Bradley County Medical Center celebrated its 75th anniversary Thursday, June 11, with a Jubilee honoring the hospital’s history, the people who helped build it and its ongoing commitment to providing healthcare close to home.
The celebration began with BCMC Administrative Board member Joe Don Greenwood welcoming guests and recognizing family members of several individuals who played significant roles in the hospital’s history, including the families of Dr. Dallas Miles, Dr. Merle Crow, Dr. James Marsh, Dr. Rufus Reeves, Dr. George Wynne and former administrator Joe Carmical.
Greenwood reflected on the hospital’s longstanding mission and reminded those in attendance that “healing happens right here close to home.”
Warren Mayor Gregg Reep thanked past and present hospital employees for their dedication to both the facility and the community.
“This hospital is vital to the future of our community,” Reep said. “There is a lot of good history, and we want to keep the good history here.”
Dr. Joe “Hank” Wharton shared personal memories of the hospital, noting he was 2 years old when the facility first opened its doors. He recalled receiving treatment there following a childhood accident and later undergoing an emergency appendectomy.
“There is not a better staff anywhere as far as a hospital is concerned, from the administration to housekeeping,” Wharton said.
Human Resources Director Brooke Hatch presented a brief overview of the hospital’s history. She noted that when Bradley County Medical Center officially opened on June 11, 1951, it had been operating for just one hour and 32 minutes when its first baby was born.
“One thing has not changed — our commitment to caring for the community,” Hatch said.
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Leslie Huitt spoke about the hospital’s future and reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality healthcare services.
“We will continue to provide superior care to every patient, every time,” Huitt said while thanking the community for its trust, support and belief in the hospital’s mission.
Several community members shared personal stories and memories of the hospital. Among them was 98-year-old Sara Reep, who recalled having her children at BCMC. Her oldest child joined her at the anniversary celebration.
Former employee Jimmie Sue Wade also shared her connection to the hospital, noting that she was the first Black baby born at Bradley County Medical Center and that her mother was the first Black nurse in southeast Arkansas.
The program concluded with Chief Operating Officer Leeanna Williams unveiling a memorial wall created by former employee Karen Rawls and her husband, Randy Rawls, owner of R&R Woodworking. The handcrafted display, designed as a Tree of Life, honors former employees who have passed away.
“We never want to lose the compassion that they made,” Williams said.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed refreshments while viewing historical photographs, memorabilia and vintage medical equipment showcasing the hospital’s 75-year legacy of service to Bradley County and the surrounding area.
