Winona Health’s story began more than a century ago with neighbors coming together to take care of one another regardless of circumstance. Established on February 28, 1894, Winona Health is now celebrating 130 years of community-focused care.
Winona Health is a community asset, and the greater Winona community has played, and continues to play an important role in its history. Since 1894, the dedication of caregivers and the generous support of community members has benefitted patients, residents and the Winona community as a whole.
For 130 years, generation after generation has worked and volunteered at Winona Health, giving of their time and talent to support their fellow community members and local healthcare. Those who make healthcare their life’s work carry on the spirit of those who came before, with their passion to serve, to create something better, and to continuously find ways to improve care – even within the constraints and challenges that are not in their control.
“Our founding fathers would be amazed in the advancements and care now available here,” said Rebecca Lamberty, chief administrative officer at Winona Health. “For example, our advanced diagnostic imaging technology is available to everyone in the community so nobody has to wait for important results. Our surgeons have the option of using robotic-assisted surgery for the benefit of our patients, and our Simulation Lab, equipped with high-fidelity, manikins, is helping current and next-generation caregivers advance their skills.”
To commemorate 130 years of care, Winona Health caregivers invite community members, patients and volunteers to share a Winona Health (or Community Memorial Hospital or Winona General Hospital) memory or story – heartfelt or humorous – from recent years or long ago. Memories may be about experiences, events or special caregivers including doctors, nurses, staff members or volunteers.
Share a memory or story with your name and contact information to: info@winonahealth.org and “Memory” in the subject line. Memories also can be shared here or mailed to Stories at Winona Health, 855 Mankato Ave., PO Box 5600, Winona, MN 55987.
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Winona Health, since 1894:
- Winona Health’s story began 130 years ago with local physicians and caring citizens meeting on February 24, 1894, to discuss the need for a hospital.
- They agreed there was a pressing need and, together, they had the courage and commitment to meet the challenges of starting a hospital. On February 28, 1894, they established the Winona General Hospital Association.
- Over the next 130 years, the generosity and unwavering commitment of community members helped shape what is now Winona Health.
- Local healthcare is one of a community’s most important assets, and Winona would not be the same without the vision, dedication and hard work of the rebels and dreamers who came before to create an independent, community-owned healthcare organization.
- Winona Health is deeply rooted in this community. Caregivers throughout the organization have an unwavering commitment to continuously and proactively evolve to overcome the challenges of an ever-changing financial environment to continue to meet the community’s primary healthcare needs.
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