Baptist Health to Acquire Drew Memorial in Monticello

Drew Memorial Health System in Monticello (Photo provided by Baptist Health)

Baptist Health announced an agreement to acquire Drew Memorial Health System in Monticello.

Under the deal, nonprofit Drew Memorial’s 60-bed hospital will be renamed “Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County.” It will be the 12th hospital in the Baptist system. Baptist will also take over two clinics and Drew Memorial’s home health services.

The deal is pending regulatory approval. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In a news release Friday, Baptist said it will immediately begin managing Drew Memorial’s general operations.

“In today’s challenging health care environment, it is not uncommon for independent community hospitals to look for a system partner,” Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health, said in the release. “Baptist Health has a proven track record for operating our rural hospitals efficiently, allowing them to remain viable while providing quality health care in much needed areas of our state.”

Drew Memorial has about 350 employees at its Monticello campus.

The health system offers services including cancer and infusion center, emergency department, wound center, rehab therapy, respiratory therapy, women’s services, a sleep center, radiology and laboratory.

“This is an energizing and exciting day for Drew County and the surrounding communities,” Scott Barrilleaux, CEO for Drew County Memorial Hospital, said in the release. “To combine forces with the outstanding reputation of the Baptist Health team will complement the quality of care this area has come to expect.”