Community organizing won meaningful benefits in the Sanford-North Memorial acquisition.
Now, another out-of-state health system is seeking to acquire Allina Health. We’re fighting for strong community benefits and a healthcare system that puts Minnesotans first.
OUR CARE IS
NOT FOR SALE.
Big changes
are coming.
An out-of-state health system is seeking to acquire Allina Health, one of Minnesota's largest healthcare networks.
Our care
is on the line.
The Sutter Health-Allina deal could reshape where we get care, what it costs, and who makes decisions about the hospitals and clinics we depend on.
No one should have to...
- Put off care because you're afraid of the bill
- Drive an hour just to see the specialist you need
- Lose your doctor or clinic because a hospital restructures or closes
Sutter Health acquired hospitals in Northern California, where it now dominates the market. Now, patients pay 70% more for hospital stays than patients in Southern California.
A community
benefits
agreement.
Before this deal moves forward, we're calling on hospital CEOs and state leaders to negotiate a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement that puts commitments to Minnesotans in writing.
We need hospital CEOs to commit to...
- Keep our healthcare costs from getting even higher
- Maintain services and keep facilities open that our families depend on
- Stronger worker protections for healthcare providers, hospital staff, including honoring existing labor contracts
Stories from minnesotans
Allina Health has been my healthcare provider since I was diagnosed with HIV on October 31, 2017. They caught it early, started treatment, and have continued to provide the care that has allowed me to live a healthy life. My healthcare team has been there through one of the most difficult moments of my life, and that continuity of care has meant everything to me. Because of that experience, I believe any merger or acquisition should prioritize patients and the communities they serve — not just financial considerations. I worry that decisions made farther away from Minnesota could affect access to care, affordability, staffing, and the long-term relationships that patients build with their providers. I hope state leaders require strong, enforceable community protections so that people like me can continue receiving the quality, compassionate care we depend on.
Min. Isiah Dennis, St. Paul
In January 2020, my 31 year old son passed away calmly and without pain at North Memorial Robbinsdale after shooting himself in the head. The concern and compassion extended to me from the moment I appeared at the emergency room desk was extraordinary. Many hospital employees and volunteers were brought into service to meet whatever needs I expressed or were deemed important by staff. I was so grateful for that and I wonder how that situation might be handled by a conglomerate hospital.
Mary D., Robbinsdale
My husband, Dale, slipped on the ice and hit his head. When the ambulance arrived, the EMT’s determined that he needed to go to a level 1 trauma facility and that was North Memorial Robbinsdale. If you’ve ever had a ride in an ambulance, CLOSE is key! My concern with the proposed acquisition is that the high quality of medical staff and patient care could be lost. When you are in a life and death situation, having a first rate medical facility in your neighborhood is so very critical. As seniors on a fixed income, medical costs with the ever increasing insurance rates, co-pays and even routine services are a major concern. Affordable patient care for my loved ones, my community and myself is more than a business decision, it is a moral obligation to take care of each other the very best we can.
Lona F., Golden Valley
For me and my neighbors, North Memorial Robbinsdale is more than a nearby hospital — it’s our closest emergency room and an essential part of our community. Its cardiac unit and Level 1 Trauma Center give us peace of mind knowing that critical care is close by when we need it.
I recently experienced that care firsthand after injuring my wrist. I was seen quickly, received the X-rays I needed, and was treated with thoughtfulness and care.
I worry about what Sanford Health’s acquisition of North Memorial could mean for me and my neighbors. Like many seniors, I also live on a fixed income. I worry that a corporate acquisition could not only put local services at risk, but also lead to higher healthcare costs that I can’t afford.
We need to make sure North Memorial Robbinsdale remains here and continues providing the care we depend on.
Nancy E., Robbinsdale
