Essentia Health's commitment to the communities we call home

February 04, 2026 By: Melinda Lavine

Al Hurley and Dr. Stefanie Gefroh during United Way drive

As a national leader in rural health care, Essentia Health takes immense pride in advancing the well-being and vitality of the communities we serve. It's important and gratifying work that compels us to go beyond providing care to the patients who come through our doors. We must be diligent about ensuring access to that care — regardless of someone’s zip code or income level.

Our unwavering support for our patients and communities is rooted in collaborative partnerships, research and innovation, workforce development and charitable giving. This community benefit report offers a glimpse of our commitment to health equity and the well-being of the people we're privileged to serve, especially in the rural communities we hold dear.

Investing in our communities

Year ending June 30, 2025

$539.2 million

The total value of our community contributions

This includes community benefits, as defined by the Catholic Health Association, and other contributions, such as care provided without compensation.

$180.6 million in community benefits:

$110.9 million for costs in excess of Medicaid payments

$37 million for Medicaid surcharge and MNCare tax

$18.7 million in charity care

$8.1 million for community-building activities and services

$4.1 million for health professions education

$1.7 million for research

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$358.5 million in other contributions:

$302.2 million for costs in excess of Medicare payments

$40.4 million for other care provided without compensation

$9.4 million for discounts offered to uninsured patients

$6.5 million for taxes and fees

Why we invest in our communities

We are committed to investing in the health and well-being of the communities we serve, which is part of our role as a nonprofit health care organization.

Why nonprofit health care matters

Unlike for-profit health care entities, such as pharmaceutical companies, Essentia depends on our nonprofit status to sustain and grow our services while providing high-quality care to rural and underserved communities.

Here to serve the places we call home

LiveWell connects community members

From left: Evelyn Hagfeldt, Lynn Goerdt and Stephanie Lambert share holiday memories during Story Lines, a LiveWell event at the Lew Martin Senior Center in Superior. LiveWell hosts free weekly events such as pickleball, cooking classes and craft meet-ups.

Essentia helps equip students for success

Essentia Health colleagues volunteered for the United Way of Cass-Clay School Supply Drive, helping unbox 1,000 backpacks and fill 878 pencil cases for K–2 students.