Altru Health System’s acquisition of CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake has received official approval from the Vatican, with the transition scheduled for March 1, 2024. The announcement, made on December 17, confirmed the transfer of ownership from CommonSpirit Health to Altru Health System, a significant move for healthcare services in the region.
This acquisition marks a critical step in ensuring that rural communities maintain access to high-quality healthcare. Altru CEO Todd Forkel expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “This transition reflects our shared commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality, sustainable health care close to home.” Forkel emphasized the importance of expanding healthcare services for the residents of the Lake Region.
Background and Community Involvement
Altru Health System first announced plans to acquire the Devils Lake hospital in 2022, following increasing discussions about the need for healthcare improvements in the area. The dialogue gained momentum after Dick Johnson, then-mayor of Devils Lake, wrote an op-ed highlighting the community’s healthcare challenges.
CommonSpirit Health’s Central Region President Tim Bricker commented on the acquisition, noting, “This transition reflects a thoughtful, community-focused approach to ensuring long-term access to care while supporting the teams who serve patients every day.” The collaboration involved extensive community engagement, facilitated by Senator John Hoeven, who arranged meetings among stakeholders.
In a statement, Hoeven praised the efforts of Altru, CommonSpirit, and current Devils Lake Mayor Jim Moe in addressing healthcare needs. “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,” he said. He highlighted the collaboration as instrumental in achieving this agreement.
Leadership and Transition Plans
Initially, Altru had aimed for a takeover in spring 2025, but the timeline shifted as they awaited the Vatican’s approval to remove the hospital from the Catholic registry. Following the Vatican’s clearance, Altru appointed Tanner White as the CEO of the Devils Lake hospital. White, who previously held multiple leadership positions at Avera Health in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is already in place to lead the facility following the acquisition.
The successful negotiation and approval of this acquisition demonstrate a committed effort to enhance healthcare services for the residents of Devils Lake and surrounding areas. With Altru Health System stepping in, the future of healthcare in the Lake Region appears poised for improvement, ensuring that local communities have access to the care they need.
