Hackensack Meridian aims to increase capacity with Carrier deal

In New Jersey, the large not-for-profit Hackensack Meridian Health system has announced a potential acquisition of behavioral health provider Carrier Clinic. If the deal is structured as an acquisition, it would add to Hackensack Meridian’s integrated system an inpatient psychiatric hospital, a 40-bed detoxification and rehabilitation center, an adolescent residential facility and an accredited middle and high school for students classified with behavioral health issues.

Carrier Clinic, established in 1910, is Joint Commission accredited. Hackensack Meridian Health operates 16 hospitals and 450 provider offices and is in the process of adding 37 psychiatric inpatient beds to its 150-bed capacity.

While due diligence is forthcoming, the deal structure has not been determined. It could be an acquisition or a partnership. Officials say the aim is to create a seamless system featuring 24 hour access to care with teams of primary care physicians, psychiatrists and advanced practice nurses.  

“The opioid crisis is unprecedented in its scope and intensity, and this partnership would enhance our efforts to be part of the solution,” said John K. Lloyd, Co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, in a statement. “It would also deliver a team-based care approach to behavioral health patients who too often received fragmented care which doesn't yield the best outcomes.”