The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health are proposing to form a nonprofit that would invest up to $1 billion in improving statewide health care access over five years.

MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota has found a new healthcare partner in Essentia Health. In a news release, the two organizations described their new partnership as a "bold vision to write the next chapter of healthcare for, and to best serve the healthcare needs of, all Minnesotans."

Our state’s healthcare providers and leaders, as well as everyday Minnesotans, have said loud and clear that we need a healthcare transformation in Minnesota to increase access to care and keep