An East Texas community celebrates the official merger of two hospitals.

A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday at Christus St. Michael Hospital - Atlanta.

Last summer, Christus St. Michael Health System and Atlanta Memorial Hospital signed a 10-year lease agreement.

Christus President Chris Karam says it's very difficult for stand-alone hospitals in small towns to survive in today's economy and the merger will help the hospital better meet the needs of the community.

Christus St. Michael - Atlanta is a 65 bed, acute-care hospital serving the residents of Atlanta, Cass County and the surrounding region.