Samaritan Health Services will become part of MultiCare Health System following board approvals announced Tuesday by both organizations in a move that marks a significant shift in health care delivery across the mid-Willamette Valley.
The affiliation, expected to be finalized in mid-2026, will make Samaritan the first Oregon health system within Tacoma-based MultiCare’s network. The two nonprofit organizations will sign formal affiliation agreements in the coming weeks.
“This affiliation represents an important step in securing the future of nonprofit health care in our region,” Marty Cahill, Samaritan’s president and CEO, said through a news release.
MultiCare has committed to a 10-year investment plan that includes modernizing Samaritan’s facilities, expanding Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center’s inpatient capacity and growing primary and specialty care services. The agreement also introduces new telehealth capabilities and brings MultiCare’s behavioral health network — Washington’s largest — to the mid-Willamette Valley and central coast.
The affiliation affects Samaritan’s five community hospitals, more than 80 physician clinics and health insurance plans serving approximately 280,000 residents across Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties.
Samaritan employs more than 5,000 people, including 620 clinicians.
MultiCare CEO Bill Robertson said the partnership aligns with his organization’s mission to ensure Pacific Northwest communities maintain long-term access to local care.
“MultiCare and Samaritan are closely aligned in our mission, vision and values, making us ideal partners as we strengthen our networks across our service regions,” Robertson said.
Officials emphasized that nothing changes immediately for patients, employees or health plan members. Samaritan will continue normal operations with the same clinicians and facilities during the transition period.
Samaritan will remain locally governed and community-based once the affiliation is complete, maintaining its volunteer community board structure while gaining access to MultiCare’s resources and operational support.
MultiCare operates 13 hospitals and more than 300 care locations across the Pacific Northwest with approximately 28,000 employees, providers and volunteers.