CommonSpirit Health and Altru Health System Sign Letter of Intent

Bismarck, N.D. - CommonSpirit Health and Altru Health System have signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore a potential agreement that would bring CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck, along with CHI St. Alexius Health Turtle Lake and CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison, into the Altru system.

CommonSpirit and Altru share a vision and commitment to ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care remains strong and sustainable for communities across North Dakota — not only for today, but for future generations.

Signing a Letter of Intent is the first step in evaluating a possible transition and builds on recent collaboration between the organizations, including the transition of CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake to Altru. These discussions are an example of how healthcare organizations can work together to do what’s right for the communities we serve.

“This is a natural next step in exploring how we can continue to support strong, sustainable healthcare for the region,” said Tim Bricker, CommonSpirit Health Central Region President.

“Altru has a long history of serving communities across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, and our organizations share a deep respect for the people we serve and the responsibility that comes with delivering local healthcare,” said Todd Forkel, Altru CEO. “We look forward to working more closely with CommonSpirit to strengthen access to care for patients and families well into the future.”

Over the next several months, both entities will engage in discussions to work toward a definitive agreement, pending customary regulatory review and approvals. Both systems will continue providing uninterrupted, high-quality care to their respective patients throughout the evaluation process.

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 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings.

CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses, and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states, and contributes more than $4.2 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, nonprofit healthcare organization. We are physician-led, with more than 300 providers and 65 specialties of care. Altru boasts an acute care hospital, specialty hospital, Level II trauma center, and 20 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 more than 3,250 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.