Baptist Health Care Celebrates Historic Milestone with 70th Anniversary
9/30/2021
Baptist Health Care is celebrating its 70th anniversary in October, marking the treatment of the first patient admitted to Baptist Hospital on Oct. 17, 1951.
The opening of the hospital that day was the culmination of foresight and innovative planning by a group of community leaders who, moved by the death of a local mother during childbirth, recognized the great need for modern health care and took steps to make their collective dream a reality.
Located at the corner of West Moreno and E Street, Baptist Hospital opened with 140 beds and the first post-operative recovery room in the state of Florida. Over the past 70 years, Baptist has expanded the community’s access to health care with services provided at three hospitals, four medical parks, Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and an extensive network of primary care and specialty providers located throughout Northwest Florida. Throughout these many years, Baptist has pioneered countless innovative programs, services and technologies.
In 2023, a new era of modern health care fueled by the legacy of Baptist’s founders will begin when the new Baptist Health Care campus opens on Brent Lane and Interstate 110. The new health campus represents the single largest investment in health care facilities, services and programs in Northwest Florida’s history. It will provide a central location for clinical care, programs and services via a new acute care hospital, multispecialty health center and a behavioral medicine unit. Equipped with innovative technologies for diagnosis and treatment along with a concentration of related services, the facility will provide a seamless continuum of care and greater accessibility for patients throughout Northwest Florida. Its parklike setting, filled with heritage oaks, magnolia trees and other native landscaping, will provide a calming backdrop for optimum healing and comfort.
“To celebrate the legacy our founders set forth 70 years ago is a privilege for all of us who share their Vision,” said Baptist Health Care President and CEO Mark Faulkner. “Their dedication to bring the highest level of modern health care to the people of Northwest Florida is still evident today as our team members work tirelessly to provide the best quality care possible at locations throughout our region.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no in-person special events are planned to commemorate the anniversary, but the public is encouraged to visit the Baptist Health Care website at eBaptistHealthCare.org to read more about the organization’s history including a timeline of milestones and a photo gallery. The BHC Facebook page @BaptistHealthCare will include other highlights.