MOUNT VERNON — Knox Community Hospital has signed a definitive agreement to join Kettering Health, a nonprofit healthcare system in western Ohio.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in a process focused on strengthening and growing local access to care and investing in Knox Community Hospital’s future. The two organizations signed a letter of intent in July.
“This agreement moves us closer to a future that builds on the strengths of Knox Community Hospital while giving us greater resources to grow and meet the changing needs of our community,” said Bruce D. White, KCH president and CEO.
“Kettering Health shares our commitment to keeping care local, supporting our physicians and employees, and investing in the services and technology our patients need.”
The definitive agreement is the formal contract that outlines the terms for Knox Community Hospital to join Kettering Health. The transaction is not yet final and still subject to customary closing conditions and legal and regulatory reviews. The organizations expect Knox Community Hospital to officially join Kettering Health by Jan. 1, 2027.
The decision to move forward follows a thorough and deliberate process led by the Knox Community Hospital Board of Trustees, along with hospital and physician leadership. Throughout the process, the priority has been strengthening trusted care close to home while positioning the hospital for long-term sustainability.
“This agreement reflects what has mattered most to our board throughout this process,” said Board Chair Marc Odenweller. “It supports continued high-quality care, important local services and the people who make that care possible, while giving Knox Community Hospital access to greater resources and expertise for the future. We are confident this is a strong path forward for the hospital and our community.”
Investing in the future
“We are honored by the trust Knox Community Hospital has placed in Kettering Health and grateful for the opportunity to move forward together,” Kettering Health CEO Michael Gentry said.
“We see tremendous opportunity to build on Knox Community Hospital’s strengths through continued investment, expanded resources and a shared commitment to compassionate care for the people of Knox County and look forward to the work ahead as we begin this important next chapter.”
As part of the agreement, Kettering Health has committed a significant capital investment intended to upgrade facilities, equipment and technology, including the implementation of Epic, an electronic health records system.
Under the agreement, Kettering Health remains committed to supporting workplace stability through the transition, and maintaining current Knox Community Hospital services, with a shared goal of enhancing and expanding care to meet this community’s growing needs.
To help ensure local perspectives remain, a Knox Community Hospital Advisory Board, made up of current board members, will provide input on community priorities. Knox Community Hospital will also maintain charity care and financial assistance policies consistent with those in place today.
In the coming months, the organizations will continue permitted transition planning while completing the remaining steps required to close.
For more information and updates about Knox Community Hospital’s plans, visit https://www.kch.org/strong-future-local-care.