About Essentia Institute of Rural Health

The Essentia Institute of Rural Health (EIRH) is the research and education center for Essentia Health. EIRH coordinates educational experiences for health professionals and conducts research activities at Essentia. EIRH is a leader in rural healthcare innovation through research and education. EIRH helps to build healthy communities by working collaboratively with patients, providers, and other stakeholders. We work to improve the patient experience, be the best place to receive care, create the best place to work, and strive to make healthcare affordable.

EIRH History

In 1978, the former Duluth Clinic and SMDC Health System—now part of Essentia Health—joined cancer clinical trials through the North Central Cancer Treatment Group funded by the National Cancer Institute. The same year, an Institutional Review Board and other research infrastructure were created.

In 1990, SMDC established a formal research division to perform clinical, translational, and health services research.

On January 1, 2010, Essentia Health established the Essentia Institute of Rural Health (EIRH), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Mission, Vision, & Values

EIRH shares Essentia Health’s mission, vision, and values. Through collaborative research, education, discovery, and learning, we support and achieve its aspirational aims of:

• Engaged and inspired people
• Zero preventable harm
• Achieve health and vitality with our communities

EIRH Leadership