Salem (Ore.) Health and Oregon Health & Science University in Portland expect to sign a letter of intent in early May to affiliate their clinical enterprises, officials said this week.

Salem, Ore.-based Salem Health announced its Salem (Ore.) Hospital and West Valley Hospital in Dallas, Ore., will test their triage, transport and patient tracking processes May 1.

Twelve people were stabbed at a Salem men's shelter. Five remain in critical condition, and the suspect, identified as a 42-year-old man from Bend, is in custody.