As the greater Fargo-Moorhead area continues to grow, Essentia Health is highlighting findings from a new third-party economic impact report that outlines the positive economic and community benefits Essentia brings to the communities it serves. 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.
"At Essentia Health, we are deeply committed to not only providing exceptional care to our patients but also contributing to the economic success of our communities," said Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, Essentia's West Market president. "From partnering with local schools and driving workforce-development initiatives to expanding our services to meet growing demand, we’re proud to support the growth and success of the greater Fargo-Moorhead area."
Using economic impact modeling software in accordance with industry best practices, Northspan analyzed employment, revenue, spending and charitable contribution data to determine Essentia's total economic impact within the community.
The results: Essentia drives over $1.4 billion in economic output and supports 4,064 jobs.
The report found that Essentia has a ripple effect in local economies: Every full-time 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.
Operating a hospital and 12 area clinics across Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, Essentia directly employs 1,654 full-time employees and supports another 2,409 employees indirectly. Essentia is the third largest employer in Cass County, and the seventh largest employer in North Dakota according to Job Service North Dakota.
"This study reinforces that Essentia Health is a cornerstone of our community and economy," says Shannon Full, president and CEO of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber. "Their ability to create jobs, grow partnerships and invest in the health of our region makes a measurable difference in the Fargo-Moorhead region's success. The Chamber values Essentia’s ongoing leadership in shaping a stronger, healthier and more prosperous future for our community."
Essentia also supports the region through meaningful community partnerships and contributions. This includes partnering with Clay County Public Health and the Moorhead Alternative Learning Center to address mental health needs,
supporting the expansion of child care centers in Fargo and partnering with rural schools to bring athletic training and
virtual health services to more students. In partnership with Minnesota State University Moorhead, the Essentia Health Center for Nursing helps train and prepare the next generation of nurses. Over the last five years, Essentia has invested more than $4.1 million across 100 nonprofit organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
"Through their ongoing partnership, Essentia Health helps us tackle the root causes of poverty — ensuring children are prepared to succeed, families are strengthened and basic needs like food, housing and child care are met," said Sandi Piatz, president and CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay. "Their investment allows us to connect data, experts and community resources to build long-term solutions and give every family the chance to thrive. From sponsoring our school supply drive as our Hero Sponsor and providing supplies to over 6,000 families in need, to past investments in our work to end hunger for local families, Essentia is helping advance our work to empower children, strengthen families and lift entire households out of poverty.
"This new report shines a light on the important ways Essentia's work goes beyond delivering exceptional health care."
The economic impact report comes as Essentia continues to make investments that meet the needs of the growing community. Last week, Essentia Health-Fargo announced a
$4.5 million expansion and renovation of its surgical wing with the addition of two new state-of-the-art operating room spaces. These spaces will help Essentia keep up with increasing demand for surgical services and continue providing high-quality care to our patients. Essentia has also opened two new clinics in Fargo since 2022, expanding its capacity to serve the community.
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.
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