Bright Future > Beacon Health System
Book
Appointment
Pay Bill
Set My Location
be_ixf;ym_202507 d_22; ct_50
Our people and communities make us strong

Building a Bright Future for All

Beacon acquires Ascension Southwest Michigan

Beacon Health System has completed its acquisition of Ascension Southwest Michigan, effective July 1. This significant milestone expands the reach of our locally owned and governed nonprofit health system and strengthens our ability to serve communities across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

Beacon now operates four additional hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center in southwest Michigan. These hospitals include Beacon Kalamazoo (formerly Borgess), a 422-bed acute care hospital, along with Beacon Allegan (formerly Borgess Allegan), Beacon Dowagiac (formerly Borgess-Lee) and Beacon Plainwell (formerly Borgess-Pipp).

A message from Kreg Gruber, Beacon Health System CEO

Beacon is a locally owned and governed health system committed to delivering care in communities similar in many ways to the area Ascension serves today. In this video, Kreg shares how you and your family can continue to see the providers you trust along with having access to a larger network of services through Beacon.

About Beacon

Locally owned, not-for-profit health system

Over 10,800 associates
More than 1,260 physicians
270 care sites over 10 counties, including 11 hospitals

Expanding our reach deeper into southwest Michigan broadens access to high-quality, affordable care for communities served by Ascension, extends our service area and provides scale to strengthen efficiency.

– Kreg Gruber, Beacon CEO 

Beacon Executive Team

Kreg Gruber headshot
Kreg Gruber
Chief Executive Officer
Mark Brett headshot
Mark Brett
Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Costello headshot
Jeff Costello
Chief Financial Officer
Sam El-Dalati headshot
Sam El-Dalati, MD, MBA
Chief Clinical Officer
Mario Ellis headshot
Mario Ellis
Chief Human Resources Officer
Stacey Johnston headshot
Stacey Johnston, MD, MHA, CHCIO
Chief Information & Digital Execution Officer
Susan King headshot
Susan King
President, Beacon Health Foundation
Diane Maas headshot
Diane Maas
Chief Strategy & Digital Growth Officer
Dale Patterson headshot
Dale Patterson, MD
President, Beacon Medical Group

Beacon Hospital Leadership

David Bailey headshot
David Bailey
President, Community Hospital of Bremen
Maria Behr headshot
Maria Behr
President, Three Rivers Health
Michael Johnson headshot
Michael Johnson
Interim President, Elkhart General Hospital
Carl Risk headshot
Carl Risk, II
President, Beacon Kalamazoo Hospital
Larry Tracy headshot
Larry Tracy
President, Memorial Hospital of South Bend

News

FAQ

Why did Beacon Health System acquire Ascension Southwest Michigan?

The acquisition will:

  • Be the start of a bright future built on similar values, combined strengths and a shared commitment to serve and improve the well-being in the communities we call home.
  • Improve efficiency over a larger operation
  • Grow service lines with the expertise and resources to enhance critically needed specialty care services and making infrastructure improvements
  • Provide personal and professional growth opportunities for our combined set of associates
How has Beacon grown following the acquisition?

Beacon Health System is our community's locally owned, nonprofit healthcare leader, serving patients across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Today, Beacon has more than 10,800 associates and 1,260+ physicians and providers.

Will patients be able to keep seeing their current medical providers?

Yes. Patient care will continue without interruption. Over time, patients will benefit from access to additional specialists, resources and coordinated care across our expanded network.

Will patients have the same care, scheduled treatments or procedures?

Yes. Patient care will continue exactly the same, including treatment plans, medications, scheduled treatments and procedures. Care teams will remain exactly the same – the same doctors, same nurses, same excellent treatment. We're honored to be part of our patients’ healing journey and grateful for the opportunity to serve the community with the compassionate care you deserve.

Will there be changes to hospital visiting hours?

Rooms, visiting hours and meal service remain unchanged.

Will patients be able to keep their current medical providers?

Yes, both Ascension and Beacon are committed to making this a smooth transition with little, if any, disruption for employees, patients and physicians.

Will Beacon keep the commitments to the southwestern Michigan communities previously served by Ascension?

Absolutely! Beacon is a locally owned and governed nonprofit system that serves as the majority provider for underinsured and uninsured patients. We're committed to maintaining and strengthening community partnerships. This acquisition enhances our ability to support community health initiatives.

Why is Beacon Health System buying the Ascension SW Michigan region hospitals?

There are many benefits for both Ascension SW Michigan and Beacon Health System, including:

  • Bringing together two organizations that share a commitment to improving health and well-being in our communities through accessible, affordable and high-quality care
  • Improving efficiency over a larger operation
  • Growing service lines with the expertise and resources to enhance critically needed specialty care services and making infrastructure improvements
  • Providing personal and professional growth opportunities for our combined set of associates
Will Beacon keep the commitments to the SW Michigan communities served by Ascension?

Absolutely! Our two systems share values that demonstrate our commitment to our communities. Beacon is a locally owned and governed nonprofit system that serves as the majority provider for underinsured and uninsured patients. Ascension’s mission is to deliver compassionate, personalized care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.

Will Beacon remain a nonprofit, locally governed organization?

Yes! Beacon is our community's locally owned, nonprofit healthcare leader, serving patients across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. As a not-for-profit, community-focused organization, Beacon reinvests back into its hospitals, enhancing patient care and services. Beacon does not have shareholders or outside owners, so any profits go right back into serving our patients and communities.

Will there be job losses associated with the acquisition?

Providing jobs is a key priority. All southwest Michigan clinicians and associates will be offered the opportunity to continue employment with Beacon Health System, provided they follow Beacon’s hiring process and meet the legal requirements to work.

What will Beacon’s size be when the acquisition is complete?

Beacon today serves a primary service area of seven counties across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, with more than 8,100 associates and more than 1,000 physicians. The acquisition will add Ascension’s current four hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory care facility along with 2,700 associates, including 261 providers.