Dear Minnesotans, we are at an inflection point.
Our state, like so many others across the country, faces a myriad of critical healthcare challenges that impact people and their communities. From limited access, workforce shortages, and inequities in care, to increasing costs and declining reimbursements.
Minnesotans have said, loud and clear, that the status quo is no longer working for them. We hear you, and we agree.
That is why the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health
share a vision for a new path forward and propose
a solution that benefits all Minnesotans.
Together, we are proposing the formation of a new, not-for-profit healthcare entity for you. Our goal is to infuse the very best of what our organizations have done for decades.
Whether it’s providing world-class care to patients in rural and urban communities, and everywhere in between. Training 70% of the state’s physician workforce. Or developing new innovations that lead to life- changing treatments.
It’s time for us to build on the strengths of the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health to improve healthcare for all.
We have invited Fairview Health Services to join us in forging this new entity, and creating a seamless system of care that can best support the needs of patients and all of Minnesota. This is just the start of many transparent and comprehensive discussions we will have, as we work collaboratively to envision a brighter future for healthcare in the communities we are so privileged to serve.
It’s a new day for healthcare in Minnesota.
We are ready to join with Minnesotans in the years ahead to address the greatest health challenges impacting our state head-on. Together, we can meet the critical needs of today, and anticipate the demands of our future.
We believe this is not only possible — it is our duty.
Rebecca Cunningham, MD
President, University of Minnesota
David C. Herman, MD
CEO, Essentia Health