16 Jan 2017 Unity Health marks rich history

In honor of Unity Health’s 50 years of excellence, associates, hospital auxiliary members and the community attended an open house Jan. 8 to commemorate the history of the hospital.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Henderson and chairman of the board Mitchell Hamilton gave remarks and received a surprise from Searcy Mayor David Morris with a key to the city for Unity Health.

President/CEO Ray Montgomery presented a historical reveal, with the WCMC cafeteria’s latest addition of a history wall. The wall spans throughout the cafeteria entrance and seating area and contains more than 50 years of history. It also includes room for expansion as time progresses.

The theme of Unity Health’s anniversary year is “It Takes Everyone.” Honored guests each spoke of their part in the hospital’s history and their role in its development. Speakers included Unity Health Auxiliary member Don Crow; human resources associate Freda Volmer; laboratory blood bank supervisor Brenda Maddock; David Johnson, M.D.; White County Judge Michael Lincoln; Searcy Mayor David Morris; Unity Health Foundation and hospital board member Leah Miller; human resources director Pam Williams; Unity Health — Harris Medical Center VP/Administrator Darren Caldwell; Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce President Buck Layne; graduate medical education program director Dewey McAfee, D.O.; Unity Health Ambassador Laura Freppon; Unity Kid Gowen Bailey; VP/patient care services LaDonna Johnston; and VP/treasurer, Stuart Hill. Each spoke on the ways in which they have contributed to the history of Unity Health.

Visitors enjoyed refreshments and giveaways, and viewed the wall as it wraps throughout the dining area. Videos of the hospital’s history play within the wall for viewers to learn of its past and present. To view the history wall, visit the WCMC cafeteria at 3214 E. Race Ave. in Searcy, to see the interactive and informative installment.

As the leading healthcare provider in an eight-county area, Unity Health and its associates strive to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities it serves through compassionate care. Unity Health is the largest employer in an eight-county area with more than 2,000 associates. The facility has a combined total of 438 licensed beds and a medical staff of 150 physicians that specialize in various areas of healthcare.

In addition to the White County Medical Center and Specialty Care Campuses, Unity Health in Searcy includes Unity Health – Clarity Health and Wellness, Unity Health – Family Practice Associates, Unity Health – After Hours Clinic, Unity Health – Orthopaedic and Spine Center, Unity Health – Searcy Medical Center and Unity Health – Searcy Medical Center, West, Unity Health – Westside Family Medical Clinic, Unity Health Cardiology Clinic and Unity Health Oncology Clinic.