Covenant HealthCare and Aspire Rural Health System announced Thursday that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore a closer partnership focused on strengthening healthcare services and keeping high-quality care local for communities across Michigan’s Thumb region.
This LOI marks an important step in a thoughtful exploration process. While no final decisions have been made, both organizations are aligned in their shared goal of supporting patients, caregivers, and communities through collaboration, shared resources, and long-term sustainability—all while maintaining access to local care.
This exploration builds on a long-standing collaborative relationship between Covenant HealthCare and Aspire Rural Health System, including the Covenant Regional Thumb Network, formed in 2018. Through this collaboration, patients in the region have already gained increased access to specialty services, including comprehensive oncology care at the Covenant Cancer Care Center at Aspire Marlette.
The proposed affiliation aims to improve access to high-quality, affordable care closer to home for residents of Lapeer, Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola, and surrounding counties. Potential benefits for both patients and the organizations include expanded specialty services such as cardiology and oncology, shared clinical and operational resources, and additional support to address challenges commonly faced by rural healthcare providers, including staffing shortages and rising costs.
“At Covenant HealthCare, our mission is to deliver extraordinary care for every generation— wherever patients call home,” said Beth Charlton, President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. “This Letter of Intent allows us to explore how we can work together to strengthen local care in the Thumb, support caregivers, and ensure patients continue to receive high-quality services close to home.”
“Aspire Rural Health System was formed with a clear purpose to preserve local care while building a stronger, more connected system for our communities,” said Angie McConnachie, Co-CEO of Aspire Rural Health System. “By coming together with Covenant HealthCare, we are strengthening our ability to expand access, enhance quality, and respond to the evolving needs of the rural communities we serve. This partnership positions us for long-term success, ensuring we remain strong, sustainable, and able to continue delivering high-quality rural healthcare for generations to come.”
“Together, Aspire Rural Health System and Covenant HealthCare System are uniting visions with a shared commitment to elevating the standard of care and accessibility for our communities,” said Andy Daniels, Co-CEO of Aspire. “This partnership will be a model, illustrating that when we truly collaborate, we create healthier futures for all. We will now be together to serve our patients better.”
The LOI is non-binding and outlines a structured process for further evaluation, including clinical, financial, operational, and regulatory considerations. Both organizations will remain independent throughout this process. Any future agreement would require approval from each organization’s board, regulatory review, and community input.
There will be no immediate changes to patient care, services, staffing, or daily operations. Covenant HealthCare and Aspire Rural Health System are committed to transparent communication as discussions continue.
