Samaritan & Santiam Request Approval of Affiliation from Oregon Health Authority October 3, 2024 Samaritan Health Services and Santiam Hospital & Clinics have signed a definitive agreement and are seeking approval from the Oregon Health Authority to affiliate in early summer of 2025. The two organizations signed a nonbinding letter of intent (LOI) in late May to allow the parties to further evaluate the affiliation with the anticipated outcome of Santiam Hospital & Clinics becoming part of Samaritan Health Services. “We are excited to take this next step with Santiam Hospital & Clinics, transitioning our collective intent into a joint action plan,” said Doug Boysen, president and chief executive officer of Samaritan Health Services. “In the months since we signed the LOI, we have held town halls in Stayton, Turner, and Mill City. Through this process our enthusiasm has only grown,” said Maggie Hudson, president and chief executive officer of Santiam Hospital & Clinics. “Our two organizations are closely aligned, and our collective strengths position us well for continued vitality so we both remain long-lasting, community-focused institutions.” As nonprofit, community-based health systems with similar missions, visions, values, and cultures, both organizations share a commitment to keeping services local. If approved by OHA, joining together through affiliation would strengthen both organizations through increased access to services, improving health equity and enhancing services provided to communities throughout the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon coast regions. As previously announced, the organizations are committed to maintaining local governance, local leadership and retaining existing staff and clinicians. “To fulfill our mission, we value the contributions of our dedicated staff and clinicians. We know that bringing together expertise from both systems will enhance our respective operations and services,” said Hudson. Samaritan Health Services Samaritan Health Services is a nonprofit regional health system that brings together five community hospitals, more than 100 physician clinics and multiple health insurance plans to serve more than 290,000 residents in Oregon’s Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties. Samaritan employs more than 6,000 workers, including 620 clinicians, and is governed by a volunteer board, which includes community members, physicians and hospital leaders. samhealth.org Santiam Hospital & Clinics Santiam Hospital & Clinics is also a nonprofit health care organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. Santiam Hospital & Clinics is comprised of an independent, acute-care hospital in Stayton, Oregon, operating 11 clinics serving the Santiam Canyon in Marion and Linn counties. Santiam Hospital & Clinics serves more than 40,000 residents and employs more than 600 staff, including 70 medical staff who are committed to excellence in community-based care. santiamhospital.org
