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.
1945 – Millard-Henry Clinic (MHC) was born when Dr. Roy I. Millard began a practice on South Commerce, later joined by Dr. Arnold J. Henry.
1950s-1980s – Growth and Expansion
- MHC grew with new providers and expanded facilities, while Saint Mary’s opened a new facility in 1978 and completed a major expansion in 1986.
1990s-2010s – Modernizing and Innovating
- MHC became an affiliate of Saint Mary’s in 1996, uniting efforts to deliver comprehensive care.
- Milestones like OB renovations (2010), new MHC facilities (2014), and specialized programs such as the stroke program and Survival Flight reflected our focus on advanced care.
2020s – Meeting New Challenges
- The Behavioral Health Unit expansion in 2021 and the ACH Nursery Alliance in 2023 exemplified our continued commitment to the evolving needs of our community.
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.