Partners in community care

A: The health care environment is financially complex.  We are choosing to strengthen local health care, expand access to services and grow future services. The organizations serve similar patients and share a culture that is committed to quality local care. Both organizations are dedicated to a vision of a healthy, vibrant community and expanding access to services.

A: The decision was made by both Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics and Santiam Hospital & Clinics Boards of Directors, CEOs and Executive Leadership. This reflects a shared commitment to advancing our mission and serving our community.

A: Both organizations share a commitment to nonprofit mission-driven, high-quality care, and Santiam will continue to be governed by a local system board, including members of the Santiam Board. This will ensure that decisions reflect community needs. This partnership seeks to strengthen Santiam’s ability to grow services, leverage shared resources, and ensure we continue serving patients not just for today or tomorrow, but for decades to come.

A: Salem Health has demonstrated its commitment to local investment in rural health care, affiliating with West Valley Hospital in 2002 and consistently investing in its growth and infrastructure. Most recently, West Valley expanded from 6 to 25 beds in 2023 and increased staffing by more than 60%. As part of the same $25 million project, the hospital opened a new specialty clinic, offering outpatient services including wound care, anticoagulation, infusion, medication management and outpatient rehabilitation to better serve the community and complement existing hospital services.

This year, Salem Health began a $74 million West Valley campus renovation project to meet future community needs, including a new, expanded emergency room and additional upgrades supporting a larger footprint and greater patient capacity.

A: Yes, Santiam Hospital & Clinics will remain nonprofit.

A: The Oregon Health Authority will now review the partnership request. In the meantime, both systems are committed to proactive engagement as we move forward, including listening and engaging with staff, providers, patients and community leaders to understand how this partnership can best meet the needs of mid-Willamette Valley.

A: The anticipated timeline for partnership is Sept. 30, 2026, pending Oregon Health Authority approval.

A: There are no immediate changes to your care. Our top priority remains the same: supporting our clinicians and staff and continuing to provide the compassionate, high-quality care you know and deserve.

A: Both organizations will continue to operate as they do now. Donors can support local services through the Santiam Hospital & Clinics Foundation, the Salem Health and West Valley Foundations.

A: The OHA review process includes a period of public comment which would allow members of the community to share their thoughts. You may also email news@santiamhospital.org or community.relations@salemhealth.org.

A: Both systems are committed to proactive engagement as we move forward including listening and engaging with staff, providers, patients and community leaders to understand how this partnership can best meet the needs of mid-Willamette Valley. This may include town halls, emails, website updates and press releases.

A: There are no current changes to Regence BlueCross BlueShield at Santiam Hospital & Clinics. Santiam is continuing to accept this insurance plan at their hospital and clinics. We will inform our community well in advance of any updates.

A: The partnership will strengthen our ability to grow services, leverage shared resources, and ensure we can continue serving patients not just for today or tomorrow, but for decades to come. In addition, both organizations believe that partnership can increase access to care, particularly for marginalized communities.