Essentia hospitals in Brainerd, Detroit Lakes ranked among the best by Forbes

September 3, 2026 - 21:43

Two Essentia Health hospitals in central and northern Minnesota have been recognized for their high-quality care, landing on Forbes' list of the best hospitals in the state for 2026. Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd and Essentia Health St. Mary's-Detroit Lakes both received the distinction, placing them among the top medical providers in Minnesota.

The recognition reflects a sustained effort by staff at both facilities to focus on patient outcomes and safety. Forbes compiled its rankings using data from patient surveys, hospital quality metrics, and input from medical professionals across the country. The list highlights facilities that go beyond standard care, showing strong performance in areas like infection control, nursing communication, and follow-up care after discharge.

Leaders at Essentia said the honor belongs to the doctors, nurses, and support teams who work directly with patients every day. They noted that the recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from both patient feedback and independent evaluations of clinical performance.

For residents in the Brainerd lakes area and the Detroit Lakes region, the ranking offers a measure of confidence when choosing where to receive care. Both hospitals have long served as key health resources for their communities, offering emergency services, surgical care, and a range of specialty treatments.

Being named to the Forbes list puts these two Essentia locations in select company statewide. It also reinforces the health system's broader mission to deliver care that is both compassionate and effective, close to home for the people who live in greater Minnesota.