History of Garrison Memorial Hospital

Original planning for a hospital in Garrison began on February 20, 1946 through the efforts of the Garrison Civic Club.  In 1949, the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict (Annunciation Monastery ) agreed to assume responsibility for operation of the hospital upon its completion.  The hospital was funded from 1/3 Community Dollars, 1/3 from the Sisters of St. Benedict, and the remaining 1/3 coming from Federal Hill-Burton funds.  Construction of the hospital began on October 20, 1949 and the 40 bed facility opened its doors in February 1952, admitting its first patient on February 14.  Since that time, Garrison Memorial Hospital has seen numerous changes. In April of 1967, the convent and chapel with living quarters for the sisters were added to the hospital. January, 1974 saw the third floor of the hospital converted to an intermediate care facility housing 24 beds. An administrative addition was added in October of 1976 which would later have to be remodeled to meet life safety codes. Garrison Hospital assumed management of the Garrison Family Clinic (formerly Medical Arts Clinic) which was designated a Rural Health Clinic in November of 1992. The hospital had the distinction of becoming certified as a level IV Trauma Center in July of 1995.  Garrison Memorial Hospital became a part of St. Alexius Medical Center in late 1996 after the Garrison Hospital Board voted to transfer all assets to St. Alexius.  This transfer allowed St. Alexius to make capital improvements to Garrison Memorial Hospital.   A 2 million dollar remodeling project to make the facility ADA compliant, as well as add a new emergency entrance was started in October of 1998 with a finish date of July 2001.  The hospital applied and was approved for Critical Access Designation in December of 1999.  Updates continue to be made to ensure that all of our patients receive the best quality care. 

The staff and management of the Garrison Memorial Hospital remains dedicated to providing Garrison and the surrounding rural communities with access to quality health care.  The community's health needs are our first priority. We will be here when you need us.