After 45 years of local ownership, the Mooney family has announced the sale of Willingway Hospital to Summit BHC, a leading provider of addiction treatment and behavioral health services headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn. When the sale is complete, Willlingway will become the second facility in Georgia owned by Summit and bring their total number to nine facilities nationwide. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
        Willingway is a nationally-recognized alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility, nestled among Georgia pines on Jones Mill Road. It was founded by legendary Statesboro citizens, Dr. John Mooney and his wife Dot in the living room of their home nearly five decades ago.
        The 40-bed hospital has operated with Mooney family involvement ever since, treating an average of 400 patients per year. Willingway's focuses on helping people with alcohol and drug addiction through the delivery of the highest quality care. In addition to the hospital, Willingway provides a full continuum of care and network of sober living homes.
        Willingway will retain its famous name, said Karen Prince, president and chief marketing officer for Summit.
        "The Willingway brand is very important to us and we have every intention of maintaining it," said Prince. "A part of the Willingway brand is directly tied to the legacy of the Mooney family and we have every intention of continuing to tell that story as well."
        The current staff of more than 100 employees will remain in place along with the leadership of the hospital.
Summit will provide additional support and resources to Willingway and all of their employees.
        Prince said, "The employees of Willingway are an integral part of what makes the facility so special and we intend to focus our efforts on maintaining the quality care that is synonymous with the facility and supporting them in future growth."
        Summit has no plans to make any immediate changes to the operations of Willingway. However, Summit will work with Willingway's current leadership to explore new and effective ways for the facility to meet the needs of the community.
        Summit was founded in June 2013, with a goal to develop and operate a network of leading addiction treatment and behavioral health centers throughout the country. The company's sole focus is on the provision and management of specialty chemical dependency and addiction disorder services. The leadership team at Summit is comprised of senior executives with decades of combined experience in the behavioral healthcare industry at the national level.
        "While every new program and acquisition has been extremely meaningful for Summit, the acquisition of Willingway Hospital is very special to me. Willingway Hospital is the first facility I worked at in the substance abuse profession," said Trey Carter, CEO and founder of Summit. "While this facility is a fantastic fit for Summit, it is also a very sentimental moment for me. I have had the pleasure of knowing firsthand the depth of the quality of care at Willingway. At Summit, we plan to support Willingway in continuing their commitment to excellence and compassion while also focusing on growth. We couldn't be more excited in welcoming them to Summit."
        The Mooney family echoed the sentiment.
        "We have devoted two generations to finding solutions for people with alcohol and drug problems and their families," said Jimmy Mooney, former chairman of the Willingway board. "Throughout this time, our patients have expressed the feeling that they are part of our family here at Willingway. We are confident that the legacy and hope of recovery from the devastating disease of addiction will continue through Summit BHC and its competent professional team.
        "Their commitment to preserving the history and principles of Willingway are sure to cultivate and nurture the family-style atmosphere our patients experience while in our care. We are so thankful for this community who have supported us for all these years. This community has been so accepting of my parents, our facility and our patients. We are also grateful that Statesboro accepted and supported our mission for all these years."
        Summit opened their first facility in Georgia 10 days ago, Twin Lakes Recovery Center in Monroe. Twin Lakes is a 55-bed residential treatment facility on 34 acres east of Atlanta. They also operate an outpatient program in Gainesville, Ga.
        Please email DeWayne at dgrice@statesboroherald.com or give him a call at (912) 489-9499.