Tennessee health system to acquire 25th hospital
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement for the sale of OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Miss., to Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Memorial Health Care.
The signing, announced Aug. 18, follows the board’s May vote naming Baptist Memorial Health Care its preferred partner. Closing is anticipated by the end of September 2025, pending regulatory review and customary conditions.
The agreement includes a $55 million purchase price and $96.8 million in capital commitments from the health system. Plans call for $34 million dedicated to expanding services and physician recruitment, with the remainder earmarked for infrastructure and technology upgrades.
“This is a landmark day for the future of health care in Oktibbeha County,” Marvell Howard, president of the county board, said in a news release. “Signing this agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care marks a pivotal step toward a partnership that will ensure our hospital not only survives but thrives.”
Other commitments outlined in the APA include:
- Employment offers for all active OCH staff at current benefit levels.
- Continuation of all existing hospital service lines.
- Expansion of clinical services and physician recruitment.
- Maintenance of ambulance service at current levels.
- Ongoing collaboration with Mississippi State University in student health, education and athletics.
- Creation of a local advisory board with majority representation from community residents.
“This brings us closer to welcoming OCH Regional Medical Center into our family and bringing significant healthcare resources and expertise to this community,” Jason Little, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care, said.
Baptist Memorial Health Care has 24 hospitals across Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, according to its website.
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