Providence Announces Addition of HMR Weight Management Services Corp.

Acquisition part of new initiative to support patients and consumers in improving their health

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Jan 22, 2020, 12:00 ET

SEATTLE and BOSTON, Jan. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence St. Joseph Health announced today it has acquired HMR (Health Management Resources), an established provider of clinically proven weight-loss programs, from Merck.

The addition of a comprehensive weight management service to Providence’s suite of health services is the latest example of the non-profit health organization’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of patients and communities.

“We are pursuing innovative ways and partnerships to transform health care by keeping people healthy, and making our services more convenient, accessible and affordable for all,” says Michael Waters, MHA, Chief Executive, Ambulatory Care Network, Providence. “HMR’s patient-centric vision and clinically proven approach to generating lifestyle change, make it a great fit for our organization and supports our vision of Health for a Better World.”

Obesity rates have been on the rise across the U.S. despite greater awareness of the problem and its association with health issues and diseases from poorer mental health to diabetes to certain cancers. Today, 71.6 percent of U.S. adults age 20 and older are overweight or obese, while 39.8 percent are obese, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.

According to HMR President Len Tacconi, HMR’s specialty is using behavior-change techniques to help patients who have significant weight to lose learn the lifestyle skills that matter most for better health and quality of life. “Providence is a perfect fit for HMR,” notes Tacconi. “Both organizations are focused on preventive health care, and are committed to high-quality compassionate care that can make a real difference to the health and quality of life of the people we serve.”

HMR’s diet and lifestyle change program has been offered with medical supervision in hospitals, universities, and medical centers across the U.S. since 1983. The HMR program is now also available as a technology-enabled, direct-to-consumer option with digital support and weekly group phone coaching. HMR was recently rated the #1 Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Diets of 2020 rankings. This is the fifth year in a row that HMR has held the first place position.

A positive relationship between Providence and HMR has existed for several years. HMR operates clinics inside three Providence facilities, while Providence refers its caregivers to HMR for weight management support and care as part of its employee wellness program.

“Nearly one million adult patients who receive care in Providence hospitals and clinics are identified as overweight or obese,” adds Waters. “Working in partnership with HMR and its network of licensed clinics throughout the country, we are committed to tackling the obesity epidemic in the U.S. by offering comprehensive support and care to the people we are privileged to serve.”

About Providence St. Joseph Health (soon to be known as Providence)
Providence St. Joseph Health is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 51 hospitals, 829 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 119,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states – Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington with system offices based in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. Starting in June 2020, Providence St. Joseph Health will transition to a new brand, with the word as Providence as the name and the St. Joseph Health cross as the logo.

About HMR
HMR was founded in 1983 by a passionate group of clinicians, psychologists, and researchers who wanted to bring the science of behavior change into direct patient care. HMR’s mission has always been to help people achieve significant weight loss and make lasting changes to live healthier lives. Building on that mission, HMR continues to expand its outreach to broader audiences and through new modalities to help even more people with their weight and health goals.

SOURCE Providence