Altru Health System and Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) have taken the next step to expand inpatient behavioral health services at Altru as they celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony on June 17, 2025. The groundbreaking, which marks the beginning of the design and construction process, was for the expansion of the inpatient unit at Altru Behavioral Health Center.
Altru Behavioral Health Center currently has 24 licensed beds, operates under the license of Altru, is accredited by The Joint Commission, and maintains licensure by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Altru Behavioral Health Center also houses outpatient behavioral health services, bringing a seamless care experience for patients.
The expansion project will increase the inpatient unit to 48 licensed beds and is set to be completed by the fall of 2026. This expansion was made possible with support from North Dakota state funding, which was part of a bill that passed this legislative session. Altru will receive $12.96 million from the state to support this project and increase access to important services for the residents of North Dakota.
“The newly renovated Altru Behavioral Health Center and planned expansion is a symbol of Altru’s commitment to improving behavioral health services for our community,” shares Todd Forkel, CEO of Altru Health System. “With the expansion, we feel we can serve even more people across the state. We are grateful to our legislative representatives who elevated the need for behavioral healthcare, supporting a bill that made this funding possible. In partnership with UHS, an expert in this space, we are grateful for the opportunity to support many more patients in need of these services.”
“As our nation faces compounding crises, the need for high-quality mental healthcare has never been more important, especially as the rate of calls for help has been increasing over the last few years,” said Matt Peterson, President, Behavioral Health Division, UHS. “It is exciting to advance the plan with Altru Health System and to bring more beds to the Red River Valley. We recognize Altru Health System shares our mission and vision to provide patients and their loved ones with compassionate behavioral healthcare, services, and support. With UHS’ vast expertise and industry-leading patient outcomes across the U.S., we look forward to bringing our experience to Altru to ultimately bring more care and services to the Red River Valley and the broader state of North Dakota.”
The groundbreaking celebration, held on June 17 at the site of the expansion, included commentary by Governor Kelly Armstrong; Dr. Josh Deere, Altru’s President; Todd Forkel, Altru’s CEO; Matt Peterson, President, UHS Health Division; and North Dakota House Representative Emily O’Brien, who championed the bill that made the funding for this expansion possible.
