Hancock Health, Hendricks Regional Health, and the Mayo Clinic announced on Wednesday, that the two Indiana health systems have joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a group of carefully vetted, independent health care organizations, have special access to Mayo Clinic's knowledge and expertise.

Hancock Health and Hendricks Regional Health have a shared vision to provide central Indiana with excellent health care and keep communities healthy — all while remaining independent.

"Hancock Health has invested heavily in bringing medical expertise to east-central Indiana, creating attractive and convenient access points in our patients' hometowns — all while establishing solid bonds with our tertiary partners to ensure every level of care is within reach," says Steve Long, president and CEO of Hancock Health. "In the future, this relationship with Mayo Clinic will allow our care teams meaningful and timely access to some of the best medical specialists in the world. In my estimation, there is no better combination than a trusted local physician working in concert with their counterparts at Mayo Clinic to provide the very best care close to home."

"As Hendricks Regional Health joins forces with Mayo Clinic, we celebrate this milestone that builds upon a 60-year legacy and commitment to our community, and the relentless dedication of our nationally recognized physicians and associates," says Kevin Speer, J.D., president and CEO of Hendricks Regional Health. "It's the next step in preserving, growing and innovating local access to the most patient-focused, highest quality, specialized care possible. At a time when health care affordability has never been more important to Hoosiers, this collaboration is a shining example of how we are expanding world-class medicine in west-central Indiana at no additional cost for patients."