Essentia Health highlights economic and community impact in Brainerd Lakes area

As rural health care systems continue to face significant challenges, Essentia Health is highlighting findings from a new third-party economic impact report. As one of the top employers in the region, Essentia Health drives over $733 million in economic activity and supports 2,086 jobs in the Brainerd Lakes area. Prepared by the economic development firm Northspan, the report underscores the value Essentia brings to the region, both as a leader in rural health care and as an important partner in economic growth.

"We are proud to deliver exceptional, nationally recognized care to tens of thousands of patients in the Brainerd Lakes area every year," said Todd Defreece, senior vice president of operations at Essentia. "This report shows that our team's work also has a major impact on community health and economic stability in the region. By investing in good-paying jobs and partnering with local organizations to address community needs, we’re proud to contribute to the local economy, keeping families and businesses rooted in the Brainerd Lakes Area."

The report found that Essentia has a ripple effect in local economies: Every job created at Essentia spurs an additional .94 jobs in the community, effectively doubling Essentia's employment impact.

Essentia generates additional economic growth through partnerships with local businesses, from construction and medical equipment to supply chain and logistics. And by supporting family-sustaining jobs, Essentia fuels local spending on housing, dining, recreation, hospitality and more. 

The Brainerd Lakes area, which includes Crow Wing and Cass Counties in Minnesota, is home to Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center and an array of clinics in Baxter, Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Deerwood, Emily, Crosslake, Pillager, Pine River, Hackensack, Pierz and Staples. In this region, Essentia directly employs 967 full-time employees and supports another 1,119 employees indirectly.

"When people think about the Brainerd Lakes area, tourism usually comes to mind. What many people don't realize is that health care is one of our biggest economic drivers and a major reason people choose to live in the area,” said Matt Kilian, Brainerd Lakes Chamber President. "Essentia employs a great team while supporting many local businesses and giving back to the community at the same time. We’re very fortunate to have them here."

Essentia Health also supports the Brainerd Lakes area through many partnerships and contributions. In the last several years, Essentia partnered with Crow Wing County to discourage tobacco use by promoting cessation resources; co-hosted the Crow Wing Energized Annual Summit, which facilitated lessons about mental and physical wellness to 154 residents; and encouraged the consumption of fruits and vegetables and promoted physical activity in partnership with the Brainerd Family YMCA. Over the last five years, Essentia invested more than $900,000 across 74 nonprofit organizations in the Brainerd Lakes region.

Essentia worked with Northspan to conduct research using economic impact modeling software in accordance with industry best practices. The firm analyzed employment, revenue, spending and charitable contribution data for the study.

System-wide impact

Essentia Health has a significant economic and community impact across North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Annually, Essentia supports over 24,000 jobs and generates $7.69 billion in total economic impact. In 2024, Essentia invested over $1.5 million across 153 local organizations that support healthy communities through food security, stable housing, mental health resources, child care and healthy youth development.

As a not-for-profit health care provider, Essentia cares for patients regardless of their ability to pay, including by providing 24-7 access to emergency care. According to national studies, hospitals provided $22.5 billion worth of uncompensated care to uninsured people in 2021.

Annually, Essentia provides $490 million in charity and uncompensated care, workforce education, research and discounts to uninsured patients.