History

History

For more than 50 years, Harrison Community Hospital (HCH) has provided healthcare services to Harrison County and surrounding communities. The hospital is located on the former site of the Harrison County Children’s Home, and its legacy reflects a strong commitment to local care. 

  • 1968 - Construction began on the hospital, made possible through the generosity of the community, the Hill-Burton Federal Fund, and the Appalachia Acts Grant. 
  • 1969 - Harrison Community Hospital was established as a small, rural, private, not-for-profit facility. 
  • 1970 - The hospital officially opened its doors on January 5th. 
  • 1975 - Medical offices were constructed adjacent to the hospital, featuring four private physician suites. 
  • 1980 - The hospital expanded its operating room, coronary care unit, and materials management department. 
  • 1985 - In May, an open house showcased new equipment and renovations, including an 1,875-square-foot addition to house a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner. 
  • 1989 - In May, HCH acquired the Scio Medical Clinic from Dr. James Z. Scott. 
  • 1991 – In October, Terry Carson was appointed administrator of Harrison Community Hospital.  
  • 1996 - The hospital underwent a major renovation project, highlighted by the addition of the Isabelle Clifford Emergency-Outpatient Clinic, funded by a bequest from longtime Cadiz resident Isabelle Clifford. The Harrison Community Hospital Auxiliary also contributed $50,000 to support this project. 
  • 2000 - HCH broke ground on a building project that included a new 1,500-square-foot cafeteria, a renovated pharmacy, and expanded waiting areas for the Emergency Room and Registration. 
  • 2007 – Addition of the two-story, 12,000-foot structure housing fiscal services/patient accounting, administration and a new physical therapy department as well as doctors’ offices on the 2nd floor.  
  • 2012 – In October, Terry Carson retires after more than 20 years of service to Harrison Community Hospital.  
  • 2017 - In January, HCH was acquired by Wheeling Hospital, strengthening its resources with access to specialists, advanced equipment, and expanded services. 
  • 2018 – Harrison Community Hospital acquired Custer Pharmacy in Cadiz after Wheeling Hospital purchased the pharmacy.   
  • 2019 – Wheeling Hospital entered into a management agreement with WVU Medicine, further enhancing clinical partnerships. 
  • 2020 – Harrison Community Hospital remained dedicated to serving the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services. 
  • 2021 - On April 1, Harrison Community Hospital became a full member of the WVU Health System. 
  • 2022 - Harrison Community Hospital received the Performance Leadership Award for Excellence in Quality from the Chartis Center for Rural Health, recognizing its commitment to patient-centered care. That same year, the hospital was recognized by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) for the successful implementation of Epic, its new electronic medical record system, enhancing clinical care and improving patient access to information. 
  • 2023 - WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital was awarded a grant to install Rapid Response Buttons, designed to provide an immediate, direct link to law enforcement and security personnel during high-risk situations. 
  • 2024 - The hospital enhanced its inpatient care with the addition of four state-of-the-art Stryker beds in October. The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department also received five new pieces of exercise equipment, including a recumbent cross trainer bike, physio trainer, treadmill, cross trainer, and recumbent bike. Additionally, the hospital secured a grant to install 26 glass whiteboards in inpatient rooms and the Emergency Department, giving patients real-time updates on their care plan, assigned staff, and mobility goals. In November, Judy Bruno was appointed President and CEO of Barnesville Hospital and Harrison Community Hospital. 

Though healthcare has changed a lot over the years, Harrison Community Hospital remains deeply committed to growing with the community – always striving to lead the way and provide trusted, compassionate care to Harrison County and the surrounding communities. 

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