The Little Company of Mary (LCM) Sisters have sponsored Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center (MHHCC) since its beginning more than 70 years ago when they responded to a need for healthcare in Dubois County and the surrounding area. Who would have imagined that their vision and commitment would help MHHCC grow into the organization with the facilities and service lines today? MHHCC has over 250 physicians and providers on medical staff, employs more than 1,800 caregivers, and provides healthcare in 33 different settings throughout the region. MHHCC and its caregivers have been and will continue to be faithful to the mission, which has been blessed by the heritage and guidance of the LCM Sisters all along the way.
The physical presence of the Sisters has changed over time. Over the years, LCM Sisters have chaired the Board of Directors, served in various capacities throughout the Hospital, and have been a sustaining presence for caregivers and patients. Their involvement and the sponsorship by the LCM Sisters have ensured that the Memorial Hospital healthcare ministry has remained consistent with the principles and charism of the Sisters and has played a key role in maintaining Memorial Hospital’s Catholic identity.
With the number of LCM Sisters decreasing, the Sisters have spent less time on a full-time basis at Memorial Hospital. Through recent discussions with LCM leadership, the Sisters will eventually not have the capacity to provide ongoing sponsorship for Memorial Hospital and its healthcare ministry. There are only three active LCM Sisters in the United States, and each of them has been a dedicated steward of their mission for more than 50 years. That said, the Sisters have asked Memorial Hospital to secure and transition to a new sponsor or partner within the next three years.
As a result, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center will begin the process of identifying another Catholic sponsor that can serve MHHCC into the future. This will be a very deliberate process. The LCM Sisters and the Board of Directors will work together in order to create a solution with a Catholic sponsor that will support the mission and culture as MHHCC continues to provide excellent compassionate healthcare to the patients and communities served.
Sister Renee Cunningham LCM, Secretary of the Board of Directors said, “We remain committed to our Mission, our caregivers, and the communities we serve as we begin this process.” E. Kyle Bennett, President and CEO noted, “Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center has always stood apart from other healthcare institutions based on our teams of skilled, dedicated, compassionate caregivers and our strong faith-based culture. We are financially healthy, and we have time to make the best decision for our organization, our patients, and the communities we serve. We will work to keep you informed as we move forward through this process.”
