Sanford Health

Sanford Health. It is one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, with a primary service area spanning the Midwest and Great Plains regions. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the integrated network operates numerous hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The system is also notable for its significant investments in genomic medicine and biomedical research, largely fueled by historic philanthropic gifts from businessman Denny Sanford.

History

The system originated in 1894 with the founding of Sioux Falls Hospital by a group of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This institution later became known as Sioux Valley Hospital and eventually merged with the Dakota Clinic network in the 1990s. A transformative moment occurred in 2007 when philanthropist Denny Sanford donated a landmark $400 million to the organization, which was subsequently renamed in his honor. This gift catalyzed a major expansion, including the 2009 merger with the North Dakota-based MeritCare Health System, solidifying its regional dominance. Further growth continued through acquisitions like the Tracy-based Sanford Tracy Medical Center and partnerships across Iowa and Nebraska.

Operations and facilities

Sanford Health operates a vast network of more than 47 medical centers and hundreds of clinics across several states, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Its flagship facility is the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which houses a Level I trauma center and serves as a major teaching hospital. Other significant campuses include Sanford Medical Center Fargo in North Dakota and Sanford Medical Center Bismarck. The system also provides extensive rural health services through its critical access hospitals and employs over 48,000 staff members, including more than 1,400 physicians.

Research and education

Research initiatives are centralized at the Sanford Research institute, which focuses on areas like pediatric genomics, cancer biology, and type 1 diabetes. A cornerstone is the Sanford Children’s Genomic Medicine Consortium, launched following a $300 million gift from Denny Sanford. The system is a major academic partner, serving as the primary teaching affiliate for the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine. It also supports numerous graduate medical education programs, training residents and fellows across multiple specialties, and collaborates with institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health on clinical trials.

Sanford Health Plan

The Sanford Health Plan is a wholly-owned health maintenance organization and insurance subsidiary offering coverage to individuals, employers, and Medicaid beneficiaries in South Dakota and North Dakota. It was originally established in the 1990s as Sioux Valley Health Plan and was rebranded following the system's naming change. The plan emphasizes integrated care models and often partners closely with Sanford Health providers and facilities. It participates in public programs like South Dakota Medicaid and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act.

Notable programs and initiatives

The system is renowned for the Sanford Imagenetics program, which integrates clinical genetics into primary care. Its Sanford Sports division operates the Sanford Pentagon sports complex and sponsors the Sanford International PGA Tour Champions golf tournament. Other major initiatives include the Sanford World Clinic, which establishes partnerships for improving health globally, and the Sanford Burnham Prebys medical discovery institute collaboration. The Sanford Health Foundation coordinates philanthropic efforts, including the "Sanford Match" program for doubling donations to children's health.

Leadership and governance

The system is governed by a board of trustees comprising community and business leaders from across its service region. As of 2024, the president and chief executive officer is Bill Gassen, who succeeded longtime CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft. Executive leadership also includes the presidents of major operating divisions like Sanford Medical Center Fargo and Sanford Health Plan. The organization's strategic direction and philanthropic endeavors remain closely associated with its principal benefactor, Denny Sanford, who serves as an emeritus member of the board.