Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Sign Letter of Intent For Proposed Merger
Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health today announced they have signed a letter of intent regarding a partnership between the two mission-driven organizations, designed to enhance patient care, expand access to services, and accelerate innovation, all for the benefit of their patients and communities.
“We believe that partnering with Hackensack Meridian Health has the potential to strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality care, invest in our workforce, expand services, and enhance the patient experience for generations to come,” said Patrick Gavin, President and CEO of Hunterdon Health. “The letter of intent establishes a framework for our two organizations to conduct additional due diligence and evaluate opportunities to align resources, expertise, and capabilities in support of their shared commitment to high-quality, community-based healthcare.”
“The signing of a letter of intent marks the beginning of the next step in a thorough and lengthy process,” said Kristy Alfano, Interim President and CEO of Hunterdon Health, who will succeed Gavin when he retires June 30. “In the days ahead, we will remain focused on what matters most – our patients, our employees, our physicians, and our communities – as together we explore opportunities to build on our strengths and ensure that high-quality healthcare remains available close to home.”
United by a shared commitment to transforming health care, Hackensack Meridian Health and Hunterdon Health will use their shared resources, expertise, and advanced technologies to expand and support a comprehensive health care delivery system focused on health outcomes, investment in clinical research, academic and community benefit programs, and quality care that is human-centered, accessible, and affordable.
"We are so excited at the opportunity to partner with Hunterdon Health as we look to transform healthcare in the future,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "We share a vision for the future of medicine—one rooted in innovation and truly patient-centered care. By coming together, we’ll be able to improve access to top-tier care, expand services and programs to the great communities that Hunterdon and HMH serve, and invest in research and technology that make it easier for patients to take control of their health. Together, we're committed to making high-quality health care more accessible and affordable for the communities we serve."
The announcement follows a vote by the Board of Trustees of both healthcare systems authorizing the two organizations to move forward with the exploration of a merger.
“After thoughtful deliberation, the Board concluded that signing a letter of intent with Hackensack Meridian Health is the appropriate next step to develop a long-term partnership between our two healthcare systems, based on the strong alignment we see between our two organizations,” said K.C Rondello, MD, Chairman of the Hunterdon Health Board of Trustees. “While there is much work ahead, we are excited to explore how a partnership could help us build an even stronger future for patients, caregivers, and the communities we serve.”
Leaders from both organizations cited a strong alignment of mission, values, and commitment to local communities as a key factor in the decision to move forward with the letter of intent.
"This proposed partnership with Hunterdon Health will accelerate our network’s mission to change health care for the better," said Keith Banks, Chairman of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees. "Jointly, we can help improve the lives of the people in our communities. By merging our strengths, we're building a culture focused on better patient outcomes and stronger community support. It’s an exciting step that will help us attract great talent, grow sustainably, and keep meeting the needs of our patients for years to come."
The organizations emphasized that the letter of intent is not a final agreement and that no immediate changes are planned to patient care, physician practices, employee roles, compensation, or benefits. The organizations intend to work diligently towards a definitive agreement.
ABOUT HUNTERDON HEALTH
Hunterdon Health is a community-based, not-for-profit health system that has been committed to preventing illness and injury and inspiring healthier living since 1953.
Hunterdon Health – and its flagship hospital, Hunterdon Medical Center – offers a full range of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic inpatient and outpatient primary and specialty care services. Its growing network of more than 30 medical practices throughout Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Warren counties continues to evolve and grow to meet the healthcare needs of the residents of central New Jersey. The Hunterdon Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program is one of the most established family practice residency training programs in the country. The program attracts the best and brightest graduates from the finest schools worldwide, many of whom are now members of the Hunterdon Health medical staff.
ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Hackensack Meridian Health brings together leading‑edge care, research, and medical education to deliver the best outcomes and care shaped around the unique needs of every patient we serve. By connecting prevention, specialty care, and life-saving discoveries, we improve every aspect of healthcare – from routine visits to the most advanced treatments, close to home and across the globe.
Home to New Jersey’s first and only top 20 hospital in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report 2025-26, we ensure people can count on exceptional care today and benefit from the cures of tomorrow. Our not-for-profit network of 18 hospitals, 500+ care locations, and over 40,000 team members extends the horizon of health for all. And because medicine is never finished, we Keep Getting Better for every patient, family, and community who counts on us. Learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org, and to donate, visit GiveHMH.org.