Late Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Oktibbeha County board of supervisors announced the signing of a definitive asset purchase agreement for the sale of Oktibbeha County Regional Medical Center (OCH) to Baptist Memorial Health Care. The signing marks the successful conclusion of negotiations that began after the board selected Baptist as its preferred partner in May 2025.
“We are thrilled and truly grateful that the Oktibbeha County board of supervisors has signed this agreement,” said Jason Little, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care. “This brings us closer to welcoming OCH Regional Medical Center into our family and bringing significant health care resources and expertise to this community.”
OCH Regional Medical Center is a 96-bed acute care hospital that includes ancillary services and facilities based in Starkville, Mississippi.
The agreement paves the way for the full transfer of hospital ownership, subject to regulatory reviews and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, with a final closing anticipated by the end of September 2025. The transaction will now undergo a standard review by state and federal regulatory bodies. Both parties will work collaboratively to satisfy all closing conditions and ensure a smooth transition for patients, team members and providers.
“This is a landmark day for the future of health care in Oktibbeha County,” said Marvell Howard, president of the Oktibbeha County board of supervisors. “Signing this agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care marks a pivotal step toward a partnership that will ensure our hospital not only survives but thrives. We have pursued this partnership to ensure our friends, neighbors and families will have access to high-quality, local health care for decades to come. We are immensely grateful to Baptist, OCH and our county advisors who worked diligently to craft an agreement that puts our community, patients and employees first.”
