Converdia Health Staffing and hospital purchasing organization Rural Health Alliance formally announced a partnership that includes the Rural Health Alliance acquiring a stake in the healthcare staffing provider.

Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota-based Converdia provides nursing, allied and physician staffing. Converdia founder and President Brian Rahman said the seeds for the idea of a healthcare staffing firm partnering with the purchasing organization began 30 years ago, when he and various rural healthcare CEOs experienced staffing needs within rural healthcare facilities. The deal is a win for both organizations with Converdia working to fill staffing needs at Rural Health Alliance members.

The Rural Health alliance is based in Alexandria, Minnesota. It was initially founded in 1983 by four rural hospitals in West Central Minnesota.

“This partnership is a perfect fit for both parties,” said Erik Malchow, president of the Rural Health Alliance.

The acquisition closed earlier this year.