Carris Health Announces Name Change to CentraCare

Transition aligns organization under one unified name

Carris Health announced today it is changing its name to CentraCare for all Carris Health entities in Willmar, Redwood Falls and New London. The name change reflects a cohesive focus as Carris Health and CentraCare have developed shared processes and strategies, including creating a Rural Health division, since Carris Health was formed in 2018 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CentraCare.

The name change will further create unity within the CentraCare organization and make it easier for community members to understand how all CentraCare sites are connected. The updated brand identity communicates more clearly that all CentraCare locations are working together to improve the lives of patients across Minnesota.

“CentraCare and Carris Health were already connected through our common culture, purpose and mission,” Ken Holmen, President and CEO, said. “Now, we will also be connected through one unified name – CentraCare.”

“When Carris Health formed, we chose a different name because our rural health area was newly defined within the CentraCare family,” Cindy Firkins Smith, MD, Senior Vice President of Rural Health, said. “In 2021, CentraCare developed a Rural Health division and now our system has further aligned, while still focusing on the distinct needs of rural communities. Our commitment to our patients defines us, and that will not change as a result of this name conversion.”

“This past year has shown that we are better together. CentraCare and Carris Health routinely had to innovate and find new patient-centered solutions to various challenges,” Carnie Allex, President, Carris Health – Redwood, said. “The shared efficiencies and processes we collectively developed over the past two years demonstrated our dedication to being our best for our patients, and this shift in names makes it clear to our communities that we are one, united CentraCare.”

“Patients and families will benefit from this brand alignment as it makes it easier for community members to understand how each CentraCare location is connected,” said Firkins Smith. “For example, patients frequently received correspondence from both Carris Health and CentraCare, which can be confusing. A single brand name will make documents and information easier for patients to understand how we collectively work together to provide expert health care that is close to home.”

Work has already begun internally to change names and logos to CentraCare. Communities served by Carris Health will start to see changes on June 1 as the organization changes signage, appointment reminders, email addresses, patient correspondence and more. The Carris Health to CentraCare brand transition is expected to be completed over the next 12 months.