Memorial Hospital hosted a dinner on Thursday, March 6, bringing together local mayors and hospital board members to discuss the hospital’s critical role as a 5-star healthcare system provider and a key economic driver for the region.
Attendees included mayors from several communities: Bocephus Casey (Hamilton), Jim Nightingale (Carthage), Tacy Nelson (Nauvoo), Kathryn Sparrow (West Point Mayor-Elect), Kevin Six (Dallas City), Gary Smith (Carthage Mayor-Elect), and Kat Reed (La Harpe).
Memorial Hospital Board members in attendance were Karen Araya, Dan Asbury, Dr. Doug Groth (Board President), LuAnn Haas, Larry McClintock, Terry Pope, Dr. Victoria Popela, Dennis Rankin (Board Secretary-Treasurer), and Brenda Young (Board Vice President).
During the evening, Memorial Hospital’s CEO, Ada Bair, highlighted the hospital’s substantial economic contributions, including employing over 450 individuals, many of whom reside and spend in the region, bolstering local businesses, schools, and housing markets. She noted that Memorial Hospital’s presence supports a broader economic ecosystem, attracting professionals to the area and fostering opportunities for growth in ancillary industries.
Bair also underscored the hospital’s direct financial impact, which includes providing approximately $1.7 million in charity care annually and investing in innovative healthcare services such as the Memorial Institute of Health & Healing and Memorial MedSpa. These initiatives not only expand local healthcare access but also contribute to the economic vitality of the region by drawing patients from surrounding areas and supporting job creation in specialized fields.
“The strength of our communities is deeply connected to the strength of our healthcare system,” said Bair. “Memorial Hospital is not just a provider of medical care—we are an engine of economic development. By working collaboratively with local leaders, we can create an environment that attracts and retains businesses, professionals, and families who recognize the value of a strong healthcare infrastructure.”
The evening’s discussions reinforced the shared commitment between Memorial Hospital and community leaders to strengthen economic resilience, ensure high-quality healthcare accessibility, and drive continued community development.
For more information about Memorial Hospital and its services, visit www.mhtlc.org.
Pictured: Top photo L to R: Karen Araya, LuAnn Haas, Tacy Nelson, Dennis Rankin, Bocephus Casey, Dan Asbury, Dr. Victoria Popela, Olivia Clark, Dr. Doug Groth. Bottom photo L to R: Shellie Mittermeyer, Kat Reed, Terry Pope, Kevin Six, Larry McClintock, Jim Nightingale, Brenda Young, Gary Smith, Will Stuflick, and Kathryn Sparrow.
