The Granite Falls Health Board of Directors approved moving forward with partnership discussions with Avera Health at their meeting on Tuesday, May 28.
Avera was one of four health systems invited to respond to a request for proposals from Granite Falls Health earlier this spring. Other systems included Sanford, CentraCare and Health Partners. After months of due diligence, the Community Task Force and Board of Directors selected Avera.
“I commend the Community Task Force for the work they put into finding the right partner to preserve and enhance health care in Granite Falls. Some of the factors the task force cited in choosing Avera as a potential partner include cultural fit, preservation of local services, experience in rural health care, and success in physician recruitment,” said Tom Kooiman, CEO, Granite Falls Health. “I’m looking forward to the next steps in the process which include working toward a letter of intent which will likely take four to six weeks. Upon completion of a letter of intent, parties would begin determining what a partnership would look like. That process could take up to six months.”
“We’re honored that Granite Falls Health selected Avera as a potential partner,” said Mary Maertens, Regional President and CEO, Avera Marshall. “This thoughtful partnership discussion confirms that Avera and Granite Falls have shared interests in keeping services local and strengthening rural health care. Avera Marshall has had a professional services agreement for clinic services in place with Granite Falls Health since April 2017. We look forward to the next steps in exploring how we can expand this partnership.”
