Winona Health providers, staff and volunteers gather in celebration of 125 years of providing care to the Winona community

Winona Health traces its roots to 1894 when a dedicated group of physicians and community members pulled together to raise funds to convert the old Langley Home, which was located at the corner of Sanborn and Winona streets, into an 18-bed hospital.

Since then, generations of community members have been committed to supporting and strengthening local healthcare services. Thanks to that commitment, Winona Health has continuously evolved to meet the community’s needs, and today it is recognized among the Top 100 Small & Rural Hospitals in the nation.

“Healthcare has changed over the years, and the pace of change has only increased. Through all of this change, what has remained the same is that we are an independent organization with a singular focus on the healthcare needs of the Winona community,” said Brett Whyte, MD, Winona Health chief of staff.

“As an independent community-focused healthcare provider, we’re especially fortunate that those who came before us saw the need for a local hospital,” said Rachelle Schultz, Winona Health president/CEO. “The sign of a thriving organization is its ability to evolve with the times. Through the years, Winona Health has demonstrated a remarkable ability to meet the needs of the time, and we’re excited about the services we’re providing to the community today and what’s new to come this year and into the future.”

Although the name and locations have changed, for 125 years Winona Health’s mission has been unwavering: Winona Health is devoted to improving the health and well-being of this community—from welcoming newborns, to providing life-saving emergency care to offering compassionate and comforting end-of-life hospice care.

To honor the legacy of all who have made this possible, throughout 2019, Winona Health physicians, staff, volunteers and board members invite community members to join us in sharing stories and memories while also looking ahead to the exciting new projects currently underway.

Do you have a Winona Health memory or story to share? Touching or funny, recent or long ago, we invite you to share it. Send your memory or story to: info@winonahealth.org. Please include your name, address and contact information.