Long known in the community as Hillsdale Community Health Center, the hospital changed its named to Hillsdale Hospital in 2015 to better reflect the scope and quality of healthcare services provided. Hillsdale Community Health Center is still the legal entity name, with the organization doing business as (dba) Hillsdale Hospital.
The Early Days
The roots of Hillsdale Hospital reach back to Dr. and Mrs. T. H. Midgley, who came to Hillsdale in 1912, in the hopes of opening a sanitarium in the community. The Midgleys worked to develop the facility that opened in September 1915. The Hillsdale Sanitarium’s goal was to enable invalids to regain health, as well as educate them on healthy living measures. Leasing issues cast doubt on the future of the hospital; as the Midgley’s lease was due to expire in 1920, with the school board taking over the building as an annex. Davis Middle School is currently on the land where the first hospital building stood.
The 1920s
In 1920, the community called on the Hillsdale Common Council to organize a hospital board to ensure a facility would continue to serve the residents of the county. The original Board of Trustees consisted of Mrs. Lorenzo E. Dow, Mr. Harvey J. Burgess, Mr. Elmo Galough, Mrs. T. H. Midgley, Mr. O. J. Cornell, and Mr. F. A. Roethlisberger, Sr. Although there was agreement in the community that a hospital was needed, what kind of hospital and funding issues were in question.
A special committee was appointed to study the matter and give a report of findings. On August 2, 1920, 75 people attended the second meeting at City Hall. It was determined that Hillsdale should have a hospital and another committee was appointed to present to the mayor and the board of aldermen a request from the City Council for a special election as soon as possible. The special election was to put before Hillsdale voters a $25,000 bond to purchase property for a new hospital and equipment.
The City of Hillsdale assumed all responsibilities for the new hospital in 1921. The City spent $15,000 to renovate the former home of William Waldron at 68 North Manning St. as the new hospital. The remaining $10,000 was saved for future additions and improvements. An open house was held on January 15, 1921 for the public, who were encouraged to bring donations of groceries and canned goods to stock the hospital’s larder for patients. Numerous local organizations and individuals endowed rooms and donated furniture, assisting the City in providing a state-of-the-art facility for the community.
The 1930s
A new wing was added to the hospital in 1932, increasing the ability to house 25 patients. The facility boasted a maternity ward, an emergency operation room, and x-ray equipment. Through the years, the hospital continued to improve and enlarge, thanks in large part to numerous donors, including the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. But, soon it was apparent the original building could no longer expand to fit the needs of the community.
The 1940s
The spirit carried on in February of 1940, as the new Hillsdale Hospital was dedicated. With a capacity of 65 beds, the hospital had a staff of 20, with 21 physicians and surgeons. The new building was located at 168 South Howell Street, where the outside facade remains to this day.
Growing to Meet Community Needs
Through the years, the county population has grown and healthcare has advanced. The Hillsdale Hospital has continued to expand their physical plant, services, and expertise to meet the needs of the community. With a philosophy to serve the community and continually strive for excellence, Hillsdale Hospital has grown into a facility that serves Hillsdale County residents and attracts patients from many other areas, as well.
Hillsdale Hospital is committed to providing high quality health care services, such as acute inpatient services, skilled nursing rehabilitation, state-of-the-art joint replacement, and bariatric surgery, all with a personal, caring touch.
The Midgley’s would be amazed to see their humble beginnings in 1915 grow into a 21st century, state-of-the-art healthcare facility.
Today…Hillsdale Hospital is a community-based hospital providing high-quality healthcare in south central Lower Michigan. We offer comprehensive care, including acute inpatient services, advanced radiology and imaging services, full-service laboratory, surgery, a state-of-the-art birthing center, emergency care, inpatient psychiatric care and more. We also deliver specialty care and own and operate multiple outpatient clinics. Specialty care provided includes pulmonology and sleep disorders, orthopedics in affiliation with University of Toledo Medical Center, home care, a pain management clinic, short-stay rehab, vascular care, hyperbaric medicine and more. Two clinics provide accessible primary care, with Hillsdale Health & Wellness available for walk-ins and Reading Health Clinic offering same-day appointments. Hillsdale Hospital also produces Rural Health Rising, a podcast about the healthcare challenges, successes and opportunities facing rural America, which is now a member of the Health Podcast Network.
Nestled in a scenic county of some 47,000 residents, we are just over an hour from metropolitan areas, such as Detroit, Lansing, Toledo, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo. One of the unique aspects of our community is Hillsdale College, a private liberal arts college. Hillsdale County also offers 30 lakes, hunting, beautiful golf courses, and a rolling, picturesque landscape.
Our Mission
Hillsdale Hospital is a guardian of exceptional health services for our community, ensuring that families have access to high-quality care when and where they need it.
Our Vision
Through strong local governance, Hillsdale Hospital will lead the nation in defining and advancing the role of rural health providers.
Our Purpose
Hillsdale Hospital exists to ensure that our region has access to a full range of high-quality health services close to home. Through the dedication of our talented staff and support of our generous community, we provide exceptional care to our neighbors.
Our Values
- Responsibility: We follow through on our promises to patients and to one another, making sure that care is efficient and well-coordinated across the continuum.
- Empathy: We seek to make a personal connection and understand what others are going through, always greeting them with a warm smile and listening carefully to their needs and concerns.
- Safety: We make safety our top priority, striving to provide care that is both physically and emotionally safe for patients and their families.
- Passion: We are passionate about our work, going above and beyond to provide the best service and experience for families.
- Empowerment: We advocate for our patients’ needs, empowering them to ask questions and participate in decisions related to their care.
- Commitment: We are dedicated to meeting the needs of our community, recognizing the privilege we have of serving others when they are sick or injured.
- Trust: We build trust by being supportive, honest, and open to new ideas that will continuously improve the services we provide to our community.
