Officials with East Alabama Health announced Wednesday that the organization will assume management and operational oversight of Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula beginning October 1, 2026.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring continued access to essential health care services for residents of Barbour County and the surrounding region, according to an East Alabama Health press release.
Under the agreement, East Alabama Health will lead day-to-day operations and provide strategic guidance aimed at supporting quality patient care and strengthening local hospital services.
“Access to timely, high-quality health care is vital for every community, particularly in rural areas,” East Alabama Health President and CEO Laura Grill said. “We are honored to partner with The Health Care Authority of the City of Eufaula as we work together to preserve and strengthen local health care services for the citizens of Barbour County and the surrounding communities.”
Medical Center Barbour will continue to serve as a local hospital for Eufaula and surrounding communities under the management agreement.
“By combining the hospital’s longstanding local commitment with East Alabama Health’s regional experience, we believe this partnership can strengthen Medical Center Barbour’s role as a trusted source of care for Eufaula and the surrounding region.”
Joseph Marchant, who leads rural health initiatives at East Alabama Health and serves as chief integration and network development officer, said Medical Center Barbour plays an important role in the community’s health and economy.
“Medical Center Barbour plays a vital role in both the health and economic future of this community, supporting families, employers and providing crucial jobs for the people who work there,” Marchant said.
“We look forward to working alongside the hospital’s leadership, providers, employees and community stakeholders to honor Medical Center Barbour’s long history of serving Eufaula and the surrounding region and develop a sustainable model to ensure residents receive exceptional care, close to home.”
Medical Center Barbour leaders also expressed support for the partnership and what it could mean for the future of health care services in the community.
“This agreement is a major step forward for Medical Center Barbour and the patients we serve,” Health Care Authority of the City of Eufaula Board Chair Eugene Harris said. “East Alabama Health shares our commitment to local care, and we are excited to work together to strengthen services, improve patient outcomes and ensure the long-term mission of our hospital.”
City leaders said the agreement reinforces Medical Center Barbour’s role as both a health care provider and a cornerstone of the local economy.
“This partnership is great news not only for the health and well-being of our residents, but also for our dedicated health care workers at Medical Center Barbour and our economy as a whole,” Eufaula Mayor Jack B. Tibbs Jr. said. “Our hospital is a pillar of our community and one of the city’s largest employers. A strong hospital is vital to economic development, so this is a win for our patients, our workforce and the future of our city.”
East Alabama Health and Medical Center Barbour said they will work together to support continued clinical excellence, enhance operational performance and expand opportunities to meet the evolving health care needs of the communities they serve.
