Celebrating 100 Years of Care and Community
December 2, 2024
In 2025, Saint Mary’s Regional Health System will proudly celebrate a century of service to the Arkansas River Valley. From its founding in 1925 by Dr. R.L. Smith to its current role as a leading healthcare provider, this milestone is a celebration of the people, partnerships and progress that have defined our journey.
A Legacy of Care: 100 Years of Milestones
1925 – Saint Mary’s was established by Dr. R.L. Smith, setting the foundation for excellence in healthcare.
1950s-1960s – Saint Mary’s was sold to Dr. Martin Heidgen, who would oversee hospital operations for nearly 20 years.
1970s-1980s – Saint Mary’s new facility was completed in 1978. Of the now 109,000 square feet, 40% was added in this expansion increasing the facility from a 105 to 144 bed hospital.
1990s-2010s – Millard-Henry Clinic (MHC) became an affiliate of Saint Mary’s in 1996, uniting efforts to deliver comprehensive care. Additionally, milestones like our Women and Children’s Unit renovations (2010), new MHC facilities (2014) and specialized programs such as the stroke telemedicine program (2010) and Survival Flight (2016) reflected our focus on advanced care.
2020s – The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, but Saint Mary’s Regional Health System rose to the occasion. From March 13, 2020 to February 26, 2021, our dedicated COVID-19 Triage Clinic provided vital testing, treatment and support, exemplifying our resilience and commitment to the community.
Also, during this time, the Behavioral Health Unit expansion was completed in 2021, and in 2023, we partnered with Arkansas Children’s Hospital to bring enhanced neonatal care, telemedicine training and advanced resources to our facility, ensuring newborns receive the best care close to home.
Saint Mary’s Next 100
As we celebrate the past century, we look ahead to Saint Mary’s Next 100, a future built on innovation, adaptability and a steadfast commitment to the River Valley. We aim to continue evolving, ensuring our services and technology meet the changing needs of our community while maintaining the personal, compassionate care that defines us.
This milestone year will include both internal and external events to honor the incredible people who make Saint Mary’s what it is today. With over 850 active employees and a combined 6,000 years of service to the River Valley, we are immensely proud of the dedication and expertise of our team.
Together with our community, we will celebrate the lasting partnerships and trust that have been integral to our success.
Saint Mary’s Next 100
As we celebrate the past century, we look ahead to Saint Mary’s Next 100, a future built on innovation, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to the River Valley. We aim to continue evolving, ensuring our services and technology meet the changing needs of our community while maintaining the personal, compassionate care that defines us.
This milestone year will include both internal and external events to honor the incredible people who make Saint Mary’s what it is today. With over 850 active employees and a combined 6,000 years of service to the River Valley, we are immensely proud of the dedication and expertise of our team.
Together with our community, we will celebrate the lasting partnerships and trust that have been integral to our success.
Share Your Story
We couldn’t have reached this incredible milestone without the people who make our story special—you.
We’re inviting patients, staff, families, and community members to share their experiences with Saint Mary’s. Whether it’s a memorable moment with our healthcare team, a life-changing event, or a personal connection to the hospital, your story matters. These stories will help us reflect on our rich history and showcase the lasting impact Saint Mary’s has had over the years.