Our History
A Legacy of Care, A Future of Possibilities
For more than 75 years, Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has been proudly serving the people of Garrett County and the surrounding regions of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Since its founding in 1950 through the generous bequest of George W. Loar, GRMC has stood as a beacon of hope and healing in the heart of Oakland, Maryland. What began as a modest community hospital has grown into a regional healthcare leader, unwavering in its commitment to provide exceptional, compassionate care.
Over the decades, GRMC has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of its community. Today, it is an award-winning, Joint Commission-accredited acute care facility, offering a full spectrum of medical services—including advanced specialty care in cardiopulmonary health, cancer treatment, orthopedics, nephrology, and more.
As a proud member of the WVU Health System, GRMC bridges the gap between rural healthcare and advanced medical innovation, ensuring that patients receive top-tier care without having to travel far from home. With a team of over 500 dedicated and caring professionals, GRMC lives its mission every day: to treat every patient – and each other – like a member of the family.
A Timeline of Growth and Service
1946–1950
Garrett Regional Medical Center began with a generous gift from George W. Loar, who bequeathed $175,000 to Garrett County for the construction of a community hospital. On May 15, 1950, Garrett County Memorial Hospital opened its doors as a 30-bed acute care facility.
1956
The hospital earned its first accreditation from The Joint Commission, setting the standard for decades of high-quality care.
1970
A major expansion added 22 inpatient beds and upgraded key departments, including the emergency room, laboratory, x-ray, cardiac care unit, and operating and delivery rooms. The hospital grew to a 72-bed facility.
1977
The hospital introduced a dedicated 4-bed Coronary/Intensive Care Unit, advancing its critical care capabilities.
1996–1997
The OB Department was renovated into a Family-Centered Maternity Care Center, and a new 10-bed Subacute Care Unit was added the following year.
2007–2010
In March 2007, the Loar Auxiliary Gift Shop relocated to the hospital lobby and expanded its merchandise offerings.
In March 2009, the Wound Center opened, adding a vital outpatient service.
In 2010, the Wellness Education Center began offering community-focused health and wellness services.
2012
The Hospital Foundation celebrated 25 years of community support, having raised over $12 million to fund medical equipment purchases, scholarship programs, and hospital expansions.
2014–2016
A significant construction project began in 2014, creating a four-story addition with eight new private medical-surgical rooms, enhanced privacy, better infection control, and space for advanced technology.
In 2015, the hospital formed a clinical affiliation with WVU Medicine and was renamed Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC).
2016
In January 2016, GRMC and WVU Medicine launched the WVU Cancer Institute at GRMC, offering comprehensive cancer care and infusion services.
On April 22, 2016, the newly renovated Subacute Rehabilitation Unit opened, designed for enhanced comfort and privacy.
2017–2020
The Grantsville Medical Center opened in 2017, expanding access to primary care in northern Garrett County.
2019
In 2019, the Behavioral Health Clinic opened in Oakland.
In 2020, GRMC launched the Integrated Pain Management Center, offering a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain.
2022–2025
2022
In 2022, GRMC became a full partner with WVU Medicine, further strengthening its ability to deliver top-tier care locally.
In 2023, the hospital expanded its specialty services by adding Podiatry and Foot & Ankle care.
In 2024, GRMC began a series of significant renovation and construction projects aimed at enhancing patient care, including updates to the operating room/surgical suite, sidewalk replacements, and improvements to the cafeteria.
In 2025, GRMC celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its newly renovated Health & Wellness Center at 69 Wolf Acres Drive. The GRMC Foundation raised $500,000 to support expanded behavioral health services, part of a major campaign to improve access to mental and behavioral healthcare in the region.