Helena-West Helena Sells Hospital to Progressive Health

For Immediate Release

For More Information contact Chief of Staff James Valley at 870-816-7174 (tel:870-816-7174)

Helena-West Helena and Progressive Health of Oxford, Mississippi reached an agreement that received a unanimous vote-from the Helena-West Helena City Council for the purchase of the Helena Regional Medical Center Building owned by the city and currently leased by the Helena Health Foundation to Quorum Health Corporation.

Helena-West Helena Mayor Christopher Franklin said the agreement is a win-win for everyone involved and the community. He said, "Quality healthcare is essential for everyone and poor, rural communities like ours must have access to that care if we are to survive and thrive. This agreement saves our hospital and consequently saves the lives of members of this community who might otherwise die trying to get to a hospital farther away."

Franklin continued, "It also allows our city to get a financial boost that will allow us to have money to leverage for grant applications to help us with infrastructure projects, pay our debts and put some money in reserve. It also allows Progressive to embark on revitalizing the hospital and recruiting additional providers to enhance services while returning our hospital to profitability."

Phillips County's economic development leaders were thrilled with the news, echoing Mayor Franklin's excitement at the approval of the sale. John Edwards, General Counsel and Executive Director of Helena Harbor said, "Keeping a hospital in Phillips County is vital to our personal and economic health. I welcome Progressive Health to Helena and truly believe the efforts of the Helena Health Foundation, the Helena-West Helena City Council and Mayor Christopher Franklin will result in better health outcomes for this community."

The agreement to sell the property is the second piece of the necessary transactions to save the hospital from closure, which was facing imminent closure when Quorum's lease expired in 2024. The first was announced on October 31, when Quorum Health announced that Progressive had reached an agreement to buy the hospital's business operation. Quinton Whitwell, CEO of Progressive Health said in a statement on that day, "Rural hospitals are currently facing an unprecedented rate of closure.

Maintaining healthcare access is imperative, especially for the millions of Americans in rural communities. We are excited about the promising future for Phillips County and Helena Region al Medical Center."