The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health have unveiled a framework for integrating the organizations as an “all-Minnesota” health system, including a $1 billion investment over five years to support infrastructure, rural care, and medical education.
The proposed model comes as the University of Minnesota nears the end of its current affiliation agreement with Fairview Health Services in 2026. University of Minnesota president Rebecca Cunningham acknowledged this as an “inflection point” in the university’s relationship with Fairview, and expressed a willingness to collaborate on the new vision.
“We need a healthcare transformation in Minnesota to increase access to care and keep patients close to home with high-quality care,” said Cunningham. “It is time to forge a new path forward and deliver a solution for all Minnesotans.”
If implemented, the plan would expand access to specialized care, clinical trials, and innovative treatment options while preserving existing doctor-patient relationships. It also aims to support healthcare workforce development and introduce sustainable models such as telehealth and home health services.
Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman emphasized the importance of the university’s medical training programs, noting that nearly 70% of Minnesota’s physicians have trained there.
Discussions are in the early stages, and both organizations stress that significant work remains before the framework can become reality. However, they see this proposal as a necessary step toward ensuring a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for Minnesota’s future.