Comtrea, which provides health care services throughout Jefferson County, will merge with Compass Health Network, effective July 1, the two agencies announced today, May 17, in a written statement.
Sue Curfman, Comtrea’s president and CEO, said those who receive services through Comtrea will benefit from the merger with Compass, an even larger nonprofit health agency. Each one is classified as a federally qualified health center (FQHC), meaning they receive federal funding under the Public Health Services Act, she said.
After the merger, Comtrea’s services will be “integrated under the banner of Compass Health Network,” according to the written statement.
“It’s very, very exciting news for Jefferson County,” Curfman said. “What makes the merger so great is Compass Health Network is also a community health center and an FQHC agency.”
By joining Compass Health Network, Comtrea will be a part of an agency serving an estimated 120,000 people with a combined work force of more than 4,200.
Curfman said the merger will give Jefferson County residents access to even more services than Comtrea has offered.
“(For Comtrea clients), they’ll still be coming for the same services with the same locations, but with expanded services and an expanded work force,” she said. “For example, we currently have a welcome center (in Crystal City) for same-day assessment. We also have one in Arnold. We want to expand the Arnold location services and open Hillsboro and High Ridge locations.
“We’re also looking at a new integrated medical center (to be built) in Festus. That would have primary care, dental, psychiatry and behavioral health services.”
Tim Swinfard, CEO of Compass, said he welcomes the merger with Comtrea.
“This merger will bring additional services to Jefferson County and improve access to care,” he said. “Within the next year, additional locations for consumers to receive services will be launched. Compass’ efforts as a center of excellence in integrated health care will be expanded with the addition of the Comtrea team.”
Curfman said clients can look for staff to be added to the offices Comtrea currently operates offices after the merger.
“We are stronger together,” she said. “We move from limited to limitless and, truly, the benefits for Jefferson County residents will be amazing, with access to more resources not previously available.”
She said she will no longer head up the agency.
“It’s a true merger,” Curfman. “I’ll no longer be the CEO. I will be in a senior leadership position.”
For more information about Compass Health Network, visit compasshealthnetwork.org.
