History
Ardent Health Services was founded in 1993 as Behavioral Healthcare Corporation, an owner and operator of psychiatric hospitals.
In 2001, the largest private equity investor in health care - Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe - became majority owner. David T. Vandewater was appointed president and CEO, bringing more than 30 years of experience in hospital management leadership and a new focus to the company. Ardent began to acquire medical/surgical hospitals and health systems, including the facilities that now comprise Lovelace Health System (Albuquerque, N.M.) in 2002 and 2003, and Hillcrest Health care System (Tulsa, Okla.) in 2004.
In 2005, the company sold its behavioral hospitals and positioned the company as a partner for growth with acute care hospitals.
In January 2013, Ardent and Baptist Community Services of Amarillo, Texas, completed a joint venture acquisition of BSA Health System - the nationally acclaimed, dominant provider in the Texas Panhandle.
Today, Ardent is a leading provider of health care in the communities it serves. After more than $700 million of investments in people, technology and facilities, Ardent has raised the standard of care, improving clinical quality and market share, as well as patient, physician and employee loyalty.