Memorial Hospital Affiliation with Deaconess Effective Today

The Little Company of Mary (LCM) Sisters sponsored MHHCC since its beginning, more than 70 years ago, when the Sisters responded to a need for healthcare in Dubois County and the surrounding area. Their involvement and the sponsorship by the LCM Sisters have ensured the Memorial Hospital healthcare ministry has remained consistent with the principles and charism of the Sisters as well as playing a key role in maintaining Memorial Hospital’s Catholic identity. 

MHHCC, Deaconess and the Diocese of Evansville worked together on the affiliation agreement, and approval was officially received on January 19 from the Vatican allowing MHHCC to affiliate with Deaconess and remain a Catholic health care facility. 

“I am pleased to welcome Memorial Hospital as our newest affiliate,” Deaconess CEO Shawn McCoy said. “At Deaconess, we strongly believe in local decisions and local leadership for healthcare organizations. Memorial Hospital is already a high-quality organization, so we look forward to building on this strong foundation to add and enhance services available in and around Jasper.” 

“As we transition through the coming months and years, our collective plan is to grow services, expand care and continue to deliver care locally,” said E. Kyle Bennett, President and CEO of Memorial Hospital. Memorial Hospital will continue to operate with a local board of directors. 

“Deaconess has committed to a significant investment over the next 10 years in Memorial and its surrounding communities,” McCoy said, “with the goal of increasing the quantity and scope of care provided at Memorial.” 

Sister Renee Cunningham LCM, Secretary of the Board of Directors said, “The affiliation with Deaconess ensures we can continue to meet this commitment for decades to come.” 

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving for the many years of service of the Little Company of Mary Sisters and Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center continuing their Catholic healthcare ministry with this new affiliation on March 4th at 5pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. The community is invited.