Baptist Memorial Health Care and Arkansas Methodist Medical Center (AMMC) have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to merge that would integrate the Paragould, Arkansas-based AMMC into the larger Memphis-based Baptist system, which operates 24 hospitals across Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.

The proposed merger, still in early discussion stages, is expected to be finalized by early 2026.

Baptist president and CEO Jason Little said the potential union reflects shared values and the opportunity to "expand the reach of sustainable and quality health care in the region." Baptist, which reported $4.4 billion in net operating revenue for fiscal year 2024, has completed similar integrations in recent years, including a merger with Mississippi’s Anderson Regional Health System in 2024.
Arkansas Methodist, with a 75-year history in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri, employs more than 500 people and offers inpatient rehabilitation, a range of medical specialties, and assisted living services. CEO Brad Bloemer described the move as a chance to modernize facilities, expand specialty care, and preserve local access to services.

“With Baptist's strong market presence and long track record of delivering premier health care in both small, rural communities and large, metropolitan areas, they're the perfect partner to help us grow and improve,” Bloemer said.

While details of the shared mission agreement are still being developed, both organizations have emphasized continuity of care and enhanced access to services as key goals of the partnership.

Baptist Memorial is one of the largest not-for-profit systems in the region, with over 6,000 affiliated physicians and a broad care network that includes Baptist Medical Group, Baptist Cancer Center, and Baptist Health Sciences University.

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