Two systems, one vision

When we merged, we grew. You’ll still visit the doctors you know and trust. You’ll also have access to more resources and a broader network of top-tier clinical services, shared provider expertise, innovative medical education programs that produce more doctors, nurses and technicians, state-of-the-art technology and digital healthcare tools that bring care options into your home. 

As not-for-profit health systems, Gundersen and Bellin Health champion work in health equity, access to preventive health services and behavioral health or mental well-being support services. Together, we’ll continue to lead advancements in population health—an approach that cares for everyone’s physical health, mental and financial well-being, life at home and more. We are committed to seeing our communities flourish, beyond what we do for patients within our walls.

Gundersen and Bellin Health invest in our communities. We’re equally proud of that. Together, we'll continue our shared mission to bring health equity, access to preventive health services and needed behavioral health and mental well-being support services to our communities. As not-for-profits, Gundersen and Bellin Health invest more than $210 million each year in the communities they serve. The investment supports organizations and events committed to building community health and well-being, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth.

We both put people first. The people and communities we serve are at the core of our care and service, and our systems’ missions, visions and values complement each other. We each have our own unique clinical and operational strengths, but fundamental to both is quality, experience and affordability in care. 

Both organizations work to reduce the cost of care and accelerate the pathway to better health outcomes. Together, we'll pursue growth opportunities, participate in lower-cost, value-based care contracts and share resources. Our partnership will bring new opportunities to expand important community-minded work. As not-for-profit healthcare systems, we reinvest profits in patient care and our communities. They’re used to maintain or lower health insurance premiums and improve care outcomes.

Gundersen and Bellin Health are top employers, but we’re in a tight and dynamic labor market. A partnership can help us recruit and retain more top-tier clinicians and employees. Now more than ever, talented people who feel valued and supported are essential to help us continue our mission of care. Combining the strength of Gundersen’s Medical Education program with the nursing and medical imaging training of Bellin Health through Bellin College, we aim to produce more nurses, radiologists and technicians. We will address clinician needs and nursing shortages together.

Not immediately. Moving forward, Gundersen and Bellin Health will evaluate health plan strategies to deliver the best care at the lowest cost. 

For now, we’ll keep our names as we explore what impact the merger may have on naming conventions. We’ll do our research before we make any changes.

Gundersen CEO Scott Rathgaber, MD, will serve as CEO of the new system. Bellin Health President and CEO Chris Woleske will serve as System Executive Vice President and Regional President of the Bellin Region. Gundersen Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer Heather Schimmers will serve as regional president of the Gundersen region. The chair of the newly formed board is John Dykema, existing chair of the Bellin Health Board of Directors.

No. Gundersen will still call La Crosse home. Bellin will still call Green Bay home. This is a merger of equals, with a balanced leadership structure that places each of the two top positions — CEO and board chair — in different regions to ensure shared decision-making and equal representation.