HopeHealth and Rural Health Services announce plans to merge
HopeHealth and Rural Health Services (RHS) are pleased to announce their intent to merge operations into a single community health center, pending final approval from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This strategic partnership will strengthen and expand access to high-quality, comprehensive primary and specialty care for underserved communities throughout Aiken County and the surrounding region.
The proposed merger combines the strengths of both organizations, including clinical expertise, community partnerships, and strong operational systems, to improve patient care, enhance financial sustainability, and support workforce development. Once approved, the newly unified organization will operate under a single name and governance structure, with the Aiken service area represented at the leadership and board levels.
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to build on our shared mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care to all who need it,” said Carl Humphries, Chief Executive Officer of HopeHealth. “By coming together, we can better leverage our resources, expand services, and ensure long-term stability for our patients and staff.”
“Rural Health Services has always been deeply committed to our community, and this merger will allow us to reach more people here in Aiken and provide an even broader range of services,” said Ken Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of RHS. “We are excited about the future and the positive impact this partnership will have on health outcomes in Aiken and surrounding communities.”
Each organization is committed to continue delivering critical primary care services at facilities in Aiken County, including The Clyburn Center for Primary Care and Margaret J. Weston Community Health Center. Rural Health Services locations will remain an outlet for primary care, and patients will continue to see their trusted providers and care teams. The organizations are working closely with HRSA and other partners to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
The merger is contingent upon HRSA’s formal approval. If approved, the unified health center will serve approximately 100,000 patients across 24 clinical sites, becoming one of the largest community-based providers in the region.
For questions or more information, email mhanna@hope-health.org or call (843) 432-2959.
About HopeHealth:
HopeHealth is a nonprofit leader in providing affordable, expert primary and specialty health care services for all ages in Florence, Aiken (Infectious Diseases), Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg Counties. Our federally qualified health centers are the health care home of choice for nearly 85,000 patients. To become a patient, call (843) 667-9414 or visit hope-health.org.
About RHS:
For more than five decades, RHS has delivered a diverse range of primary and preventive healthcare services to the residents of Aiken County and its neighboring regions. Operating as a private, non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center, RHS provides culturally sensitive, inclusive primary care, preventive, and supplementary healthcare services to all.
