1950
In September 1950, Rogers Memorial Hospital opens as a community-supported hospital dedicated to meeting the health care needs of a growing region.
As patient demand increases, physicians face the challenge of balancing their medical practices with the daily operations of the hospital. Recognizing the long tradition of religious sisters in health care ministry and hospital leadership, community leaders seek a Catholic religious order to help guide the hospital’s future.
1951
Five Dominican Sisters answer the call and arrive in Northwest Arkansas to lead the hospital.
Their commitment to compassionate care, service and stewardship helps establish a strong foundation for generations to come. Under the Sisters’ leadership, the hospital grows alongside the communities it serves.
1995
By the early 1990s, changing reimbursement models and increasing competition create new challenges for independent hospitals across the country.
To support the hospital’s future and continue serving the community, the Dominican Sisters seek a larger health care partner. On November 9, 1995, St. Mary’s Hospital officially becomes part of the Sisters of Mercy Health System.
The transition brings together two ministries rooted in faith, compassion and service and creates new opportunities to expand access to care in Northwest Arkansas.
2008
Mercy opens a new hospital in 2008 to meet the needs of a growing Northwest Arkansas and provide more advanced care close to home.
The new facility also introduces Mercy’s integrated electronic health record system, helping caregivers coordinate care across the health system.
To honor the hospital’s heritage, the chapel in the new hospital is dedicated as St. Mary’s Chapel, preserving a connection to the ministry’s history.
2016
In response to the region’s rapid growth, Mercy announces a $247 million expansion plan to increase hospital services, physician practices and access to care across Northwest Arkansas.
The investment reflects Mercy’s long-term commitment to meeting the changing health care needs of one of the country’s fastest-growing regions.
2019
Mercy completes its $247 million expansion plan with the opening of a new seven-story patient tower.
The project increases capacity and creates additional space for future growth.
2020
Mercy expands services for mothers, babies and high-risk pregnancies with the opening of Mercy Birthplace – Northwest Arkansas.
The new space opens adjacent to the hospital’s 19-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, allowing mothers and newborns to remain closer together when specialized care is needed.
2022
Mercy announces a $500 million investment in the next phase of health care expansion across Northwest Arkansas.
2023
As part of the $500 million expansion, Mercy welcomes 32 new physicians and advanced practice providers to Northwest Arkansas to meet growing demand for primary and specialty care.
2024
The Alice L. Walton Foundation, Mercy, Heartland Whole Health Institute and Cleveland Clinic announce a collaboration to expand access to specialty care in the heartland.
The collaboration is designed to improve outcomes and support a whole-person approach to care while helping reduce overall health care costs.
2025
Mercy Northwest Arkansas celebrates 75 years of caring for the communities it serves.
Rogers Memorial Hospital, which began as a modest 30-bed community hospital in 1950, has now grown into a 263-bed medical center serving patients across Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
Through 75 years of growth and change, Mercy continues the healing ministry that began with dedicated religious sisters and is carried forward today by caregivers, physicians and volunteers.
