Union Health COPA application update, continued effort to acquire Regional Hospital in Terre Haute

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 4:25 PM

By Staff report

Union Health announced it has successfully submitted a new 2025 Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) application to acquire Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

A release from Union Health states that the purpose of the merger is to improve the health and wellness of all Wabash Valley citizens.

It goes on to state that Union's heightened focus on the health of our community will incorporate improved access to care, health outcome initiatives and continued emphasis on the quality of care. This includes access to primary and preventative care, along with access to robust medical services that include behavioral health, cardiovascular, oncology, neuroscience, women’s and children's health and orthopedic services. 

Anticipated benefits of the merger include; but are not limited to:

Increased coordination of care and physician specialization
Expanded Population Health initiatives so that more citizens can benefit from Union Health’s programs, such as:
- Supporting elderly ability to age at home, including the Aging & Memory Clinic
- Home OB services offered to combat OB deserts
- Substance use and prevention programs
- Chronic disease case management
Community Initiatives and Partnerships, such as:
- Building on Union Health’s existing partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation to address childhood obesity and eating disorders
- Providing health and wellness education
Local access to care will increase, so fewer citizens must travel to specialists
Greater behavioral health resources available to the community
Local multimillion dollar investments in technology
Innovative value-based care initiatives that incentivize delivery of quality of care.

In turn, our healthy and thriving community will be increasingly enticing to physician recruits, quality educators for our schools, innovative entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Therefore, the merger has the potential to initiate and perpetuate growth and wellness throughout a thriving Wabash Valley.

The release states that Union Health and Terre Haute Regional Hospital recognize the significance of a final approval, and the ongoing review process will continue to align with the principles of accountability and thoroughness outlined by the COPA.