December 31, 2025 –
FHN is pleased to announce that the Illinois Attorney General has approved its affiliation with Mercyhealth. With this approval, the organizations will move forward with closing on Dec. 31, 2025. Effective January 1, 2026, FHN will officially become Mercyhealth FHN.
The FHN Board of Directors approved the affiliation agreement in Fall 2025 with the goal of preserving and continuing FHN's legacy of providing healthcare in northwest Illinois for more than 120 years.
“(Mercyhealth) saw a lot of potential to grow their market share, but also to grow FHN's potential - our services and our people, and our own market share,” FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley said at the time. “They saw the potential to grow FHN and Mercyhealth as a regional medical center, not just keep the doors open, but invest in improving local healthcare.”
As FHN moves forward with its affiliation with Mercyhealth, the organization is entering a period of leadership transition within the executive team. These changes are part of the integration process and reflect the evolution of joining a larger health system. We are grateful for the dedication, service, and leadership of FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley; Chief Human Resource Director Len Carter; CFO Mike Clark; and Executive VP/CNO/COO Kathy Martinez, whose contributions have helped position the organization for a strong future as Mercyhealth FHN.
This affiliation represents a significant investment in healthcare access, services, and long-term stability for northwest Illinois. By joining Mercyhealth, FHN will strengthen its ability to meet the evolving needs of the community while continuing to deliver high-quality, compassionate care close to home.
FHN's commitment to patients, staff, and the community remains unchanged. Care delivery continues uninterrupted.
For frequently asked questions, visit https://www.fhn.org/MercyhealthFHN-FAQ.php.