By Taylor Bugg
Markeing and Communication Specialist
TOPEKA, Kan. (July 15, 2026) – Stormont Vail Health has announced it will bring all clinics and services together under one unified name, officially sunsetting the Cotton O’Neil brand as part of a patient-centered transition to a single, consistent identity across the health system. This next step builds on one of the most significant moments in the organization’s history—the 1995 partnership between Stormont Vail and Cotton O’Neil. That collaboration brought together hospital and clinic care to create a fully integrated model that transformed how care is delivered across northeast Kansas.
For 30 years, that partnership has strengthened access, improved continuity, and enhanced quality for patients—creating a system where care is connected, coordinated, and centered on the individual. Today’s Stormont Vail Health is a direct result of that legacy. “Cotton O’Neil has been a defining part of who we are,” said Mark Slyter, president and chief executive officer of Stormont Vail. “The 1995 partnership changed the course of our organization—bringing together providers, services, and care settings in a way that allowed us to better serve our communities. Moving forward under one name reflects the reality that we have been one system for many years.”
Since the partnership, Cotton O’Neil clinics have operated as part of Stormont Vail, often under different names. While rooted in history, that structure has at times created confusion for patients navigating scheduling, billing, services, and locations. Aligning under a single name will make the care experience clearer, simpler, and easier to navigate.
The transition will occur in phases, with patients beginning to see the Stormont Vail Health name used more consistently across clinics, communications, and signage. During this time, locations may be identified as “formerly Cotton O’Neil” to help maintain clarity and connection. While the name is being unified, what matters most remains unchanged: • The same trusted providers and care teams • The same locations and services • The same commitment to compassionate, high-quality care Cotton O’Neil’s legacy remains a vital part of Stormont Vail’s story. This transition honors that legacy while advancing a unified identity that reflects how care is delivered today— and how it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the region. “One mission