Forrest City, Ark., March 1, 2006-Baptist Memorial Health Care transitioned Baptist Forrest City to Brentwood, Tennessee-based Community Health Systems March 1. CHS is the largest non-urban provider of general hospital health care services in the country.

The transition is the result of working almost one year toward the change.

Baptist began operations in Forrest City in the early 1980s. Since that time, Baptist brought many new services and technology to the community, contributing in excess of $29.5 million in capital enhancements.

“This will be the last of our hospital operations in the state of Arkansas,” said Jim Ainsworth, vice president and regional market leader for Baptist. “But through the diligent work of the St. Francis County Quorum Court, county leadership, Baptist Forrest City colleagues and Baptist leadership, St. Francis County residents will have continued health care services in their community.”

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