MMH History
Margaret Mary Health’s tradition of quality health care began in 1930 when the Hillenbrand family invited the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis to open a hospital in Batesville.
Two years later, the 50-bed acute care facility was designated Margaret Mary Hospital in honor of its two chief benefactors, Mrs. Margaret Hillenbrand and her daughter, Mrs. Mary Mitchell.
Generations of Care
Since its opening in 1932, the hospital flourished and served the community well under the direction of the Sisters for nearly 35 years. However, in 1967, the Sisters announced that due to other commitments, they could no longer be responsible for its operation. To continue providing quality patient care, the John A. Hillenbrand Foundation generously purchased and donated the hospital to a newly-formed community corporation.
The not-for-profit hospital, under the leadership of the new board of directors, changed its name to Margaret Mary Community Hospital to reflect this transition. In 2013, the name changed again to Margaret Mary Health to better represent the organization’s added services, programs, physicians and locations.
Over the years, the hospital has expanded its facilities and services to meet the increasingly complex healthcare needs of the community. In 1997, an off-site rehabilitation center was constructed to house the hospital’s outpatient therapies.
In 2005, Margaret Mary built its own Outpatient and Cancer Center and in 2012 opened a Physician Center to provide a centralized location for area physicians to practice. In recent years, MMH has expanded its reach into nearby communities like Brookville, Osgood and Milan by adding physician offices and minor care into these areas.
See the timeline below for more historical highlights.
Despite the many changes seen at MMH through the years, our long-standing tradition of quality health care remains the same.
1930 - HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Hillenbrand family invites the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis to open a hospital in Batesville on land donated by George M. Hillenbrand.
1932 - A LEGACY BEGINS
The 50-bed hospital opened its doors and was named Margaret Mary Hospital after its chief benefactors, Margaret Hillenbrand and her daughter, Mary Mitchell.
1944 - EXPANSION #1
As the existing space became too small to meet the community’s needs, a new wing was added, turning the hospital into a “T” shape.
1967 - A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Because the Sisters could no longer run the hospital, the John A. Hillenbrand Foundation purchased it and donated it to the community.
1971 - EXPANSION #2
Once again, the hospital outgrew its existing space, so a new acute-care facility was built adjoining the existing building. The original space was renovated to house an extended care facility and alcoholic (Note: the text cuts off here in the provided image).
1997 - REHAB CENTER
Located on State Road 129 in Batesville, the Rehab Center was built to house physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as a variety of specialty services.
1998 - OSGOOD LOCATION
A physician’s office was opened in Osgood, offering primary care services. In 2017, the facility expanded to offer minor care, lab and X-ray.
2005 - OUTPATIENT/CANCER CENTER
To better serve cancer patients in our region, the Outpatient and Cancer Center was built. In addition to oncology services, the building houses our endoscopy unit and space for visiting medical specialists.
2012 - PHYSICIAN CENTER/HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Physician Center was built on Six Pine Ranch Road to provide a centralized location for hospital-owned physicians to care for patients. Collectively, these providers were called Margaret Mary Physician Partners.
2013 - A NEW NAME
Margaret Mary Community Hospital was renamed Margaret Mary Health to better represent the organization’s added services, locations and physicians on staff.
2016 - BROOKVILLE LOCATION
To better serve the residents of Franklin County, a health center was opened in Brookville, offering primary care, minor care, lab, X-ray and other specialty services.
2017 - MILAN LOCATION
A primary care office was opened in Milan to provide general medical services to patients of all ages.
2026 - NEW HOSPITAL
Our new hospital is designed with patients first. Featuring all private rooms for comfort and healing. It will offer more clinical space in a smaller, more efficient footprint and include geothermal heating and cooling to reduce utility costs and our carbon footprint.
