A one-hospital organization in northeastern Ohio plans to merge with Humility of Mary Health Partners of Youngstown, Ohio, in a deal that likely will close this summer.
The nonprofit River Valley Health Partners of East Liverpool, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to join Humility of Mary. River Valley includes the 156-bed East Liverpool City Hospital, a physician group, a home health organization and other services around East Liverpool, which is about 40 miles south of Youngstown. Humility of Mary includes three hospitals, home health services, eldercare facilities and other services around Youngstown. Humility of Mary is part of Cincinnati-based Catholic Health Partners.
According to a joint news release, River Valley had been seeking a partner that would lend financial stability and leadership "in times of great challenge." Kenneth Cochran, River Valley president and chief executive, said River Valley will be able to serve more patients in more ways once it is integrated with Humility of Mary.
Humility of Mary President and Chief Executive Bob Shroder said in the press release that the merger is part of a strategic effort to develop a network of health care services.
Under the deal that Humility of Mary and River Valley are negotiating, the River Valley board plans to establish the RVHP Healthcare Foundation by the end of this year to provide health care to the poor and underserved.
The two organizations were not commenting further on the deal.
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