Memorial and Deaconess Hospital Seek Affiliation

Jasper- Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (MHHCC) shared on September 27, 2021 the intent  to secure a new sponsor, noting the Little Company of Mary Sisters would eventually not have the  capacity to provide ongoing sponsorship for Memorial Hospital and its healthcare ministry. 

As a strategic  next step, the Board of Directors and Administrative Staff immediately began a deliberate process over  the last eighteen months to create a long-term solution for MHHCC that will support the mission and  culture well into the future. 

Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Deaconess Health System announced the signing of a  Letter of Intent for the organizations to affiliate. The Letter of Intent (LOI) includes significant commitments for continued investment in Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center. This affiliation  represents a strong commitment for MHHCC employees, the medical staff, and the services provided at  MHHCC. The LOI was reviewed and approved by the Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center Board of  Directors. 

Jim Huebner, MHHCC Board Chairperson said, “We are excited to announce the first step toward an  affiliation with Deaconess Health System that will allow Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center to  maintain its culture as a Catholic organization known for faith-based, high-quality care and will ensure the  commitment to the community to retain appropriate local decision making.”  

“This decision is the right choice to secure our future, enabling our employees and medical staff to  provide high-quality, compassionate care to the communities we serve for years to come,” said E. Kyle  Bennett, President and CEO, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center.  

“Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center has a proud history and tradition in Dubois County and  surrounding communities,” said Shawn McCoy, CEO, Deaconess Health System. “Deaconess strongly  believes in the importance of local decisions and local leadership for healthcare organizations. Our  affiliation will continue to promote this local focus, and collaboration with the physicians, leaders and  staff at MHHCC and will ensure this affiliation is beneficial to the communities we serve now and in the  future.”

The Letter of Intent continues Memorial Hospital’s 71-year Catholic legacy and its connection to the  communities it serves. It provides for an ongoing commitment to advancing Memorial’s existing mission  and unique culture as a faith-based Catholic hospital governed by its local board of directors. In addition,  philanthropy and volunteer support will continue to benefit MHHCC and the community. 

Sister Renee Cunningham LCM, Secretary of the Board of Directors said, “We remain committed to our  Mission, our employees, our medical staff, and the communities we serve as we continue this process.”  

With the Letter of Intent completed, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center and Deaconess Health  System now begin work on a definitive agreement. Completing the affiliation is subject to completion of  due diligence and reaching a definitive agreement by both parties as well as regulatory and Catholic  Church approvals.