Memorial Health System is marking a significant milestone in the evolution of rural healthcare with its recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sistersville General Hospital. Held on a sunny Wednesday in Sistersville, West Virginia, this event signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing medical services for the residents of Tyler County and its surrounding areas.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted an impressive assembly of dignitaries, including Dan Breece, DO, Vice President of Physician Services at Memorial Health System, and Delegate David Kelly, who, alongside his wife Jan, serve as co-chairs of The Promise Campaign. This ambitious $12 million fundraising initiative aims to bolster the new hospital’s sustainable operations and provide advanced medical care to the community.
The day commenced with a VIP luncheon at the E.A. Durham House, where key figures from Memorial Health System shared their visions for the new facility and the implications it holds for Sistersville and beyond. Jarrett Stull, Executive Director of the Memorial Health Foundation, and Donn Schafer, a board member, set the tone, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration.
The community has already demonstrated substantial backing for this initiative. A notable $9.7 million investment has come from the State of West Virginia, the Tyler County Commission, the City of Sistersville, and neighboring communities like Middlebourne and Friendly. Additionally, private donations have contributed around $300,000 to the cause. With merely $2 million still to be raised, enthusiasm and commitment for the project remain palpable.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the announcement of a significant contribution from Kathryn Bailey, CFO of Peoples Bank, who pledged $125,000. In a touching display of personal investment, Dan Breece, DO, alongside his wife Leah, also revealed a $25,000 donation to The Promise Campaign. Their active participation illustrates a profound commitment to the health and welfare of the community they call home.
The speakers at the event emphasized the critical role that the new Sistersville General Hospital will play in elevating healthcare standards. It is designed to bring modern medical services closer to home for residents, addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare access. The facility will feature specialized spaces for rotating medical specialists, dedicated procedural areas, and community spaces for gatherings and educational programs. Additionally, comprehensive lab and diagnostic facilities will ensure quicker and more accurate results for patients.
Sistersville’s Mayor, William “Bill” Rice, expressed his sheer joy and disbelief at the progress being made. “It’s something I still can’t quite believe,” he reflected. After years of uncertainty regarding the hospital’s future, the groundbreaking symbolized hope and restoration for the town—a sentiment echoed by many residents who have watched the facility navigate significant challenges over the years.
Scott Cantley, President and CEO of Memorial Health System, reiterated the transformative significance of the new hospital. He conveyed optimism about the facility’s capabilities, stating that it will rival other hospitals within the health system and will greatly enhance the healthcare options available to residents in Sistersville and its surrounding areas. “We will provide Sistersville and the surrounding area with the finest facility and best care possible,” Cantley assured attendees.
Leading the charge at the new hospital will be Jason Suter, who has devoted over 15 years to Sistersville General Hospital and is now its Administrator. With deep roots in the community, Suter is genuinely excited about his role in steering the institution toward modern and innovative healthcare practices. His lifelong connection to the area lends a personal touch to the hospital’s mission, as he aims to advance care for his neighbors and fellow residents.
The goals set for the hospital’s construction are ambitious yet achievable. Officials are optimistic that the new Sistersville General Hospital will open its doors by the end of 2026. This timeline reflects a commitment not just to build a structure, but to create a health-focused community hub that serves various medical needs.
With so much community involvement and financial backing pouring in, the future of Sistersville General Hospital looks promising. As it rises from the ground, it will symbolize hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in rural West Virginia.
The launching of The Promise Campaign signifies a community’s collective foresight—that the health of its residents is rooted in accessible, quality care, right at their doorstep. As this project unfolds, it will undoubtedly become a cornerstone for Sistersville, ensuring vitality, health, and quality of life for generations to come.
In a world increasingly emphasizing both community bonding and transformative healthcare, Sistersville General Hospital embodies the aspirations of a community prepared to make definitive strides towards a healthier future. With support continuing to flow in, every donation and every voice speaks to the shared commitment to a thriving, health-oriented Sistersville.
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