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Salem Health and Santiam Hospital to Host Town Hall on Proposed Merger
The two hospital systems will discuss their plans to combine operations and address community concerns.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Salem Health and Santiam Hospital & Clinics are hosting a town hall meeting in Salem on Tuesday, March 3, to discuss their proposed merger. The event will be led by the CEOs of both organizations, who will take questions from the public. The town hall is part of a series of community engagement efforts as the two nonprofit hospital systems seek state approval for the merger.
Why it matters
The merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital would combine two major healthcare providers in the region, impacting access to services and insurance coverage for patients. The town hall provides an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns and feedback as the deal is reviewed by state regulators.
The details
The town hall will be held at the Salem Public Library from 4:30-5:30 pm and will include a question-and-answer session. Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. The two hospital systems announced their intent to merge in January and have filed for state approval, which they hope to receive by the fall. This is the second town hall the executives have hosted, with the first taking place in Stayton on February 26.
- The town hall will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 4:30-5:30 pm.
- Salem Health and Santiam Hospital announced their intent to merge in January 2026.
- The hospitals filed for state approval of the merger on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
The players
Maggie Hudson
CEO of Santiam Hospital & Clinics.
Cheryl Nester Wolfe
CEO of Salem Health.
Salem Health
A nonprofit hospital system based in Salem, Oregon.
Santiam Hospital & Clinics
A nonprofit hospital system based in Stayton, Oregon that is proposing to merge with Salem Health.
What they’re saying
“The town halls create an opportunity to share information openly, explain why the partnership was pursued and create a space for community members to ask questions, express concerns and share what matters most to them about local health care.”
— Melissa Baurer, Spokeswoman, Santiam Hospital (salemreporter.com)
“From my way of thinking, monopoly means you shut everybody else out, and we haven't done that by a long shot here.”
— Cheryl Nester Wolfe, CEO, Salem Health (salemreporter.com)
What’s next
The state of Oregon must approve the merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital. Additional town halls are planned in Stayton on March 17, Mill City on March 18, and virtually on April 21 to gather more community feedback.
The takeaway
The proposed merger between Salem Health and Santiam Hospital has generated significant community interest, with concerns around insurance coverage and healthcare access being the top issues. The town halls provide an opportunity for the hospital systems to directly engage with residents and address these concerns as the deal undergoes state review.
