In 1956, a group of dedicated citizens with a vision for a county hospital rallied support by collecting 200 signatures. This initiative led to the matter being brought before the Lucas County Board of Supervisors. The public, through a vote on November 6, 1956, overwhelmingly endorsed the idea of constructing a county hospital. Consequently, the supervisors authorized the issuance of $200,000 in bonds to initiate the building process.
As the project gained momentum, it received a significant boost when the Lucas County Memorial Hospital Foundation was formed. This Foundation, spearheaded by esteemed members like Judge Harold Levis, John Woodman, F.B. Ryan, and John Baldridge, embarked on a mission to secure matching funds required for a $180,000 Hill-Burton federal grant. Their dedication and efforts led to the successful raising of $170,000 in private funds.
With all the pieces falling into place, the hospital’s founding fathers convened the first Board of Trustees meeting. This esteemed group included Delbert James, Arthur Keller, Oliver Kent, Fred Curtis, Dean Ferguson, Earl Wright, and Oran Garrett. Their tireless efforts, spanning months and focusing on even the smallest details, culminated in the development of a comprehensive hospital plan. This plan encompassed essential features, including a 12-bed maternity unit and a state-of-the-art surgical facility.
Construction work on what would later become Lucas County Memorial Hospital commenced in the autumn of 1959. The grand opening took place on May 1, 1961, marking a significant milestone as the community welcomed its modern medical facility with open arms.