Cabell Huntington Hospital Celebrates 70-Year Anniversary

Seventy years ago, the United States Interstate Highway System was created, the polio vaccine was developed, IBM invented the first computer hard disk drive, and Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) opened its doors as the largest and most modern building in the community.

Marshall Health Network (MHN) - Cabell Huntington Hospital celebrates its 70^th anniversary today, marking seven decades of service to the Tri-State region. Since admitting its very first patient on Jan. 7, 1956, the hospital has grown from a single facility with 169 employees into a regional academic medical center with over 10,000 members.

“Reaching our 70^th anniversary is a testament to the dedication of our employees, physicians and community,” said Scott Raynes, CEO and president of MHN. “Cabell Huntington Hospital has grown from a city hospital to a regional academic medical leader — all while keeping patients at the center of all we do. We’re proud to continue building on that legacy at Marshall Health Network.”

During its first year, CHH recorded 8,164 admissions and 1,052 births—numbers that reflected the community’s strong and immediate trust in the new hospital. Today, CHH has expanded to nearly 400 staffed beds and employs more than 2,900 team members dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Annually, the hospital now serves more than 15,000 inpatients, 45,800 outpatients and welcomes over 2,600 babies.

Over its 70-year history, CHH has continually expanded services to meet the region’s evolving health care needs. A few highlights include:

• 1976 – Opened the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the region’s first dedicated facility for critically ill newborns.
• 1998 – Established the Marshall University Medical Center, strengthening CHH’s academic partnership with Marshall University and positioning the hospital as a regional hub for advanced clinical training and research.
• 2005 – Opened the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the region’s only comprehensive oncology centers offering multidisciplinary cancer care under one roof.
• 2014 – Opened Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, expanding pediatric specialty care and creating a dedicated children’s hospital.
• 2018 – Acquired St. Mary’s Medical Center and adopted Mountain Health Network as the new system name.
• 2023 – Named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals.
• 2023 – Joined Marshall University and Marshall Health in becoming an integrated academic health system and rebranding the system Marshall Health Network.

These developments, along with numerous expansions, technological advancements and new service lines, reflect CHH’s longstanding commitment to improving health care access close to home.

“The people who have worked here and cared for patients over the past seven decades are the heart of this hospital,” said Tim Martin, president of CHH. “Their expertise, resilience and love for this community have shaped Cabell Huntington Hospital into what it is today. In honoring the legacy of those who shaped our hospital, we remain focused on expanding services, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that every patient receives excellent care close to home.”

One of those key partnerships—central to CHH’s mission and growth—has been its collaboration with Marshall University. Through the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the Marshall University School of Pharmacy, the hospital has built a robust academic–clinical environment that attracts physicians, prepares future health care leaders and brings emerging treatments and innovations to the Tri-State region.

As CHH moves into its next decade, ongoing investments in technology, facility enhancements, clinical services and workforce development will ensure the hospital remains equipped to meet the community’s future health needs.

CHH plans to recognize its milestone throughout 2026 with celebrations honoring staff, patients and the community it has proudly served for 70 years.