Essentia Health is proud to announce that it has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation for its commitment to recruit, retain and celebrate veterans and military colleagues.

This recognition is a testament to the important and intentional work Essentia has undertaken to uplift veterans and current service members. That includes the health system’s Operation Undying Gratitude, a program that offers:

Differential pay to Essentia staff members on approved continuous leave for military service. This allows employees to continue receiving the same total compensation they would earn in their position with Essentia.

A focused employee assistance program (EAP), which can help with support for financial issues, parenting needs, counseling assistance and more.

Continued subsidized benefits for colleagues on an approved Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act leave of absence, for three months.

A colleague connection group to facilitate relationships among military colleagues.

“Supporting veterans and active military members is critically important at Essentia because it’s the right thing to do for them and for the patients and communities we are privileged to serve,” said Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman. “These individuals make enormous sacrifices to serve their country, and deserve our unequivocal support throughout that service. We take a lot of pride in standing side by side with these colleagues and offering them meaningful resources in recognition of their dedication to their military service and their colleagues and patients.”

The Military Friendly® distinction follows a prestigious accolade Essentia received in 2024 from the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Minnesota Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The ESGR presented Essentia with the Above and Beyond Award, recognizing organizations at the local level who go above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act to support their Guard and Reserve colleagues.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work that’s taken place over the past year through Operation Undying Gratitude to support our military community here at Essentia Health,” said IS Project Manager Hunter Sleen, who is currently deployed and has helped lead much of this work at Essentia. “From veterans to current service members and their families, we are surrounded by colleagues who give so much of themselves. It is truly humbling to see our organization giving back in such meaningful ways. With the strong backing of the Essentia Health leadership team, we’re not just honoring their service—we’re implementing real tools, policies and resources that are making a healthy difference in their lives.”

For more information and resources about Essentia’s commitment to hiring veterans and current military members, visit www.essentiacareers.org/military.

The Military Friendly® Employer designation is awarded by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned small business, and is based on public data and survey responses.

Essentia Health’s mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives. An integrated nonprofit health system, Essentia relentlessly pursues that mission at our 14 hospitals, 80 clinics, 30 retail pharmacies, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, two independent living facilities, seven ambulance services and one research institute. Essentia has about 15,500 employees, including 2,350 physicians and advanced practitioners who provide expert, compassionate care. Essentia serves patients in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.