On Thursday, Harrington HealthCare System officially became a part of the UMass Memorial Health system, a partnership that officials have said will strengthen health care in Central Massachusetts.

Worcester-based UMass Memorial and Southbridge-based Harrington first announced their plans to join in early 2020. Despite challenges health care systems faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the merger is now complete. Harrington’s name will change to UMass Memorial Health - Harrington Hospital.