Community Hospital and Montrose Regional Health Explore Possible Partnership to Strengthen Local Care

Proposed nonprofit collaboration would preserve independence and strengthen local ecosystem of care within western Colorado and eastern Utah

MONTROSE, Colo. (March 9, 2026) – Community Hospital and Montrose Regional Health (MRH) announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore creating a new tax-exempt, nonprofit entity designed to strengthen community-based health care across western Colorado and eastern Utah, while maintaining each hospital’s independence. Importantly, this marks the beginning of an exploratory process. No definitive agreement has been finalized.

“Community Hospital and MRH both share a deep commitment to our communities, treating our patients like we would our own families,” said Jeff Mengenhausen, CEO of Montrose Regional Health. “We are excited about how this collaboration would strengthen this commitment, championing a competitive health care landscape while increasing access and affordability for providers, patients, and communities.”

The partnership would create opportunities for collaboration that would help both organizations remain strong and competitive in a rapidly changing health care environment. Under the proposed structure, the new organization would collaborate on nonclinical initiatives, such as information technology alignment, group purchasing, long-term planning, and revenue cycle optimization, to create economies of scale and improve overall care quality and efficiency. Both hospitals would remain independent, locally governed, tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations with their own boards, leadership, medical staff, employees, finances, and facilities.

“Community Hospital and MRH have proudly offered compassionate, high-quality health care services to our region for generations,” said Chris Thomas, President and CEO of Community Hospital. “The people we serve remain our top priority and are a key reason we are exploring this partnership. This potential collaboration would stimulate economic growth and strengthen health care opportunities for our community, improving quality and choice for patients and employees alike.”

Community Hospital and MRH anticipate reaching a definitive agreement later this fall, with the goal of finalizing the details by the end of this year. Both organizations are committed to a thoughtful and transparent process as conversations continue. For more information, please visit montrosehealth.com/partnership.