Starkville MS, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors has finalized a $55 million agreement to sell OCH Regional Medical Center to Baptist Memorial Health Care, aiming to improve healthcare services in the region. This deal includes a $96.8 million investment for upgrades and physician recruitment, ensuring job retention for current employees and continuation of existing services. The transaction is set to close by September 2025, pending regulatory approvals, and will foster community involvement through a local advisory board.
Starkville, Mississippi – The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors has announced an agreement for the sale of OCH Regional Medical Center to Baptist Memorial Health Care, a deal valued at $55 million. This strategic move aims to enhance healthcare services in the region by integrating the hospital into a larger health system.
The approval of the deal comes with a commitment from Baptist Memorial Health Care to invest $96.8 million into the hospital’s facilities, technology upgrades, and physician recruitment efforts. This significant investment will focus on improving the quality of care available to residents and will include the recruitment of new medical professionals, with $34 million dedicated specifically to expanding hospital services and hiring physicians.
According to the agreement, all current employees of OCH who are in good standing will be offered continued employment with the same level of benefits. Additionally, existing hospital services, including ambulance services, are set to continue uninterrupted as part of the sale agreement.
Supervisors President Marvell Howard stated that this day represents a landmark moment in the future of healthcare for Oktibbeha County. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized by the end of September 2025, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
Baptist President and CEO Jason Little emphasized the potential for improved healthcare resources and expertise that this acquisition will bring to the community. In a move to ensure community involvement in hospital operations, Baptist Memorial plans to create a local advisory board composed of area residents.
The financial commitment from Baptist is intentionally aimed at addressing both infrastructural and technological needs of the OCH Regional Medical Center, with $62.8 million allotted for major upgrades. Furthermore, the agreement includes a collaborative initiative with Mississippi State University focusing on health, education, and athletics.
The journey toward this sale began in 2012, with ongoing discussions reflecting challenges and some community opposition. A recent feasibility study, completed in 2024, concluded that finding a strategic partner was necessary for improving healthcare delivery and staff retention at the hospital. The study advocated for a collaborative approach to secure the resources required for the growth of hospital services and care improvement.
Both Mississippi State University and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership have expressed support for the sale during the recent negotiations, indicating a collective desire for improved healthcare infrastructure in the area.
Key Details of the Sale Agreement
- Sale Value: $55 million
- Investment by Baptist: $96.8 million
- Employee Offer: Job retention for current OCH employees
- Service Continuation: All existing services will remain operational
- Closing Date: Expected by September 2025
- Local Community Engagement: Establishment of local advisory board
- Collaboration: Partnership with Mississippi State University
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the sale of OCH Regional Medical Center?
The sale to Baptist Memorial Health Care aims to improve healthcare services and recruit more physicians, as identified in a recent feasibility study indicating the need for a strategic partner.
How much will be invested in the hospital post-sale?
Baptist Memorial Health Care has pledged an investment of $96.8 million for facility upgrades, technology enhancements, and physician recruitment.
What will happen to the current employees of OCH?
All current employees in good standing are offered continued employment with the same benefits.
Chart: Key Features of OCH Regional Medical Center Sale
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | $55 million |
| Total Investment | $96.8 million |
| Employee Status | Job offers for all current employees |
| Service Continuity | All existing services to remain active |
| Closing Timeline | Expected by September 2025 |
| Local Board | Creation of a local advisory board |
| Collaboration with MSU | Partnership on health and education initiatives |
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Additional Resources
- WTVA: Oktibbeha County Signs Agreement for Hospital Sale
- Wikipedia: Oktibbeha County
- WCBI: OCH Regional Medical Center Sold to Baptist Memorial
- Google Search: OCH Regional Medical Center
- CDispatch: Supervisors Approve $55M Sale of OCH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare in Mississippi
- JD Supra: OCH Regional Medical Center Update
- Google News: Oktibbeha County Hospital Sale
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.
