Geisinger and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of Penn State University announce their plan to merge. The new health system is dedicated to community-focused, not-for-profit, physician led health care, medical research and education, and service to rural areas. The Penn State Geisinger Health System will span 40 contiguous counties and provide access to more than 2,400 physicians through a combined network of more than 80 clinics. [Specific date is unknown.  Event occurred in January 1997.]