Baptist Memorial Health Care Acquires OCH Regional Medical Center

Starkville MS, August 22, 2025

News Summary

Baptist Memorial Health Care has finalized a $55 million agreement to purchase OCH Regional Medical Center, with plans for a $96.8 million investment to enhance healthcare services in Oktibbeha County. The acquisition ensures job security for current employees and continuity of care, while also establishing a local advisory board for community input. The anticipated closing date for the sale is set for September 2025, pending regulatory reviews. This significant investment aims to improve hospital infrastructure and expand the range of medical services offered.

Starkville, MS – Baptist Memorial Health Care has officially finalized a $55 million agreement to purchase OCH Regional Medical Center, as announced by the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors. This strategic acquisition is slated to enhance healthcare delivery in Oktibbeha County, with significant investments in the hospital’s facilities and services.

The definitive asset purchase agreement includes a commitment from Baptist Memorial Health Care to invest $96.8 million in OCH. This investment will cover various improvements including upgrades to hospital infrastructure, technology advancements, and efforts to recruit new medical personnel. Specifically, $34 million from this investment is earmarked for expanding hospital services and increasing the recruitment of physicians.

According to the agreement, all active OCH employees will be offered employment at their current benefit levels when the transition occurs, ensuring job stability during this significant change. The existing service lines at the hospital, including essential ambulance services, will also remain intact, allowing for continuity of care for the local community.

Supervisors President Marvell Howard has expressed that this sale marks a pivotal advancement for healthcare services in Oktibbeha County. As part of the agreement, a local advisory board will be formed to ensure continued community input and involvement in the hospital’s operations and future direction.

In addition to these commitments, Baptist Memorial Health Care has pledged to strengthen collaborative efforts with Mississippi State University, focusing on student health, education, and athletics, further supporting the local community and its needs.

The anticipated closing date for the sale is set for September 2025. However, the deal is subject to standard regulatory reviews to meet customary closing conditions. Both Baptist Memorial Health Care and North Mississippi Health Services submitted bids for the OCH purchase, ultimately leading to Baptist being selected in May 2025 following a feasibility study commissioned by the county in April 2024.

The process of selling OCH Regional Medical Center began as early as 2012, but faced various challenges that delayed the current proceedings. Now, as the sale moves forward, the majority of the proceeds will be placed into a permanent endowment aimed at supporting ongoing community healthcare needs.

Key Features of the OCH Purchase Agreement

• Purchase Price: $55 million
• Total Investment by Baptist Memorial: $96.8 million
• Job Security: All active OCH employees to retain their positions and benefits
• Service Continuity: Existing services, including ambulance services, to continue
• Advisory Board: Formation of a local board for community input
• Collaboration: Expanded efforts with Mississippi State University
• Projected Closing Date: September 2025
• Community Support: Proceeds to support a permanent endowment for ongoing community needs

Conclusion

This significant purchase and the associated investment affirm a commitment to improving healthcare services in Starkville, demonstrating a focus on both infrastructure growth and enhancement of community healthcare resources.

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Additional Resources

• WCBI News
• Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
• Clarion Ledger
• Google Search: OCH Regional Medical Center
• WTVA News
• Google Scholar: Baptist Memorial Health Care
• DJournal
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare
• C Dispatch
• Google News: Baptist Memorial Healthcare

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.