Altru Health System’s acquisition of CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake has received the necessary approval from the Vatican, with the official transition set for March 1, 2024. This significant development was announced on December 17, 2023, confirming the transfer of ownership from CommonSpirit Health to Altru Health System.
Altru’s CEO, Todd Forkel, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This transition reflects our shared commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality, sustainable health care close to home.” Forkel emphasized Altru’s dedication to expanding health care services for residents in the Lake Region following the integration of Devils Lake Hospital into their network.
The journey toward this acquisition began last year when Altru first engaged in discussions with CommonSpirit Health. Conversations intensified in early 2022, highlighted by a public op-ed from Dick Johnson, the former mayor of Devils Lake, advocating for enhancements in local health care services.
The president of CommonSpirit Health’s Central Region, Tim Bricker, added, “This transition reflects a thoughtful, community-focused approach to ensuring long-term access to care while supporting the teams who serve patients every day.” His comments underscored the collaborative efforts that made the acquisition possible.
U.S. Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota also weighed in on the announcement, praising the collaborative efforts among Altru, CommonSpirit, and current Devils Lake Mayor Jim Moe. Hoeven facilitated community meetings to address health care needs, stating, “We appreciate Altru and CommonSpirit for joining with us in this effort and for reaching agreement on the future of health care at the Devils Lake Hospital. Altru does a tremendous job and will provide quality health care for the entire Lake Region.”
Initially, Altru anticipated finalizing the acquisition by spring 2025. However, this timeline was delayed as they awaited the removal of the hospital from the Catholic registry, a process that required Vatican approval.
In preparation for the transition, Altru appointed Tanner White as the CEO of Devils Lake Hospital. White, who previously held multiple leadership roles with Avera Health in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is already in place and will continue in this role as the acquisition becomes official.
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for health care in the Devils Lake area, ensuring that residents will have greater access to essential health services in the future. With Altru’s commitment to sustainability and quality care, the community can look forward to enhanced health care resources and support, reinforcing the region’s health infrastructure.
