Baptist Health Grows System by Adding 12th Hospital

Baptist Health closed out 2023 with a move that created significant growth for the health care system with the addition of the Drew Memorial Health System in Monticello.

Drew Memorial, a 60-bed hospital now rebranded as Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County, serves a population of 200,000 in southeast Arkansas and extends Baptist Health’s reach into a new area of the state. The addition of the Drew Memorial system also includes two clinics and home health operations.

Similar to when the Fort Smith and Van Buren hospitals were added to the system in 2018, Baptist Health is able to reach into a new area to provide more access and better serve the health needs in southeast Arkansas.

The Drew County hospital, which is Baptist Health’s 12th in the system, serves a completely new community that expands the service area. Continuing to grow Baptist Health’s comprehensive statewide network with coordinated services supports the vision of improving the health of Arkansans by changing the way health care is delivered.

Baptist Health was approached about a possible merger by the Drew Memorial Health System, a non-profit organization that has operated in Monticello for more than 35 years.

In the current health care environment, it is not uncommon for independent community hospitals to look for a system partner. Baptist Health has a proven track record for operating its rural hospitals efficiently, allowing them to remain viable while providing quality health care in much needed areas of the state.

Monticello’s hospital is extremely important to the surrounding communities, and Baptist Health has the experience and expertise to help it succeed and continue to provide a high level of care for the residents of south Arkansas.

Baptist Health assessed the medical staff, community, facilities, operating performance, history, and other market factors to determine the feasibility of this addition to the system. After an extensive review, Baptist Health concluded that the Monticello hospital was a great fit.

Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County offers numerous services such as a cancer and infusion center, emergency department, wound center, rehab therapy, respiratory therapy, women’s services, a sleep center, radiology, and laboratory, among others.

The addition of Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County is a positive addition to Baptist Health that makes the system larger and serves more people both inside and outside the hospital walls.

As Baptist Health serves more people, it will continue to provide faith-based health care that strengthens communities and encourages healthy lifestyles, which is consistent with Baptist Health’s belief that we are more than a business –– we are a healing ministry.