Starkville, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Baptist Memorial Health has acquired OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Mississippi, committing $55 million for the purchase and an additional $96.8 million for improvements. Mac Flynt is appointed as the new CEO, aiming to enhance healthcare services for the community. This acquisition ensures current employees will be retained and vital services, including ambulance services, will continue post-integration. The agreement marks a significant milestone for healthcare in Oktibbeha County.
Starkville, Mississippi
Baptist Memorial Health has taken significant steps to enhance healthcare services in Starkville by acquiring OCH Regional Medical Center. The announcement comes as a part of a larger strategy to bolster the hospital’s facilities and expand healthcare options for the community.
The asset purchase agreement was officially completed by the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors, detailing a purchase price of $55 million. In addition to the acquisition amount, Baptist Memorial Health has pledged $96.8 million towards improving the hospital’s infrastructure, technology, and recruitment of physicians.
As part of the acquisition, Mac Flynt has been appointed as the new administrator and CEO of OCH Regional Medical Center. Flynt, a 2015 graduate of Mississippi State University, previously served as CEO of Baptist Memorial Hospital – Attala and Baptist Memorial Hospital Yazoo since 2023. His experience is anticipated to bring significant leadership to the facility during this transition period.
The agreement ensures that all active OCH employees in good standing will be offered employment once the acquisition is finalized. Furthermore, all current hospital services, including vital ambulance services, will remain operational following the integration into the Baptist Memorial Health network.
The completion of the acquisition is expected by the end of September. On the day the agreement was finalized, Supervisors President Marvell Howard called it a “landmark” moment for healthcare in Oktibbeha County, emphasizing its impact on the community.
Baptist Memorial Health, headquartered in Memphis, TN, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of OCH to its network. The health system anticipates that the resources and support that come with this acquisition will significantly benefit the community, which has relied on OCH since its establishment in 1973. OCH currently serves a seven-county region, addressing healthcare needs throughout the area.
Background Information
Established in 1973, OCH Regional Medical Center has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Starkville area for several decades, providing essential services to a vast community. The recent acquisition by Baptist Memorial Health is part of a strategic effort to enhance healthcare delivery and expand service offerings in the region.
With the ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery and management, the integration of OCH into a larger health system like Baptist Memorial Health could facilitate improved resource allocation, better technology, and a broader array of services for local residents.
Summary of the Acquisition
- Acquirer: Baptist Memorial Health
- Acquisition Target: OCH Regional Medical Center
- Purchase Price: $55 million
- Additional Investment: $96.8 million
- New CEO: Mac Flynt
- Location: Starkville, Mississippi
- Service Area: Seven-county region
- Expected Closing: End of September
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purchase price for the OCH Regional Medical Center?
The purchase price for OCH Regional Medical Center is $55 million.
Who has been appointed as the new CEO of OCH?
Mac Flynt has been named as the new administrator/CEO of OCH.
Will current employees be retained after the acquisition?
All active OCH employees in good standing will be offered employment after the acquisition.
What additional investments are being made towards the hospital?
Baptist Memorial Health has committed an additional $96.8 million towards the hospital’s facilities, technology, and physician recruitment.
When is the expected closing of the acquisition?
The final closing of the acquisition is expected by the end of September.
What services will continue after the acquisition?
All existing hospital service lines, including ambulance services, will continue after the acquisition.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Entity Acquired | OCH Regional Medical Center |
| Acquiring Entity | Baptist Memorial Health |
| Acquisition Cost | $55 million |
| Additional Investment | $96.8 million |
| New CEO | Mac Flynt |
| Location | Starkville, MS |
| Service Area | Seven-county region |
| Expected Closing Date | End of September |
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Additional Resources
- WCBI: Mac Flynt Named Administrator & CEO of OCH in Starkville
- Wikipedia: Starkville, Mississippi
- Chief Healthcare Executive: Tennessee Health System Poised to Acquire Mississippi Hospital
- Google Search: Baptist Memorial Health Starkville
- DJournal: Baptist Memorial Health Care Tapped as Buyer for OCH Regional
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- WTVA: Oktibbeha County Signs Definitive Agreement for Hospital Sale
- Google News: OCH Regional Medical Center
- CDispatch: Supervisors Approve $55M Sale of OCH to Baptist
- Google Scholar: Starkville Healthcare Acquisition
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
