KH, Providence form nonprofit.

It’s not a merger.

Kootenai Health officials wanted to make that abundantly clear Tuesday when they announced formation of the Kootenai Providence Health Alliance, a separate new not-for-profit medical entity.

“It’s not a merger; it’s not an acquisition. It’s not even a step toward a merger or acquisition,” said Jon Ness, Kootenai Health’s CEO. “Both organizations will remain separate and independent.”

But they will be linked in more ways, expanding on some longtime but perhaps not widely promoted partnerships like radiation therapy, open heart surgery and even kids’ health.

“Last fall we launched a really cool program for fifth graders in Kootenai County, Spokane Valley and Spokane where they all have activity trackers similar to Fitbits,” Ness said. “It’s that type of community wellness initiative that we can do better together”/ Mike Patrick , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.