INSIGHT FINALIZES PURCHASE OF CLOSED KEOKUK AREA HOSPITAL

The transfer of ownership to Insight from Blessing Health represents the first major step in the plan to reestablish medical services at the hospital

The acquisition of the closed Keokuk Area Hospital by Insight was finalized on March 24th with the transfer of ownership of the hospital building and other property from Blessing Health, the former operators of Keokuk Area Hospital. Insight intends to operate Keokuk Area Hospital as a nonprofit hospital. Insight is reviewing the new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation that recently passed the State Legislature.

“We look forward to providing critically needed medical services to residents of Keokuk and surrounding communities,” stated Insight Chief Strategy Officer Atif Bawahab. “We understand the urgency of the situation. With the necessary regulatory and financial support, Insight aims to begin providing medical services consistent with the community’s needs later this year. Insight is grateful for the productive relationships with Blessing Health and community partners through the acquisition process.”

Maureen Kahn, President and CEO of Blessing Health stated: “We have taken a significant step towards bringing medical care back to the Keokuk community as we transition Keokuk Area

Hospital to Insight, a provider of hospital care in both Chicago and Michigan. We are confident that Insight will be able to replicate the success it has had in its other communities in Keokuk. Blessing continues to operate a primary care clinic in Keokuk, as well as a medical equipment and supply provider, and we look forward to working with Insight as healthcare providers.”

City of Keokuk Mayor Kathie Mahoney said, “I believe I can speak for everyone in Keokuk and the surrounding area, that we are excited that Insight has been able to take this very important first step to return quality health care back to Keokuk. Everyone at the City of Keokuk will continue to assist Insight with this process any way we can.”

Dr. Jawad Shah, founder and CEO of Insight and a practicing neurosurgeon, stated, “Keokuk deserves a local hospital. We look forward to working with public officials and community

leaders to reestablish healthcare services. We want to get the doors open and build trust with the community by providing patient care second to none.”

Since being founded in 2008, Insight has developed innovative ways to bring compassionate healthcare services to underserved communities. Insight, headquartered in Flint, Michigan, is a growing health network in the Midwest with surgical centers across Michigan, a hospital in Warren, Michigan, and a 400-bed acute care hospital in southside Chicago.