1885
Father William McCormack turns to Bishop J. Hogan for help bringing Catholic education to Joplin. Hogan connects him with the Sisters of Mercy, and 13 Sisters travel from Louisville, Kentucky, arriving that summer.
The Sisters open Our Lady of Mercy Academy and become part of life in the growing mining town. After a mine collapse leaves injured men facing a 60-mile trip to the nearest hospital, Mother Mary Frances Sullivan sees another urgent need: Joplin needs a hospital.
1892
The Sisters receive the approval they need. In a letter dated April 22, 1892, Bishop Hogan writes, "You in God's name begin the work of a hospital for the sick in Joplin, to be under the care of the Sisters of Mercy."
1896
On October 24, 1898, wealthy mine operator Gilbert Barbee donates a small building, allowing the Sisters to open a 10-bed Mercy Hospital at 10th Street and Virginia Avenue.
Just over two years later, Joplin founding father, mine operator and businessman Patrick Murphy and his wife sell the Sisters of Mercy property for $1. The site at 22nd Street and Ivy Avenue, now O'Connor Avenue, becomes home to the first St. John's Mercy Hospital.
The hospital welcomes anyone in need, regardless of the ability to pay. Miners can purchase medical plans for just 25 cents a week, while people who donate to the hospital's expansion receive cards entitling them to free medical care.
1968
St. John’s Regional Medical Center opens at 2727 McClelland Blvd., giving the growing Joplin community a new home for hospital care.
2009
The Regional Sisters of Mercy come together, strengthening the shared ministry that connects Mercy communities across the region.
While their work in education was valued, it soon became evident that the bustling town had growing needs for health care.
2011
On May 22, an EF5 tornado tears through Joplin and destroys St. John's Regional Medical Center. Even amid the devastation, the work of caring for the community continues.
Just six days later, Mercy opens a 60-bed temporary tent hospital to serve Joplin. By August, a modular hospital replaces the field hospital, providing a more permanent place for patients and caregivers as plans for rebuilding move forward.
2012
Mercy opens a precast concrete hospital with a full-scale emergency department and birthing facilities. Built as an interim hospital while a permanent facility takes shape, the structure is 30% stronger than the hospital destroyed by the tornado.
That same year, Mercy Hospital Carthage joins the ministry, expanding Mercy's presence in Southwest Missouri.
2014
Mercy Hospital Columbus joins the ministry, extending Mercy's presence into Southeast Kansas.
2015
A new Mercy Hospital Joplin opens, marking another major chapter in the community's recovery. The $435 million, 900,000-square-foot hospital is four times the size of the interim 2012 facility and incorporates extensive storm-hardened safety features designed with the lessons of the 2011 tornado in mind.
2020
Galena Specialty Hospital becomes Mercy Specialty Hospital Southeast Kansas, further connecting patients in the region with the Mercy ministry.
2024
Mercy Hospital Pittsburg joins the ministry, continuing the growth of Mercy's presence across southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas.
