Sep 9, 2005 By Patty Yauger 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – For 115 years, Highlands Hospital has been serving the needs of the community, but for 95 of those years, Pennsylvania owned and operated the facility. Today, the hospital will mark its 20th year of independence with a variety of entertainment, food and activities to say “thank-you” to those who have remained supportive of its services.

“The celebration of 20 years of divestiture of the state is a remarkable achievement for any hospital during these turbulent times in healthcare,” said Michelle Cunningham, Highlands Hospital chief executive officer. “It is because of the dedication of the employees, physicians, board of trustees, auxiliary, hospital club and community that Highlands has been able to continue to serve the health care needs of the Fay-West area.”

The original hospital was known as the Cottage State Hospital, according to the history of the facility. Built in 1890 at a cost of $13,400, the facility accommodated 38 patients.

A superintendent oversaw the day-to-day operation, and in addition to her nursing duties, she also acted as housekeeper.

In addition to the superintendent, the staff additionally included two female trained nurses, two student female nurses, two male orderlies and the “usual household help,” according to historic records.

In 1927, the facility became known as the Connellsville State Hospital and a three-story brick building, which stands today as the west wing of the hospital, replaced the original wooden building.

Over the years, improvements were made, but the hospital’s personnel struggled with “unsatisfactory administrative services provided by the state, an unrealistic budgeting process and lack of financial controls, cumbersome and expensive systems for purchasing supplies and services, and an increasingly poor image,” according to the hospital’s history.

The problems, in addition to a census decline, competition from neighboring hospitals, and the need to modernize the facility, led the state in 1975 to conclude the Connellsville medical facility should be closed along with several other hospitals operated and funded by the Commonwealth.

According to its history, the hospital was given the option to consider divesting itself from the Commonwealth and partner with one of the other area hospitals. In 1983, the local facility formed a tentative agreement with Forbes Health System, which led to the divesture in 1985.

“It was a great day,” said Marcy Ozorowski, president of AFSCME Local 2340, who has been employed by the hospital for 21 years, of the completion of the ownership transfer.

In 1995, the now Highlands Hospital separated from Forbes and joined in 1996 with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and in 1997 with Frick Hospital to form the Fay-West Health System.

The affiliation was severed in 2000, making Highlands an independent entity.

“It is an amazing feat that we are accomplishing at Highlands,” said Ozorowski. “We’re a family here, and a family takes care of its community, and we have continued to do that because of the great support of those within the community.”

The celebration, meanwhile, begins at 4 p.m. with free hot dogs, pop, popcorn, potato chips, baked beans, snow cones and anniversary cake for those attending the festivities.

Health screenings and educational materials will be provided along with a classic vehicle display and motorcycle exhibit.

Children attending will be able to take part in bead making, sand art, spinning art and cookie decorating. Disney characters will be on hand along with an ambulance, fire truck and helicopter.

The first 500 people to arrive will receive a commemorative mug and a ticket for a chance to win $500. The hospital will also give away a one-year membership to the John P. Murtha Wellness Center along with other prizes.

At 6 p.m., the Crazy Cowboy Band will perform.

“It is my hope that all members of the community will take part in this event to honor their hospital,” said Cunningham.