Penn Highlands Healthcare Announces Acquisition of Helpmates, Inc.

Penn Highlands Healthcare and Helpmates, Inc. have agreed to general terms and conditions of the purchase. During the past several months, both parties have engaged in research, analysis and discussions to reach a definitive sales agreement. At this stage, they are near finalizing the due diligence process.

The acquisition is evidence of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s continued growth throughout the region. “It’s gratifying to play a part in improving access to the highest quality healthcare across the area,” said Steve Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Bringing Helpmates on board as a vital and integral part of the Penn Highlands system will enable us to provide even greater access—not only in each of the communities we serve, but in the care and comfort of our patients’ own homes when they need it.”

Dawn Foringer, President of Helpmates, Inc., agreed. “As a leading health system in our region, Penn Highlands Healthcare has demonstrated their excellence in the fields of home health, hospice, and skilled nursing through their Community Nurses program. Helpmates has always been committed to deliver the highest quality of services available to our patients, and our partnering with Penn Highlands will ensure that our staff will continue to achieve that.” The definitive sales agreement is set to take place on April 1, when Helpmates officially will become a part of the Penn Highlands Healthcare system.

Penn Highlands Healthcare is a leader of healthcare services in northwest/central Pennsylvania currently with 4,400 employees working toward a mission to provide patients with exceptional care through the community-based health system. The Penn Highlands culture is focused on service excellence and safety. Penn Highlands Healthcare is made up of five acute care hospitals, an ambulatory surgery center, a personal care facility, two long-term care facilities, a senior housing unit, skilled home health and hospice agencies, and a personal care agency.