early 2027, pending regulatory review and customary closing conditions.

The agreement follows a non-binding letter of intent announced earlier this year and months of collaborative due diligence. It builds on an established relationship between the organizations, including their work together in Devils Lake, and reflects a shared commitment to sustaining access to high-quality, compassionate care in North Dakota. 

“This agreement represents an important step toward ensuring strong, sustainable healthcare for the communities served by CHI St. Alexius Health,” said Tim Bricker, president of CommonSpirit Health’s Central Region. “Through our work together over the years, we’ve developed tremendous confidence in Altru’s commitment to high-quality, compassionate care. We believe Altru is the right partner to build on St. Alexius’ proud legacy, honor its Catholic mission and continue serving patients and families for generations to come.”  

“Altru has a deep commitment to the communities we serve, and this agreement reflects our shared vision with CommonSpirit for the future of healthcare in North Dakota,” said Todd Forkel, chief executive officer at Altru. “We are thrilled to have reached this important milestone and look forward to welcoming the St. Alexius team to Altru, and working together to strengthen access to high-quality care while honoring the mission and values that have guided St. Alexius for more than 140 years.”  

“St. Alexius has a rich history rooted in the Benedictine tradition of compassionate care of the sick, welcoming all as Christ, and caring for the needs of our communities,” said Sister Nicole Kunze, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery. “As we continue our sponsorship of St. Alexius, we are encouraged by our shared commitment with Altru to honor that legacy and preserve the Catholic identity and mission that have guided this ministry for generations. Our hope and intent is that St. Alexius will continue to be a place of healing, compassion and service for all who need care.” 

The signing does not change current patient care or day-to-day operations. Both organizations will continue planning for an orderly transition and will share additional information as the transaction moves toward closing.
 

About CommonSpirit Health
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 158 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 160,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $5 billion annually in charity care, community benefits, and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.

About  Altru 
Based in Grand Forks, N.D., Altru is an independent, non-profit healthcare organization. We are physician-led, with over 300 providers and 66 specialties of care. Altru boasts an acute care hospital, specialty hospital, level II trauma center, critical access hospital and twenty 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 3,100 staff and providers who are empowered to fulfill Altru’s mission – making a difference for those we care for. For more information, visit altru.org.