Building on more than a decade of successful collaboration, SSM Health in Southern Illinois and Hamilton Memorial Hospital District have expanded their relationship through a new Operational Support Agreement designed to strengthen healthcare services, enhance operational support and position both organizations for continued growth and success.
This partnership connects Hamilton Memorial Hospital District to a broader network of resources and expertise, strengthening its ability to meet the growing challenges facing rural health care. Additional support in areas such as compliance, workforce recruitment, and service line development will help ensure continued access to high-quality care for the communities it serves.
The Operational Support Agreement does not change ownership or governance for either organization. Hamilton Memorial Hospital District will remain locally governed by its Board of Directors, and patients will continue to have access to their existing healthcare providers and specialists.
According to SSM Health in Southern Illinois Hospital President Damon Harbison and Hamilton Memorial Hospital District CEO Justin Epperson, the expanded agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare across the region while preserving local leadership and community-focused care.
“At SSM Health, we believe strong healthcare systems are built through strong partnerships, which is why we are honored to expand our relationship with Hamilton Memorial Hospital District through this Operational Support Agreement,” said Harbison. “This collaboration reflects a shared vision for the future of rural healthcare, allowing us to combine resources, expertise and innovation in ways that will benefit patients across both the Hamilton Memorial and SSM Health service regions. Together, we are creating a stronger
foundation for the future while ensuring patients have continued access to the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve close to home.”
Epperson said the new agreement strengthens Hamilton Memorial Hospital District while preserving its local identity and longstanding commitment to the community.
“This agreement is about strengthening what we already have, not changing who we are,” said Epperson. “Our 11-year relationship with SSM Health has been incredibly valuable, and this agreement gives us access to additional resources and expertise while allowing us to remain a locally governed hospital. We have worked hard to build strong relationships with healthcare providers throughout the region, and those relationships will continue. This is about strengthening our hospital, expanding the resources available to us and ensuring we can continue providing exceptional care to the communities we serve.”
Through this expanded partnership, both SSM Health in Southern Illinois and Hamilton Memorial Hospital District will continue their shared mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare while working together to strengthen the future of healthcare for patients and communities across Southern Illinois.