LANCASTER, Ohio — Fairfield Medical Center and Chillicothe-based Adena Health have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to explore Adena’s potential acquisition of the Lancaster hospital, the two nonprofit health systems announced Monday.
The agreement initiates a due diligence process to evaluate compatibility and opportunities for collaborative growth between the independent community health systems, which serve patients across south central and southeastern Ohio.
“This proposed affiliation reflects our shared commitment to expanding services and strengthening access to local, high-quality care,” the organizations said in a joint statement.
Adena Health, which operates four hospitals with a total of 341 beds across nine Ohio counties, said the move aligns with its Adena 2030 strategic plan focused on thoughtful growth and maintaining local access to care.
Fairfield Medical Center, a full-service acute care provider located in Lancaster, serves more than 250,000 residents in Fairfield, Pickaway, Perry, Hocking and Athens counties. It employs more than 2,000 caregivers.
“Fairfield Medical Center has proudly served this community for more than 110 years with excellence and compassion, and selecting a strong strategic partner is vital to our next 100 years,” said John R. “Jack” Janoso Jr., president and chief executive officer of Fairfield Medical Center. “We believe this relationship creates an exciting opportunity to build on an already strong foundation while investing in the future of healthcare throughout Fairfield County and beyond.”
Adena officials expressed similar enthusiasm.
“Adena Health is pleased to be engaging in conversations with Fairfield Medical Center as we continue to focus on meeting the needs of rural communities,” said Kathi Edrington, president and chief executive officer of Adena Health. “The work of the incredible providers and clinicians at Fairfield Medical Center aligns with our mission and vision to provide expanded specialty healthcare, innovation, and support to more patients who depend on us for care.”
Both organizations said they will continue operating independently during the review process, which requires internal approvals and government regulatory clearance. Additional details on future integration and investment plans will be released as appropriate.
Adena Health, founded in 1895 in Chillicothe, has grown into a major regional provider with more than 4,000 employees serving more than 400,000 people in south central and southern Ohio. Fairfield Medical Center has operated as a not-for-profit organization committed to providing care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
The letter of intent does not guarantee a final agreement.