Officials call it the single biggest impact to improving the health of the community. Adventist Health Kern County and Kern Medical announced Tuesday afternoon that they will be joining forces in a new partnership to share resources and improve healthcare locally. Adventist Health President Daniel Wolcott says this is not merger or buyout. He adds what this is will do is attract sub-specialists to our community and train more personnel locally.

Incoming Kern Medical CEO Scott Thygerson says the two organizations will remain separate and both bring unique strengths to the partnership.