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Effective today, South Dakota-based Sanford Health (Sanford) and North Dakota-based MeritCare Health System (MeritCare) have merged to become one of the country's largest integrated health care systems.

The new organization, Sanford Health-MeritCare, is the largest, not-for-profit rural health care provider in the nation based on gross revenues, patient beds, and number of full time employees serving a significant patient volume outside of major metropolitan areas, according to Health Care Advisory Board.

Sanford Health-MeritCare encompasses six states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma with 17,400 employees and in excess of 800 physicians, 70 specialty areas in medicine, 29 hospitals, over 1,600 beds, serving over 2 million people in the service area. The combined annual net revenue is $2 billion.

"Our commitment is to pursue a world class reputation for medical care, to be nationally relevant as one of its best performing health care organizations, and to find a cure for devastating diseases affecting the health of the people we serve," commented Kelby Krabbenhoft, newly appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Sanford Health-MeritCare. "We believe these objectives are what we have been called to do because of the history, stature, and ability of our organization and physicians and staff. We also believe our efforts will be a source of confidence and pride throughout our entire region."

Other priorities for the merged organization include: new services in centers for heart health, cancer treatment, women's, children's, ER and trauma, and orthopedics.

MeritCare, North Dakota's largest health system is known for regional excellence in a number of clinical specialties such as the Roger Maris Cancer Center, Heart Center, and Children's Hospital. It has a strong record of research and educational activities, and supporting new health care developments and community service programs. Sanford Health is composed of Sanford Clinic, Sanford USD Medical Center and a network of community hospitals and clinics in South Dakota, Southwest Minnesota, Northwest Iowa, and Northeast Nebraska. It is known for its comprehensive health services, and growing research and education programs.

Current Growth Plans for the Organization include:

*Southern Region - The construction of a new Sanford Heart Hospital and a new research center building in Sioux Falls, as well as a new hospital in Aberdeen and a long-term care facility in Chamberlain, both in South Dakota.
*Northern Region - Plans call for the construction of a 25-bed critical access hospital in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and a new clinic in Mayville, North Dakota.
*MeritCare Master Facility Plan - Identify expansion for emergency, trauma, and air transport services, and a new, expanded Roger Maris Cancer Center. And the Agassiz Crossing property in southwest Fargo is being evaluated for future development for growth purposes.