1940s
Although Perry County has grown 12% in a decade, residents still travel 30 miles south or 100 miles north to reach the nearest hospitals.
The Perry County Farm Bureau begins planning a local hospital, and the community rallies behind the effort, approving bonds to fund construction.
1951
Perry County Memorial Hospital is dedicated on April 1, 1951, and prepares to welcome its first patients later that month. The first baby arrives a little ahead of schedule on April 15, just 12 hours before the hospital is set to open.
On April 16, Perry County Memorial Hospital officially opens. The 30,800-square-foot facility is supported by six physicians, 24 caregivers, nearly 200 volunteers and a five-member board elected by county voters.
1951-1969
During its first two decades, the hospital continues to grow and improve. Heating and cooling are installed, phone service becomes available in patient rooms, and lab, x-ray, obstetrics and surgical services are expanded or updated.
1970s
The 1970s bring major changes in how the hospital cares for patients. An intensive care unit opens, emergency physician coverage increases and the hospital begins operating its own ambulance service. Advances in cardiac testing and a new medication dispensing system add additional capabilities to patient care. New medical gas systems transport oxygen and other essential respiratory support directly to patient rooms.
The decade also brings significant renovations to clinical and public spaces, including the lab, nursing units, lobby, waiting areas and parking.
1980s
A five-year master building plan ushers in another period of growth, including physician offices, a medical records office, a new main entrance and expanded emergency, pharmacy and lab spaces.
The hospital also completes a 30,000-square-foot west wing with a new medical-surgical unit and begins operating the Perry County nursing home.
1990s
The hospital continues to add services and facilities during the 1990s. Medical buildings A and B open, along with an ambulatory surgery center.
Early 2000s
Growth across the hospital campus brings new spaces, services and technology. Medical Building C opens with rehabilitation services and a pool, while a new MRI machine expands diagnostic capabilities.
A major hospital expansion increases the facility to 103,000 square feet, adding new operating rooms and surgical suites and making all patient rooms private. A new main entrance and gift shop are also added.
The hospital earns recognition for its work as a critical access hospital, as well as for stroke care, patient safety and quality. The hospital launches an online patient portal, giving patients direct access to their health information.
2010s-2022
The hospital continues to expand its services and strengthen connections across the community. Campus renovations bring a dedicated Oncology & Infusion Center, a larger pharmacy and additional physician offices. Improvements are also completed in the Emergency Room, lab and medical office spaces.
The hospital becomes the first in the country to offer a comprehensive, long-term program for cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for early intervention and treatment of dementia. The two caregivers leading the program are selected as nationwide CST trainers.
Mineral Area College opens a satellite campus for nursing education, creating new opportunities to prepare future health care professionals close to home.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a "Parade of Lights" honors hospital caregivers for their service to the community.
2023
In September, a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony is held, and on October 1, the hospital and health system officially become part of Mercy.
Following the transition, Mercy invests $6.5 million in a new electronic medical record system for Perry County.
The hospital later becomes a rotation site for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, helping educate and train future physicians.
2026
The hospital marks its 75th anniversary with a special Mass held on May 1 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with additional celebrations throughout the year.
