Graphic of Baptist Health Care celebrating 70 years (1951 to 2021) with text saying
Graphic of Baptist Health Care celebrating 70 years (1951 to 2021) with text saying

Celebrating 75 Years

Baptist Health Care is celebrating 75 years of compassionate care and unwavering commitment to the community since opening its doors in 1951. Our founders had a bold vision to transform health care in the community, and Baptist Health Care has evolved from a single hospital into a health system that continually enhances access and services. Today, locations and services span Northwest Florida and include three hospitals, four medical parks, the Andrews Institute, the area’s largest primary care group and a robust specialist provider network. As the area’s only remaining locally rooted health care system, Baptist draws on its knowledge of and connection within the community to adapt rapidly and meet the community’s ever-changing health care needs. Over the years, Baptist has earned accolades from CMS, Forbes, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, but the greatest honor remains the enduring trust of the community. While our official anniversary date is October 17, we are celebrating and sharing reflections throughout the year about past contributions, present-day achievements and the future of care in our community. Please visit this page often for updates.



Photo gallery

1950s

  • Baptist Health Care’s founding fathers.
  • Baptist Hospital construction underway.
  • A modern OR.
  • Nurses from original staff.
  • Original lab.
  • Baptist Hospital in the 50s
  • Program for the cornerstone that was placed a year before the hospital opened.
  • Aerial photo of original hospital.

1960s

  • Cardiac care equipment 1964
  • Team member shows new pulmonary function equipment - 1966.
  • Nurse rounding in new hospital rooms.
  • Teams at work.
  • Pat Groner celebrating Baptist Hospital expansion.
  • Celebrating accomplishments.
  • Baptist Hospital front entrance with snazzy cars.
  • New team member training.

1970s

  • Towers under construction
  • BH launches LifeFlight air ambulance
  • BH Employee Foundation became a viable feature in hospital and community affairs
  • Jay Hospital closing
  • Mrs Earl Gaston cuts ribbon opening for enlarged hospital
  • Advances in laser surgery improve patient care
  • Breaking ground for professional office building
  • Expansion changes the face of Baptist

1980s

  • Anerobic Glove Box
  • EKG
  • Pop Freeman Oct Employee of Month
  • Patient care 1980s
  • The future site of GBH
  • Volunteer Luncheon
  • Advanced in laser surgery
  • 12 million expansion completed at BH

1990s

  • Group in front of voted number 1 patient satisfaction sign
  • Having fun hula hoop
  • Proud to lead the nation in patient satisfaction
  • Teamwork makes the dream work
  • Working at a great place and creating lasting friendships two women smiling at camera
  • GBH celebrates charter employees
  • First Legends of BHC
  • Open House introduces Open Heart surgery at BH

2000s

  • Baptist Medical Park - Nine Mile opens.
  • Baptist Medical Park - Navarre opens.
  • Neighbors come together after Hurricane Ivan.
  • Team members check out latest technology.
  • Team member health fair.
  • Women's Board 5k.
  • Annual student physicals.
  • Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine opens.

2010s

  • Proud of new heart and vascular space.
  • Provider network continues to grow.
  • Nursing excellence claimed and redefined.
  • Baptist Medical Park – Airport opens.
  • Baptist Medical Park – Pace opens.
  • Baptist Hospital completes expansion project.
  • The canopy of oaks has provided shade for many celebrations.
  • President & CEO Mark Faulkner in June 2019 announces plans for a new hospital campus that will open in 2023.

2020s

  • Baptist Health Care responds to a worldwide pandemic.
  • Hybrid ER and Urgent Care opens in Navarre Florida.
  • Baptist recognizes entire workforce as Legendary VOICES.
  • New campus construction—well underway, on budget and on schedule.
  • Baptist Hospital campus opens at Brent Lane September 2023.
  • Baptist opens its second hybrid emergency room and urgent care at Baptist Medical Park - Nine Mile.
  • Faith Health Network programs support better health.
  • Baptist Hospital in June 2026 celebrates nine years of providing lifesaving ECMO treatment by hosting a reunion for patients, families and caregivers.

1950s

  • Baptist Health Care’s founding fathers.
  • Baptist Hospital construction underway.
  • A modern OR.
  • Nurses from original staff.
  • Original lab.
  • Baptist Hospital in the 50s
  • Program for the cornerstone that was placed a year before the hospital opened.
  • Aerial photo of original hospital.

1960s

  • Cardiac care equipment 1964
  • Team member shows new pulmonary function equipment - 1966.
  • Nurse rounding in new hospital rooms.
  • Teams at work.
  • Pat Groner celebrating Baptist Hospital expansion.
  • Celebrating accomplishments.
  • Baptist Hospital front entrance with snazzy cars.
  • New team member training.

1970s

  • Towers under construction
  • BH launches LifeFlight air ambulance
  • BH Employee Foundation became a viable feature in hospital and community affairs
  • Jay Hospital closing
  • Mrs Earl Gaston cuts ribbon opening for enlarged hospital
  • Advances in laser surgery improve patient care
  • Breaking ground for professional office building
  • Expansion changes the face of Baptist

1980s

  • Anerobic Glove Box
  • EKG
  • Pop Freeman Oct Employee of Month
  • Patient care 1980s
  • The future site of GBH
  • Volunteer Luncheon
  • Advanced in laser surgery
  • 12 million expansion completed at BH

1990s

  • Group in front of voted number 1 patient satisfaction sign
  • Having fun hula hoop
  • Proud to lead the nation in patient satisfaction
  • Teamwork makes the dream work
  • Working at a great place and creating lasting friendships two women smiling at camera
  • GBH celebrates charter employees
  • First Legends of BHC
  • Open House introduces Open Heart surgery at BH

2000s

  • Baptist Medical Park - Nine Mile opens.
  • Baptist Medical Park - Navarre opens.
  • Neighbors come together after Hurricane Ivan.
  • Team members check out latest technology.
  • Team member health fair.
  • Women's Board 5k.
  • Annual student physicals.
  • Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine opens.

2010s

  • Proud of new heart and vascular space.
  • Provider network continues to grow.
  • Nursing excellence claimed and redefined.
  • Baptist Medical Park – Airport opens.
  • Baptist Medical Park – Pace opens.
  • Baptist Hospital completes expansion project.
  • The canopy of oaks has provided shade for many celebrations.
  • President & CEO Mark Faulkner in June 2019 announces plans for a new hospital campus that will open in 2023.

2020s

  • Baptist Health Care responds to a worldwide pandemic.
  • Hybrid ER and Urgent Care opens in Navarre Florida.
  • Baptist recognizes entire workforce as Legendary VOICES.
  • New campus construction—well underway, on budget and on schedule.
  • Baptist Hospital campus opens at Brent Lane September 2023.
  • Baptist opens its second hybrid emergency room and urgent care at Baptist Medical Park - Nine Mile.
  • Faith Health Network programs support better health.
  • Baptist Hospital in June 2026 celebrates nine years of providing lifesaving ECMO treatment by hosting a reunion for patients, families and caregivers.