Paragould-based Arkansas Methodist Medical Center merged with Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Memorial Health Care, becoming Baptist’s 25th hospital and third in Arkansas.
The merger comes after Arkansas Methodist signed a nonbinding letter of intent in April 2025 to join the health system, according to a March 4 Baptist news release. All of Arkansas Methodist’s assets — including the 191-bed hospital, 91-bed assisted living facility and eight medical clinics — transferred to Baptist following completion of the merger. Arkansas Methodist’s more than 500 employees transitioned to Baptist.
Melanie Edens was named CEO of Arkansas Methodist, succeeding Brad Bloemer, who retired in February after serving in the role since July 2023. Ms. Edens assumed the role March 1. She most recently served as COO of Jonesboro, Ark.-based NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital.
“This hospital is where Melanie was born and where she completed her first clinical rotation as a student radiologic technologist in 1996,” Baptist President and CEO Jason Little said in the release. “I have every confidence she’ll accomplish great things for health care in Paragould.”
