Hospitals Celebrate Anniversaries Hundreds of Years in the Making

posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:41 pm

When Health Management hospitals reach 100 years or more of service, it’s worth celebrating. In October, Shands Lake Shore Regional Medical Center in Lake City, Fla., celebrated its 100^th anniversary with a concert, and Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center in Yakima, Wash., celebrated 120 years of medical excellence with a festive, “big-tent” event with more than 700 people.

One hundred years strong in the east

Recently, Shands Lake Shore kicked off its 100^th Anniversary Community Celebration by sponsoring a live concert with Grammy-winning country band Diamond Rio. Associates of Shands Lake Shore were invited to attend a pre-show party and received free commemorative t-shirts, discounted BBQ dinners and a chance to win free tickets with backstage passes to meet the band. In addition, all concert goers had an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a signed cap from the official NASCAR Mark Martin Pit Crew. Rhonda Sherrod, CEO of Shands Lake Shore, addressed nearly 1,400 concert goers as she opened the event, introduced the band and announced the drawing winners on stage.

The celebration continued when the hospital held a 100th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that featured an evening of food, music and fun in the hospital’s newly renovated café. Nearly 175 people attended the event, including elected community officials, physicians, Associates and volunteers. Congratulatory notes from Florida Governor Rick Scott and NASCAR champion Mark Martin were proudly displayed in the hospital’s newly renovated lobby.

“Together, we are building an outstanding reputation of providing extraordinary health care with cutting-edge technology to our community, and continuing a tradition of medical excellence that began when our hospital was established 100 years ago,” Rhonda said.

One hundred twenty years of medicine in the west

Associates, physicians, board members and other special guests, including guests from the Sisters of Providence and Health Management’s home office, gathered to celebrate 120 years of medical excellence at Yakima Regional on October 19.

The spectacular event blended the hospital’s past, present and future into an evening that brought everyone together to celebrate the past and focus on the future. Guest speakers included:

• Ann Barnhart, Division President
• Rich Robinson, CEO of Yakima Regional
• Michael Murphy, MD, Medical Staff Historian
• Manuel Lozano, MD, Medical Chief of Staff
• Sister Karen Dufault, Former Administrator
• Senator Curtis King

Senator King presented a special proclamation from Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, declaring October 19, 2011, Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center Day across the entire state.

“What a spectacular evening it was to celebrate our community treasure together,” said Rich Robinson. “We have a rich history of serving our patients and the community for 120 years, and we are excited about continuing to serve our community with distinction and dedication.”

Our hospitals do much more than provide health care to their local communities, they provide health education, support local organizations, contribute to the economy, and share in the joys and tragedies of the areas they serve. In turn, when our hospitals reach milestone anniversaries such as these, it’s a celebration for the entire community.