Freeman Health System expands to Northwest Arkansas with hospital acquisition

The not-for-profit health system is acquiring four hospitals from Community Health Systems Inc.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Freeman Health System, a not-for-profit health provider based in Joplin, Missouri, has reached an agreement to acquire four hospitals in Northwest Arkansas from Community Health Systems Inc. The deal includes the Northwest Medical Centers in Bentonville and Springdale, Willow Creek Women's Hospital, and the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, along with their associated outpatient centers and practices. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Why it matters

This expansion marks Freeman Health System's first foray into Arkansas, allowing the organization to extend its mission of providing compassionate, community-focused care to a new region. The acquisition will enhance Freeman's ability to deliver coordinated, comprehensive care to more patients and families in the Northwest Arkansas area.

The details

The deal will see Freeman Health System, a not-for-profit health system based in Joplin, Missouri, acquire four hospitals from a subsidiary of Community Health Systems Inc. The acquired facilities include the Northwest Medical Centers in Bentonville and Springdale, Willow Creek Women's Hospital, and the Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, along with their associated outpatient centers and practices. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

  • The deal is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Freeman Health System said there would be no disruption to patient care during the transition.

The players

Freeman Health System

A not-for-profit health system based in Joplin, Missouri, that operates in more than 80 specialties across more than 30 points of care in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and now Arkansas.

Community Health Systems Inc.

A for-profit hospital operator that is selling its Northwest Arkansas hospitals to Freeman Health System.

Matthew Fry

President and chief executive officer of Freeman Health System.

Northwest Medical Center (Bentonville)

A 128-bed acute care facility that offers cardiac care, including open-heart surgery and cardiac catheterization.

Northwest Medical Center (Springdale)

A 64-bed hospital that originally opened in 1952 as Springdale Memorial Hospital.

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What they’re saying

“While this marks our first expansion into Arkansas, it is a natural extension of our longstanding regional presence. Northwest Health has a long history of caring for its communities, and we are honored to continue that legacy while bringing forward Freeman's commitment to compassionate, community-focused care.”

— Matthew Fry, President and chief executive officer, Freeman Health System (nwaonline.com)

What’s next

The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

The takeaway

This acquisition allows Freeman Health System to expand its mission of providing high-quality, community-focused healthcare to the Northwest Arkansas region, building on the legacy of the acquired hospitals and enhancing access to coordinated, comprehensive care for patients and families in the area.