Washington Regional and Circle of Life Announce Hospice Transition

• Published: 8/14/2026

Circle of Life and Washington Regional announced today that Circle of Life will acquire Washington Regional Hospice, with the agreement expected to close by the end of September 2026.

This transition reflects the shared mission of both organizations – to deliver expert, compassionate care for individuals and families navigating serious illness and end-of-life needs. Current patients will continue to receive uninterrupted services, with Circle of Life ensuring a seamless transition and the continuation of the high-quality care Washington Regional Hospice patients have long received.

“Both Circle of Life and Washington Regional Hospice have long been dedicated to ensuring families in our community receive exceptional hospice care,” said Catherine Grubbs, Chief Executive Officer of Circle of Life. “With this transition, we are broadening services, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every family has the support they need.”

“Serving the families of Northwest Arkansas with compassionate hospice care has been a privilege for Washington Regional,” said Washington Regional President and Chief
Executive Officer Dr. Lucas Campbell. “Washington Regional established the state’s first hospice program in 1984. Since then, our priority has been to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our hospice patients and their families. Circle of Life shares those same values, and we’re confident they will provide exceptional care to our community throughout this transition and in the years ahead.”

As part of the transition, Circle of Life will purchase the Willard Walker Hospice Home and operate it as its third inpatient facility, joining existing hospice homes in Springdale and Bentonville. 

The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, a long-standing philanthropic partner of both organizations, reaffirmed its commitment to the hospice mission. “It is deeply meaningful to us that the hospice home remains a cornerstone of compassionate care in Washington County, and we are honored to support the continued growth of hospice services in our region,” said Mandy Macke, Executive Director and Vice Chairman of the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.