Catholic Health Initiatives of Englewood, Colo., and Avera Health of Sioux Falls, S.D., have signed a letter of intent to explore options for their Pierre, S.D. ministries. CHI, which initiated the talks, has a health care network in Pierre, and Avera has a multi-practice medical clinic.
CHI and Avera called the letter of intent a first step toward formal discussions, and Avera's Daryl Thuringer said the systems have not yet determined the nature of the affiliation. "We are keeping all doors open at this time," he said. He is vice president of marketing and public relations for Avera.
CHI's St. Mary's Healthcare Center includes a 60-bed hospital, a critical access hospital and four long-term care facilities around Pierre and Gettysburg, S.D. — CHI has no other facilities in South Dakota. Avera's clinic is called Avera Medical Group Pierre. Avera has four regional medical centers and a network of other facilities in South Dakota.