Freeman Health System announced that it has completed its acquisition of Northwest Health in Northwest Arkansas following the closing of a purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Community Health Systems.
As a result of the transaction, Freeman’s care network now includes Freeman Health System – Bentonville Medical Center, Freeman Health System – Springdale Medical Center, Freeman Health System – Willow Creek Medical Center, and Freeman Health System – Siloam Springs Medical Center, along with associated outpatient centers, physician practices, and approximately 2,200 employees.
The acquisition represents Freeman Health System’s first expansion into Arkansas and supports the organization’s Freeman Forward growth strategy. The move is designed to expand access to community-based healthcare services while enhancing clinical collaboration, operational efficiency, and innovation throughout the Four-State region. The announcement follows other recent growth initiatives by the health system, including the opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital last year.
Freeman Health System said Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, driven by strong economic activity across the retail, food, and logistics sectors. The organization believes the acquisition will help ensure healthcare access keeps pace with the area’s continued population growth.
As integration efforts continue, Freeman Health System outlined several long-term priorities for the expanded network, including:
- Expanding behavioral healthcare services, including mental health and substance use treatment.
- Supporting local care teams and community-focused healthcare programs.
- Increasing access to maternal healthcare services.
- Expanding specialty care offerings in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
- Strengthening recruitment, training, and retention efforts for future healthcare providers.
The health system emphasized that patients will continue receiving care from their existing providers and facilities, with no changes to accepted insurance plans. Additional naming updates and community communications are expected in the coming months.
Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare organization serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient facilities, and specialty care services. The system employs more than 7,000 people and operates Ozark Center, the region’s largest behavioral health provider, along with comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, women’s health, and children’s services.
KEY QUOTES:
“Welcoming Northwest Health into the Freeman network supports our commitment to long-term growth and enhances our ability to provide compassionate, coordinated care across a broader regional footprint. Northwest Health’s hospitals and care teams bring tremendous strength to our organization, and together, we’re elevating care delivery, expanding access to essential services, and investing in the health of the people and communities who rely on us every day.
As one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., Northwest Arkansas sits at the center of powerful economic forces, with leading retail, food, and logistics companies driving sustained population growth. We owe it to these communities, both new and longtime residents, to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that keeps pace with growth and reflects the care people expect and deserve.”
Matthew Fry, President and CEO, Freeman Health System
