Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

UofL Health — Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, located at 1850 Bluegrass Avenue, is commemorating its 150th anniversary this year and honoring the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth who founded the institution.

Initially established as a Catholic hospital in 1874 by the sisters following the Civil War, it was originally named Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital.

During a press conference on July 16, Melisa Adkins, CEO of the hospital, highlighted that the sisters founded the hospital at Twelfth and Magnolia streets and admitted their first patients on June 1, 1874. They operated with a budget of $50,000 plus an additional $34,000 for furnishings.

“That’s the history we’re celebrating today and we’re proud of it,” Adkins stated.

Tom Miller, CEO of UofL Health, remarked that UofL has been associated with the hospital for only five years, having acquired Sts. Mary and Elizabeth in November 2019. He emphasized that today's hospital continues to stand on the foundation of “compassion” established by the sisters.

“We honor your legacy,” Miller addressed to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth present at the event. “You are in our hearts and minds every day.”

Sister Maria Vincent Brocato, a past president of the SCNs representing the sisters at the press conference, noted that the hospital was initially created to serve the “sick poor.”

“Our sisters were its first staff, and we’ve stayed connected these 150 years,” Sister Brocato mentioned. She added that over 200 Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have served at the hospital throughout its history.

The community's support has been integral since its inception, she said. This was exemplified in 1958 when around 1,000 volunteers and 150 ambulances assisted in relocating patients and equipment from Twelfth and Magnolia to its current location on Bluegrass Avenue in south Louisville.

Sister Brocato also expressed gratitude towards all “our faithful employees.” Addressing those present at the conference—many clad in hospital scrubs—she extended thanks to all “loyal” nurses and doctors, including Dr. Arun Ummat whom she credited for providing exceptional care.

Dr. Ummat and his wife, Dr. Neera Ummat, were acknowledged for their donation of $1 million to Mary & Elizabeth Hospital—the largest donation in its history—according to Elea Fox, vice president of philanthropy at UofL Health.

Addressing UofL Health leaders present at the event, Sister Brocato said: “We appreciate that now this hospital is under the auspices of UofL Health. We applaud you for the changes you’ve made in the past five years and we wish you the very best in the years to come.”

The hospital planned to celebrate this milestone with a community event on July 20. A historical timeline can be accessed at https://uoflhealth.org/150-years-of-mary-elizabeth-hospital/.