WakeMed-Atrium Health merger: Public invited to share comments Monday

Community members can learn more about the planned merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health at a town hall on Monday.

Atrium Health plans to merge with WakeMed in a new deal that could bring at least $2 billion in investment to Wake County.

WakeMed has said that Atrium's financial backing will help them serve a growing population, but opponents say the plan could lead to higher costs and lower quality of care.

The deal was first announced in May, and Wake County commissioners delayed voting on it.

If commissioners ultimately agree to the merger, state or federal regulators could attempt to block it. However, the bar for doing that is high and comes with legal roadblocks.

People can share their thoughts on what should happen next at a town hall on Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. at St Ambrose Episcopal Church in Raleigh, located at 813 Darby St.