Allegiance Health Henry Ford Health System Boards Approve Definitive AgreementNews

Jackson, MI – The respective Boards of Trustees for Henry Ford Health System and Allegiance Health have approved a definitive agreement for Allegiance to join Henry Ford Health System. Following final regulatory approvals and the closing process, the joining of the two health systems will be complete April 1, 2016.

Allegiance Health and Henry Ford will create enhanced care models, provide greater access to new state-of-the-art technologies and enable physicians and other clinicians from both systems to work together to develop innovative approaches to patient care. The affiliation will also enable Allegiance Health to expand its services and build clinical capacity, as well as improve facilities and technology.

Henry Ford Health System CEO Nancy Schlichting says this is an important strategic step for both organizations. “For Henry Ford, it strengthens our organization’s goal of offering quality health care in communities beyond southeast Michigan. It is a true coming together of physicians and employees who share common values and beliefs.”

“It is exciting to be one step closer to finalizing the partnership process,” said Georgia Fojtasek, Allegiance President and CEO. “At the outset of our search for a like-minded organization and affiliation partner, we indicated our goal was to select the best partner for both Allegiance and our community—and with each interaction, we reaffirm that Henry Ford Health System is the right choice.”

Once the process is complete, Allegiance Health physicians, executives and community members will continue to represent local interests on the board of trustees and governance committees and other leadership roles, to influence the future of Allegiance Health, together with leaders from Henry Ford.

Media representatives will be invited to a joint press conference once the affiliation is finalized and announced. Leaders from both organizations will be available to answer questions and provide one-on-one interviews.

About Allegiance Health

Allegiance Health is a 480-bed community-owned health system in Jackson, Michigan. Allegiance complements traditional acute care services with mission-based services to support the care continuum for all members of the community. Through its Health Improvement Organization (HIO), Allegiance is also a national leader in forming community partnerships that innovatively address wellness and prevention needs in the community. Visit AllegianceHealth.org to learn more.

About Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System is a five-hospital system headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive, integrated health systems, recognized for clinical excellence and innovation. Henry Ford Health System provides both health insurance and health care delivery, including acute, specialty, primary and preventive care services backed by excellence in research and education. The system is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. Visit HenryFord.com to learn more.

Reflective of their shared vision, Henry Ford Health System and Allegiance Health are the only recipients in Michigan of the Foster G. McGaw Award. Given annually by the American Hospital Association and Baxter International to one health system in the country, this award is the highest honor for community commitment given in the health care industry.

Media Contact:
Brenda D. Craig, MFA
(313) 876-8709 (office)
(313) 283-8331 (mobile)
Email: bcraig3@hfhs.org
Web: HenryFord.com

Vicky Lorencen
Office: (517) 788-4945
Cell: (517) 262-8917
Email: Vicky.Lorencen@AllegianceHealth.org
Web: AllegianceHealth.org