Faced with significant financial and regulatory issues as a result of a series of crises, a major investor-owned healthcare company sought to divest a total of 28 hospitals in several states within a fairly aggressive timeframe. Blanco + Hopkins was hired to help design and implement strategic communications plans that resulted in the completion of all 28 transactions with little controversy or adverse public impact. Blanco + Hopkins subsequently was hired to assist the company with a series of additional divestitures and lease non-renewals– many of which were anticipated to be contentious and controversial because of ongoing labor union and community issues – with the same results.

Entering a new market presents challenges for out-of-state operators. Each state has a different approval process. And each community has a different perspective on what the sale of the hospital will mean to the future of local healthcare delivery. When the buyer is unknown within the market, providers, patients and community leaders can get very nervous. They want to know who will be taking charge of their community asset. They want to ensure continued access to needed services and the availability of high quality care in the future. Blanco + Hopkins helped a growing national company position itself positively as it successfully acquired a group of hospitals in a new marketplace. We developed a proactive strategy for public and community relations, and helped the buyer build strong relationships so the transition to the new owner would be positively embraced by the community at large.