1946
The Hill-Burton Act provides funding for the construction of new community hospitals. Lincoln County commissioners quickly appoint their first board of trustees and submit plans for a one-story building. Four years later, six acres of land are purchased for $5,000.
1953
Lincoln County Memorial Hospital is scheduled to open at 7 a.m. on April 16, 1953, but its first patient arrives a little early. Roy and Mrs. McCormack of Ethlyn come to the hospital in the early morning hours, and their daughter, Brenda Kay, is born at 5:09 a.m., becoming the first baby born at the new hospital.
The 50-bed hospital officially opens later that morning.
1960s
As the community grows, so does the hospital. An expansion in 1960 adds 14 beds.
A second addition in 1968 creates more space for the laboratory, radiology, administration and emergency departments, as well as a chapel, classroom, larger linen room and other specialty rooms. Twelve patient rooms add 24 beds, bringing the hospital's capacity to 82 beds. A third-floor shell is also constructed to allow for future growth.
1970s
The hospital continues to expand its services and capacity throughout the 1970s. An Inhalation Therapy Department is added in 1972, followed by an ambulance district building behind the hospital in 1976. In 1978, the third floor opens, increasing the hospital's capacity to 106 beds.
1980s
In November 1983, Two South opens for patients as part of another hospital expansion. The project adds new surgery and sterile supply areas, relocates several administrative departments and creates larger, updated spaces for intensive care, laboratory, radiology and emergency services.
The Lincoln County Medical Center Hospital Home Care Agency is established in September 1984.
1990s
Lincoln County Medical earns accreditation from The Joint Commission in 1993.
In November 1994, the hospital closes its obstetrics department as the needs of the community shift toward more specialized services.
2000
In August 2000, Lincoln County voters approve a bond issue to renovate and expand the hospital. The project includes new emergency and intensive care areas, a new main entrance and chapel, and updated spaces for outpatient care, surgery, preparation and recovery, radiology, rehabilitation, laboratory and cardiopulmonary services.
2001
In April 2001, Lincoln County Memorial Hospital changes its name to Lincoln County Medical Center.
2015
On March 1, 2015, Lincoln County Medical Center joins Mercy and becomes Mercy Hospital Lincoln.
2023
Mercy Pharmacy opens its first location in Troy, expanding access to pharmacy services in the community.
2024
On September 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services designate Lincoln County Medical Center as a Critical Access Hospital, recognizing its role in providing essential health care services to the local community.
2026
In collaboration with the Lincoln County Medical Center Board of Trustees, Mercy expands cancer services to Troy, bringing cancer care closer to patients in the community.
