Sanford Health

Sanford Health is a nonprofit, integrated healthcare delivery system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is the largest rural health system in the United States, providing comprehensive healthcare services across the upper Midwest.

Overview

Sanford Health operates a vast network of medical facilities, including 56 hospitals, more than 270 clinic locations, and 144 senior care communities. The organization employs over 42,000 people and includes over 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers. It serves more than 2.4 million patients and has a significant presence in major healthcare specialties such as cancer, children's health, heart care, orthopedics, and sports medicine.

History

Sanford Health has its roots in the early healthcare developments in the Dakotas. The Sioux Falls Hospital was established in 1894, and St. Luke's Hospital in Fargo followed in 1908. Over the years, these institutions grew into integrated hospital-clinic systems known as Sioux Valley Health System and MeritCare Health System. In 2007, the Sioux Valley Health System was renamed Sanford Health after T. Denny Sanford's $400 million donation. MeritCare merged with Sanford in 2009. Subsequent mergers with North Country Regional Health and Medcenter One Health Systems further expanded Sanford's reach.

Community Commitment

Sanford Health is deeply committed to community development and improving public health. The organization invests in initiatives that enhance health access and address disparities. An annual Community Commitment report highlights its programs and priorities in community health.

Operations

Sanford Health delivers a wide range of healthcare services, including outpatient care, admissions, surgeries, emergency department visits, and innovative clinical trials. The system also operates nine world clinic locations globally.

Sanford Health continues to evolve and expand its services, focusing on integrating technology, such as virtual care, to serve rural and underserved areas more effectively.