For Immediate Release
October 21, 2026
Media Contact:
Karna Fronden
Public Relations Manager, CentraCare
320-251-2700, ext. 71381
[email protected]
The two organizations plan to build on a longstanding relationship serving patients and communities in Central Minnesota
St. Cloud, Minn. – CentraCare and Stellis Health today announced plans for Stellis Health to become part of CentraCare, bringing together two organizations with a shared commitment to serving patients and communities across Central Minnesota.
The proposed agreement would bring Stellis physicians, advanced practice providers and team members into CentraCare, building on a longstanding partnership and creating opportunities to improve the patient experience. Together, the organizations aim to strengthen coordination between primary care, specialty care and hospital services, making it easier for patients to access the care they need, when and where they need it. At the same time, both organizations remain committed to honoring patient choice, including where and from whom patients receive care.
For 75 years, Stellis Health has been a trusted healthcare provider in Monticello, Buffalo, St. Michael, Albertville, and surrounding communities, a commitment that will continue as part of CentraCare. The organizations already have a strong working relationship, particularly in Monticello, where Stellis physicians provide care at CentraCare – Monticello Hospital. Both organizations also use Epic, an electronic medical record system that supports coordination of patient care.
“Healthcare is changing rapidly, and we need to be thoughtful about how we position our organizations for the future,” said Ken Holmen, MD, CentraCare President and CEO. “Stellis is a strong organization that we know well and respect. Bringing our organizations together builds on an already successful relationship and creates opportunities to better connect primary care, specialty care and hospital services, making it easier for patients to access the care they need.”
“For 75 years, Stellis Health has been part of the communities we serve, and that commitment isn’t changing,” said Brent Wilde, Stellis Health CEO. “Our providers and employees have built lasting relationships with patients and families who count on us. CentraCare is a partner we know and trust, and we believe this next step will allow us to build on that strong history while continuing to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.”
“For generations, Stellis has been built on the simple idea of neighbors caring for neighbors,” said Frank Anderson, MD, Stellis Health President. “That commitment has shaped the relationships we’ve built with patients, families and communities over the past 75 years. We see this partnership with CentraCare as an opportunity to carry those values forward while strengthening access to care for the communities we serve.”
Stellis Shareholders have voted to move forward with the plans. The organizations will now work to complete final agreements and required regulatory review and approval, with a goal of Stellis becoming part of CentraCare on Jan. 1, 2027.
For now, Stellis clinics and team members will continue operating as usual, and patients can continue seeing their current providers.
If the agreement is finalized, operational integration will take place thoughtfully over time. CentraCare and Stellis will work together to determine how and when systems, services and other operations are integrated, with a focus on continuity of care and supporting patients, providers and team members throughout the process.
About CentraCare
CentraCare is an integrated, not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of people across Central, Southwest and West Central Minnesota. CentraCare provides care through hospitals located in St. Cloud, Benson, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville, Redwood Falls, Sauk Centre and Willmar, along with primary care, specialty care and community-based services throughout the region.
With a strong focus on rural health care, CentraCare is one of Minnesota’s largest health systems and is proud to provide expert care close to home. As an academic health system, CentraCare is committed to training the next generation of physicians and health care professionals while expanding access to high-quality care throughout Greater Minnesota. Learn more at CentraCare.com.
About Stellis Health
Stellis Health is a physician-owned medical group that has served Wright County and surrounding communities for 75 years. With more than 60 providers and locations in Buffalo and Monticello, Stellis Health offers primary care, specialty care, urgent care and a variety of other healthcare services. Guided by its commitment to Neighbors Caring for Neighbors, Stellis Health has built a longstanding tradition of personalized, high-quality care and trusted relationships with patients and families. Learn more at StellisHealth.com.
