STILLWATER, Okla., May 5, 2026 — Stillwater Medical is proud to announce a 10-year extension of its lease and operating agreement to continue providing essential healthcare services in Blackwell, reinforcing a strong, long-standing partnership with the City of Blackwell and the surrounding community. The agreement was approved by the Stillwater Medical Center Authority Board of Trustees on April 28 and by the Blackwell City Council, extending operations of the Blackwell hospital through December 31, 2037.
The new agreement expands the previous seven-year lease to ten years, offering greater stability, a longer planning horizon, and continued access to high-quality care for residents across Kay County and beyond.
“Our commitment to rural communities like Blackwell is stronger than ever,” said Shawn Howard, Vice President of Business Development and Rural Emergency Hospital Administrator at Stillwater Medical. “We are grateful for the trust placed in us by the City of Blackwell and the Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority. This partnership allows us to continue investing in services, supporting local healthcare access, and building a sustainable future for care delivery in the region.”
Under the agreement, Stillwater Medical will maintain full responsibility for hospital operations, including staffing, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and financial oversight. The lease also ensures the continuation of emergency ambulance transfer services, providing critical access to higher levels of care when needed.
“This finalized agreement is a collaborative commitment to the future of Blackwell. By securing Stillwater Medical-Blackwell’s presence for the next decade, we are reinforcing stability in one of the most essential services our community depends on. This success reflects a strong working relationship between the City of Blackwell, the Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority, and Stillwater Medical, all aligned around a shared goal: delivering reliable, high-quality healthcare close to home. Most importantly, it represents a continued investment in the well-being of our residents and the long-term growth and vitality of our community.”
In addition to hospital services, Stillwater Medical remains committed to strengthening primary care access in Blackwell. Recruitment efforts are currently underway to expand provider coverage at Blackwell Primary Care, ensuring residents have access to consistent, preventive, and ongoing care close to home.
Stillwater Medical expresses sincere gratitude to the City of Blackwell, the Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority, and the community for their continued partnership and shared commitment to the health and well-being of the region. Together, these efforts ensure that healthcare in Blackwell remains strong, stable, and accessible—today and into the future.
About Stillwater Medical Blackwell
Stillwater Medical is a not-for-profit, community-owned health system serving north-central Oklahoma with high-quality, compassionate care. Its Blackwell location provides emergency and observation care, along with primary care, laboratory services, radiology, respiratory therapy and physical therapy.
