Anniston Announces Agreement for Orlando Health to Acquire Regional Medical Center
ANNISTON — The City of Anniston has announced that Regional Medical Center will join Orlando Health, a private, not-for-profit healthcare system, following approval by the Anniston City Council and the Regional Medical Center Healthcare Authority.
City officials say the partnership is intended to strengthen the long-term future of healthcare in Anniston and across Northeast Alabama through new investment, expanded services, and access to the resources of a larger healthcare network.
Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston called the agreement a major step forward for the community.
“Today marks a defining moment for the City of Anniston and the future of healthcare in our region,” Smith-Roston said. “After months of intentional work behind the scenes, we are proud to announce the acquisition of Regional Medical Center by Orlando Health — a nationally recognized leader in healthcare.”
Regional Medical Center has served families in the region for generations, but city leaders noted that hospitals across rural America are increasingly facing financial and operational challenges. Officials said partnering with a larger health system provides the resources and stability needed to maintain and expand local healthcare services.
Because the hospital facility is owned by the City of Anniston, municipal leaders said they have a responsibility to ensure the hospital remains a strong and sustainable asset for the community.
After evaluating options with the Regional Medical Center Healthcare Authority, city leaders determined that joining Orlando Health offered the best path to protect long-term healthcare access in the region.
Under the agreement, Regional Medical Center will become part of Orlando Health’s Alabama Region. City officials said all current hospital employees will transition to Orlando Health on day one, with their existing titles, pay, and years of service honored.
The agreement also includes long-term protections designed to help preserve the hospital’s presence in Anniston as the transition moves forward.
Orlando Health has indicated plans to invest significant resources into the hospital, including upgrades to facilities, equipment, and technology. Planned improvements include implementing a new electronic health record system, recruiting additional physicians, and expanding specialty services.
Smith-Roston said the partnership is expected to improve healthcare access while also supporting economic growth and community confidence.
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for healthcare in Anniston,” she said. “Together, we are working to strengthen our hospital, expand opportunities for care, and ensure that our community continues to have access to the high-quality healthcare it deserves.”
City leaders said additional information about the transition will be shared with the public as it becomes available.
