Houston Healthcare has signed a nonbinding Letter of Intent (LOI) to join Emory Healthcare, marking a potential affiliation between the two Georgia-based health systems.

Dr. Joon S. Lee, CEO of Emory Healthcare, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that it would enhance Emory's ability to provide care across a broader region in Georgia. "We are excited about the potential of this new relationship with Houston Healthcare, as it will expand our ability to provide high-quality care and services to communities beyond Atlanta," Lee said.

Houston Healthcare, a not-for-profit health system, operates two hospitals with a total of 282 beds, alongside multiple outpatient facilities and physician practices. Emory Healthcare, based in Atlanta, is Georgia's largest academic health system, with nearly 24,000 employees, 11 hospitals, and more than 3,450 physicians.

Houston Healthcare president and CEO Charles G. Briscoe highlighted the potential benefits for the Warner Robins-based system. "Houston Healthcare has served its community well for more than 60 years, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our high-quality, patient-focused service and care through this new affiliation with Emory Healthcare," Briscoe stated.

Leadership from both organizations emphasized the strategic value of the partnership. Ivan Allen, chair of Houston Healthcare System, noted the need for Houston Healthcare to align with a larger entity to continue its legacy of quality care while increasing efficiencies. Tommy Stalnaker, chair of Houston Hospitals Inc., expressed confidence that the affiliation with Emory would further enhance the system's ability to meet the needs of its community.

The LOI sets the stage for a due diligence process to explore the details of the partnership. Both organizations aim to finalize the agreement in 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals and other conditions.

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