Staff Reports

news@times-journal.com

FORT PAYNE, AL -- Huntsville Hospital Health System (HHHS), headquartered in Huntsville has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DeKalb Regional Medical Center, a 134-bed hospital in Fort Payne, AL and its related physician clinics and other outpatient facilities. 

Joining HHHS will bring DeKalb Regional Medical Center into its network of 13 hospitals across Alabama and Tennessee. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, HHHS is governed by the Health Care Authority of the City of Huntsville. 

Jeff Samz, CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, said, “We look forward to DeKalb Regional Medical Center joining our organization. DeKalb Regional has a great history of serving its community. HH Health System is an organization of like-minded hospitals that believe patients are best served close to home. Our mission includes helping rural communities maintain local access to quality care. Together, we are stronger in today’s challenging environment. So, we’re very excited about working with this great hospital and serving the people of Fort Payne and DeKalb County.”

Samz also expressed appreciation for the DeKalb County Hospital Association’s support, particularly its chairman, Mike Leath. DCHA will continue to operate the DeKalb Ambulance Service as a separate organization.

“We are excited to join the Huntsville Hospital Health System family of hospitals,” said Darrell Blaylock, CEO of DeKalb Regional Medical Center. “We share a common goal of preserving local access to healthcare, and being part of this regional network that allows us to continue our tradition of local care in DeKalb County.”

HHHS is committed to employee retention and has indicated that employment will continue for substantially all employees in good standing at the time of transition.

Nathaniel Ledbetter, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives from DeKalb County, expressed support for the new relationship. “Providing access to quality health care in rural Alabama is a challenge that remains a top priority. We must work collaboratively to keep our rural hospitals open. I’m thankful for Huntsville Hospital’s commitment to ensuring the people of DeKalb County and the surrounding area continue to have access to the care they need.”

Kelly Owen, a longtime hospital supporter and community supporter, said, “Our family has always strived to work towards improving our hometown. The hospital is instrumental in the welfare of our community. Now more than ever, it is essential to have strong, innovative leadership from the hospital that serves such a vital role in our community’s healthcare. We look forward to the growth and positive impact the Huntsville Hospital organization will bring to our community.”

The transaction is expected to be finalized on March 31, 2024, pending any required regulatory approvals.