- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Joplin Today
By the People, for the People
Freeman Health System to Acquire Northwest Health for $112 Million
The deal will expand Freeman's presence into Arkansas and combine the two nonprofit health systems.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Freeman Health System, based in Joplin, Missouri, has agreed to purchase Northwest Health, a subsidiary of Community Health Systems based in Springdale, Arkansas, for $112 million. The acquisition will allow Freeman to expand its regional footprint and combine the two nonprofit health systems.
Why it matters
The deal represents a strategic move by Freeman Health System to grow its presence and services across a broader four-state region. It also marks a shift for Northwest Health, which will transition from a for-profit to a nonprofit model under the new ownership.
The details
Under the agreement, Freeman will acquire Northwest Medical Center - Springdale, Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville, Willow Creek Women's Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, and associated outpatient centers and practices. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Freeman plans to retain Northwest Health's more than 1,500 physicians and caregivers, and its leadership structure is expected to remain largely unchanged.
- The deal was announced on March 5, 2026.
- The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
The players
Freeman Health System
A nonprofit health system based in Joplin, Missouri, that includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and Ozark Center, as well as dozens of physician clinics and specialty services.
Northwest Health
A subsidiary of Community Health Systems, a for-profit health system based in Franklin, Tennessee, that operates hospitals and outpatient centers in Springdale, Bentonville, Johnson, and Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
Matthew Fry
President and CEO of Freeman Health System.
Community Health Systems
The parent company of Northwest Health, a for-profit health system based in Franklin, Tennessee.
What they’re saying
“This is a meaningful moment for Freeman and the communities we serve. 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 CEO of Freeman Health System (talkbusiness.net)
What’s next
The deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions. After the acquisition is finalized, Northwest Health locations will be rebranded to reflect the unified health system.
The takeaway
This acquisition represents a strategic move by Freeman Health System to expand its regional footprint and services, while also transitioning Northwest Health from a for-profit to a nonprofit model. The combined organization will be able to leverage their shared commitment to community-focused care and clinical excellence across a broader four-state area.
