The Medical Center at Albany Celebrates 10th Anniversary
On April 16, Med Center Health celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Medical Center at Albany, marking a decade of service to Clinton County and the surrounding region. The event featured remarks from Med Center Health leaders, including President & CEO Connie Smith; Alan Alexander, Vice President and Administrator at The Medical Center at Albany; Laura Belcher, Vice President and former Administrator; and Amy Claborn, Director of Patient Care Services. Local physician Carol Peddicord, MD, and Albany Mayor James Bray also shared in the celebration.
“Ten years ago, Clinton County Hospital was in bankruptcy, and without intervention, this community was at risk of losing its local hospital,” said Connie Smith. “Med Center Health stepped in with a clear goal – to keep the doors open and provide access to high quality healthcare close to home. That commitment led to a new beginning, as Clinton County Hospital became The Medical Center at Albany. The transition to Med Center Health marked a turning point – an opportunity to stabilize, rebuild and reimagine what care in Albany could become.”
Belcher, who served as Administrator for nearly nine years, reflected on the hospital’s transformation. Over the past decade, the facility has seen significant investments in new technology, expanded services, the introduction of specialty clinics, telemedicine capabilities for specialty consults, an upgraded electronic medical record system, and a strong focus on workforce development.
That progress is ongoing. Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the new Mobile MRI unit, which now serves Albany, Caverna, and Russellville. (See related story for more details.) The Mobile MRI is one of many investments Med Center Health has made in Clinton County to expand access to advanced care for the communities it serves.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to recognize the people who have helped shape the hospital’s journey. During the event, Alexander and Claborn presented 10-year service awards to 31 employees in attendance. In total, 47 employees have been with The Medical Center at Albany since the acquisition. Many of these individuals also served at Clinton County Hospital prior to the transition, representing more than 800 combined years of dedication to caring for the community.
