Vision of an integrated “All-Minnesota” solution
The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health share a bold vision framework to write the next chapter of health care for all Minnesotans and best meet their health care needs.
This proposed framework aims to bring together the combined strengths of both organizations and potentially other universities and Essentia Health partners. The university and Essentia Health are proposing the creation of a new nonprofit organization to:
Addressing the state's most urgent health care needs in new ways, now and in the future. He will build on the strengths of the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health to lead and operate this new organization. Meet and assist current and future patient needs. Educating the next generation of medical professionals, securing the future of academic medicine in Minnesota, and securing essential financial support for the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Today's announcement is just the beginning of the transparent and inclusive discussion these organizations continue to need. More work is needed to realize this vision. But it points toward a direction that fits with Essentia's nonprofit mission and the university's land-grant mission to best serve all Minnesotans. The university and Essentia shared the vision and potential of an “all-Minnesota” healthcare solution with Fairview Health Services.
University of Minnesota President Rebecca said, “Minnesota health care workers and leaders, and the general population of Minnesota, are committed to increasing access to health care and bringing patients quality care closer to home. “We have been loud and clear about the need for health care transformation in Minnesota.” Cunningham. “We agree. It's time to chart a new path and deliver solutions for all Minnesotans. This bold new path takes us outside of business as usual and provides solutions for many years to come.” “We will be in a position to work with Minnesotans throughout the year to address our state's challenges head-on and deliver truly transformative solutions in health care.”
Essentia Health CEO and ophthalmologist Dr. David Herman called the proposal “the beginning of an exciting, ambitious and much-needed conversation” about the future of health care in the state.
“This is the beginning of an exciting, ambitious, and much-needed conversation about the future of care in our state,” said Dr. David Herman, CEO of Essentia Health. . Nearly 70% of Minnesota's physicians are university-trained, demonstrating that continuing to provide excellent patient care while building a sustainable healthcare future depends on a strong medical school foundation. we know. These are the main reasons. Essentia leadership has begun exploring opportunities to create a new framework for health care in Minnesota. ”
The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health's shared goal is to overcome Minnesota's most pressing health care challenges. The health care challenges facing our state and nation are multiple. Increased costs. Redemptions are flat or decreasing. Access is restricted. Serious labor shortage. and structural inequalities that widen health disparities. The proposed solution framework goes beyond just forming new partnerships to re-envisioning the future to provide a wide range of benefits to patients across Minnesota.
This new model would allow Minnesotans to receive more comprehensive care closer to home where patients need it most, especially in rural and tribal communities with few local health options. It will be. The framework of this solution maintains patients' existing physician-patient relationships across our systems while delivering the unparalleled benefits of the nation's leading research university: cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced treatments, specialized We provide improved access to care and innovative clinical trials. Place every day.
For health care professionals, this approach will create new opportunities for fulfilling clinical careers caring for Minnesotans and those who come to Minnesota from out of state for excellent health care. In the long term, this proposed solution will reduce clinical costs, enable more sustainable and innovative models (such as home health care, telemedicine, and pharmacy services), and move expensive healthcare technologies across large systems. Extend it for use with.
Further investment opportunities on behalf of patients
This broad framework not only signals the potential for significant commitment to the health of all Minnesotans, but also the critical strategic investments that will help realize the vision in a sustainable and successful manner for decades to come. It is also suggestive. The proposed all-new Minnesota health system solution would invest $1 billion over five years to make this vision a reality.
This will be made possible by leveraging the assets of the proposed integrated system to enable fundraising and as our vision for a common future inspires philanthropic support for this nonprofit pan-Minnesota solution. Masu.
The newly formed integrated healthcare framework will reinvest in the University of Minnesota's on-campus and near-campus healthcare facilities, rural healthcare, and increased access to higher levels of specialized care.
The university currently operates under a cooperative agreement with Fairview Health Services, which ends in 2026.
“We are at a tipping point in our relationship with Fairview Health Services, and we need urgent and innovative solutions,” Cunningham said. “We envision this model as a new path forward in our relationship, building on the momentum everyone at M Health Fairview has built and aligning with our organizations’ shared priorities. Together, we continue to put patients first. We are opening the dialogue and inviting further discussions with Fairview to make this concept a reality in Minnesota.
“We believe a healthier, more vibrant Minnesota is not only possible, it is our duty,” Cunningham added. “This bold vision will usher in a new era in health care in Minnesota, meeting today's critical needs and anticipating tomorrow's demands.”
