October 15, 2026- Rush University System for Health and Endeavor Health have announced plans to merge, creating an integrated academic health system with 12 hospitals and more than 400 care sites across Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
Announced Oct. 14, the proposed combination would bring together Rush’s academic medicine, research and education capabilities with Endeavor’s broad network of community-based care. The combined organization would employ more than 46,000 employees and clinicians and serve more than 2 million patients annually.
The new system would operate under the Rush name. Upon completion, Endeavor Health President and CEO Gerald “J.P.” Gallagher would lead the combined organization. Rush President and CEO Dr. Omar Lateef would serve as CEO emeritus and strategic adviser.
Endeavor Health also plans to fund an incremental $1 billion investment to support community partnerships, academic programs, research, quality improvement and care innovation, with a focus on addressing social determinants of health and supporting underserved communities.
The merger is targeted to close in early 2027, pending regulatory review and approval.