News

In honor of Unity Health's 50 years of excellence, associates, hospital Auxilians and members of the community attended an Open House event, Jan. 8, to commemorate the history of the hospital. Chief Medical Officer, John Henderson, M.D., and Chairman of the Board, Mitchell Hamilton, gave remarks and received a surprise from Searcy Mayor, Honorable David Morris, with a key to the city for Unity Health. President/CEO Ray Montgomery presented a historical reveal, with the WCMC cafeteria's latest addition of a history wall. The wall spans throughout the cafeteria entrance and seating area and contains more than 50 years of history. It also includes room for expansion as time progresses.

The theme of Unity Health's anniversary year is "It Takes Everyone," and honored guests each spoke of their part in the hospital's history and their role in its development. Speakers included Unity Health Auxiliary member, Don Crow; Human Resources associate, Freda Volmer; Laboratory Blood Bank Supervisor, Brenda Maddock; David Johnson, M.D.; White County Judge, Honorable Michael Lincoln; Mayor of Searcy, Honorable, David Morris; Unity Health Foundation and Hospital Board Member, Leah Miller; Human Resources Director, Pam Williams; Unity Health — Harris Medical Center VP/Administrator, Darren Caldwell; Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Buck Layne; Graduate Medical Education Program Director, Dewey McAfee, D.O.; Unity Health Ambassador, Laura Freppon; Unity Kid, Gowen Bailey; VP/Patient Care Services, LaDonna Johnston, and VP/Treasurer, Stuart Hill. Each spoke on the ways in which they have contributed to the history of Unity Health.

Visitors were able to enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and view the wall as it wraps throughout the dining area. Videos of the hospital's history play within the wall for viewers to learn of its past and present. To view the history wall, visit the WCMC cafeteria at 3214 E. Race Ave. in Searcy, to see the interactive and informative installment.