LOUISVILLE, Ky. — UofL Health's Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is celebrating 150 years of serving south Louisville and reducing health care disparities. 

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth founded the hospital in 1874 after the Civil War. It offers a full range of vascular, orthopedic, cardiac, neurological, surgical, rehabilitative and 24/7 emergency services and is the region's only hospital west of I-65. 

"Mary & Elizabeth Hospital has renewed health care in south Louisville by serving the local community," said UofL CEO Tom Miller. "We honor the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth who founded this hospital and commend the leaders, physicians, staff and community members who continue UofL Health's mission to positively impact the lives of our patients."

Some of the hospital's more recent accomplishments include partnering with sister facility, UofL Health – Peace Hospital, to open a voluntary inpatient medical detox unit to care for patients with substance use disorders, adding a community pharmacy and opening the Center for Women's Health. It also brought back labor and delivery services to south Louisville for the first time in nearly 50 years, with the $20 million addition of "The Birthing Place."

“Having dedicated more than 25 years to treating patients at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, I can confidently call it a staple of quality health care for our folks in South Louisville,” said Jeff Graves, UofL Health - Mary & Elizabeth Hospital chief medical officer. "For 150 years, we’ve established a trust with our patients, and they’ve agreed to put their lives in our hands. Putting patients first and focusing on their needs is what Mary & Elizabeth is all about.” 

UofL Health said it recognizes the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for its legacy of care and compassion as it continues to help patients today, along with those who continue investing in the hospital's mission.

“The success of Mary & Elizabeth Hospital wouldn’t be possible without the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, as well as the compassionate clinicians and civic leaders who support the patient-centered care happening in South Louisville,” said Elea Fox, UofL Health Philanthropy, vice president. “It’s that generosity and support that propels this hospital toward continued medical advancement.”

Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is also home of UofL Health – Weight Loss Care, the region’s only weight-loss management program utilizing the Lap-Band System, and has been recognized as one of the country's first health care facilities to receive a Blue Distinction Center for bariatric surgery. In addition, it includes a Healthy Lifestyle Center. 

The hospital is hosting a community celebration Saturday, July 20 at noon to celebrate the anniversary, which UofL Health said would include the unveiling of a timeline exhibit reflecting on the hospital's history. UofL Health added it encourages patients, physicians, volunteers and employees to share their favorite stories about the hospital and check out a digital timeline.