Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) and Hunterdon Health have officially signed a definitive agreement for Hunterdon Health to join the HMH network. The partnership, unanimously approved by both organizations’ Boards of Trustees, aims to expand advanced health care access and strengthen local medical services in Hunterdon County and surrounding communities.
The agreement follows a letter of intent signed by the two health systems in June. With the definitive agreement now in place, the organizations will move forward with customary state and federal regulatory reviews, including evaluations under New Jersey’s Community Health Care Assets Protection Act (CHAPA) and federal antitrust oversight. Until the transaction officially closes, both systems will continue to operate independently.
The merger agreement outlines $230 million in targeted investments and structural protections designed to preserve local community health leadership while expanding clinical capabilities:
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$200 Million Capital Investment: HMH has committed $200 million toward strategic capital projects to upgrade facilities, expand regional programs, and enhance community-based health care access.
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$30 Million Epic Integration: HMH will fully fund the implementation of its Epic electronic health record system across Hunterdon Health, encompassing Hunterdon Medical Center, ambulatory sites, the Hunterdon Medical Group, and participating independent physicians.
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Preservation of Local Voice and Governance: For at least six years following the closure, Hunterdon will maintain local board oversight. Additionally, Hunterdon representatives will secure seats on the HMH Board of Trustees and various committees, and a dedicated Hunterdon Community Advisory Committee will ensure ongoing local input.
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Local Philanthropy Remains Local: The Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation will operate as a separate entity, ensuring that all locally raised funds strictly honor donor intent and support Hunterdon Medical Center and its services.
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Staff Continuity and Clinical Growth: Hunterdon Medical Center will retain its independent medical staff leadership and peer review processes. Hunterdon Medical Group and the clinically integrated network will remain active options for physicians for at least five years, alongside a collaborative plan for regional physician recruitment and clinical expansion.
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Accountability Measures: A joint oversight committee featuring equal representation from both health systems will monitor and enforce HMH’s compliance with its commitments.
Leadership perspectives
“Today we’re making real commitments to the people of Hunterdon County and the surrounding communities,” Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, said. “By investing in facilities, technology, and clinical programs, we’ll help ensure patients in this region can receive leading-edge care close to home, backed by the resources of our entire network.”
Kristy Alfano, President and CEO of Hunterdon Health, emphasized that the partnership safeguards local identity and operational continuity. “Joining Hackensack Meridian Health will strengthen our ability to invest in our people, expand services, and bring new technology and specialty expertise to our region,” Alfano said. “Just as important, the agreement keeps local leadership and community input at the heart of how Hunterdon Health serves its neighbors.”
Hunterdon’s current leadership team will continue to manage day-to-day operations throughout the regulatory approval process. Patients are advised that no immediate changes will occur, and they should continue seeing their regular providers at current locations.
