New location answers patient demand

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. – When Sanford Health Equip opened its doors in Detroit Lakes, Minn., they already had 10 patients scheduled—which isn’t surprising—considering their patients had been asking for a new store. 

"Prior to opening, patients from Detroit Lakes and surrounding communities were traveling to other Equip locations for services and supplies,” said Kirsten Schaffer, director of business development and strategy. “So, opening in Detroit Lakes was an easy decision for us.”  

With 30 locations in four states across the upper Midwest, Sanford Health Equip offers CPAP equipment, daily living aids, orthotic and prosthetics, mastectomy products, mobility aids and more. It’s also part of a larger health system. Based in Sioux Falls, S.D., Sanford Health includes 46 hospitals, 1,500 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and 10 countries.  

Being affiliated with a robust healthcare system does have its benefits. 

“It grants us the ability to be more lean in operations, to control expenses and reduce duplication of supportive service roles, such as supply chain, legal, human resources, IT and marketing,” said Schaffer. “The purchase volume of our large health system also allows us to utilize distribution partners that may have been previously unavailable to us.” 

One misconception, however, is that Equip exclusively supports Sanford Health providers or that Sanford Health providers only refer to Equip, says Schaffer. 

“We serve everyone regardless of the healthcare system they see,” she said. “Patients have a choice where they receive care and we fully support that.” 

While the company is mum on future expansion, Schaffer says, “Equip is continually evaluating the health care needs of the communities in our footprint.”