Grand Forks, N.D. (June 14, 2022) — Altru Health System and Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) have signed a letter of intent to work together in expanding inpatient behavioral health services. The two entities are exploring opportunities for an inpatient behavioral health facility in Grand Forks. The goal for this facility would be to increase the bed capacity that is currently available at Altru and accommodate both adult and pediatric patients.
“We understand the urgent need for improved access to behavioral health services in our community and throughout our state,” shares Todd Forkel, CEO of Altru Health System. “A collaborative effort with a nationally recognized organization like UHS provides the opportunity to greatly increase this access and provide outstanding care to the residents of our region. Altru is committed to being a leader in the treatment mental and behavioral health and chemical dependency in our state.”
The specifics of the collaboration are still to be determined. The two entities will work together in the coming months to determine the best course forward in executing on the goal of expanding behavioral health services in Greater Grand Forks and beyond.
“As our nation faces compounding crises, the need for high-quality mental healthcare has never been more important especially as the rate of suicide and calls for help have been increasing over the last few years,” said Jeff Herman, Group CEO, Behavioral Health, UHS. “It is exciting to explore options with Altru Health System to bring more beds to this region. We recognize Altru Health System shares our mission and vision to provide patients and their loved ones with compassionate behavioral healthcare, services and support.”
About Altru Health System
Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Altru Health System is a physician-led, multispecialty group practice with an acute care hospital, Level II trauma center, specialty hospital, more than two dozen Grand Forks and regional practice locations, and a large home care network. Altru Health System was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise to the patients we serve. For more information, visit altru.org.
About Universal Health Services
One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since our inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, our annual revenues were approximately $12.6 billion in 2021. In 2022, UHS was again recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #297 on the Fortune 500; and in 2021 ranked #307 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Public Companies.
Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was upon the Company’s founding in 1979, enabling us to provide compassionate care to our patients and their loved ones. Our strategy includes building high quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets, investing in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and becoming the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 89,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates 28 acute care hospitals, 335 behavioral health facilities, 40 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 39 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. It acts as the advisor to Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust (NYSE:UHT).
Contact
For more information
Marketing Communications Altru Health System [email protected]
Jane Crawford Universal Health Services, Inc. [email protected]
