Bluffton Regional Medical Center Celebrates 25 years of Caring for Neighbors, Close to Home
1/29/2026
On Sunday, February 1, Lutheran Health Network celebrates the 25th anniversary of Bluffton Regional Medical Center. In 2001, Bluffton Regional Medical Center restated a simple promise: to ensure that the families of Wells County and surrounding areas never need to choose between quality medical care and the comfort of staying close to home. This month, the hospital proudly celebrates its 25th Anniversary, marking two and a half decades of being the heartbeat of the community.
Serving as the only hospital in Wells County and the surrounding communities, Bluffton Regional Medical Center delivers essential care during more than 100,000 patient encounters annually, making it a vital lifeline for the region. In 2024, the hospital invested over 33 million dollars in the community, including 3.9 million in uncompensated care.
“We aren’t just doctors and nurses here; we are your neighbors, your friends, and your family,” says Julie Thompson, chief nursing officer and chief administrator of Bluffton Regional Medical Center. “When someone walks through our doors, we know their name, and we know their story. Reaching 25 years isn’t just a milestone for the hospital - it’s a celebration of the trust this community has placed in us.”
"In a small town, a hospital is more than a medical facility. It is where your children are treated, where our parents found comfort and where we've turned in our most vulnerable moments. Our success is built on the shoulders of incredible people who walk these halls. Thank you for your tireless dedication. You are the heartbeat of this organization," said Dr. George Babcock, board chairman of BRMC.
As the rural healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Bluffton Regional Medical Center has remained a reliable pillar of the community through its continued focus on:
- Operating as a 40-bed facility that provides essential services, including emergency care, diagnostics (imaging), surgical care, and physical/occupational therapy.
- Holding accreditation from the Joint Commission and delivering high-quality care with a positive patient experience, as seen in its Leapfrog "A" safety grades.
- Serving Wells County and surrounding areas, maintaining a strong local presence while being part of a larger regional health system, and building on a proud legacy of local healthcare excellence.
“Twenty-five years ago, we rededicated ourselves to do better for this community,” said Thompson. “Today, we are a family. We look forward to being here for the next 25 years and beyond.”
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