Calhoun Liberty Hospital first opened its doors 65 years ago, beginning as a small rural hospital created through local vision and community investment. The original Calhoun General Hospital opened on January 2, 1961, funded through a combination of county support and federal Hill-Burton resources, part of a national effort to strengthen healthcare access in underserved areas. From the beginning, residents, leaders, and healthcare professionals worked together to ensure families in Calhoun and Liberty Counties could receive care close to home.
That same commitment continues today. In recent years, CLH operated from a smaller, storm-damaged building while preparing for a major transition to a new facility. The opening of the 50,000-square-foot hospital last year marked a turning point, expanding space, improving infrastructure, and strengthening the hospital’s ability to care for patients with updated systems and modern capabilities.
“The response from our community in these first few months confirms how important this new hospital is for the region,” said Board Chair Mark Plummer. “Our colleagues have risen to the challenge, our patients are choosing local care in greater numbers, and the new facility is already strengthening services that families once had to travel for. We are proud of this progress, and we are committed to continuing the work that will carry CLH into its next phase of growth.”
Looking ahead, planning continues for Phase Two of the facility, which is anticipated to add inpatient capacity, procedure space, and additional room for outpatient services. These efforts support a long-term vision focused on sustainable rural healthcare that grows alongside the needs of the region.
Today, CLH moves forward on a foundation built by generations of dedication and service. With a modern hospital, growing programs, and a clear commitment to patient care, the organization begins this new era with gratitude for its history and confidence in the future.