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Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center celebrates 60th anniversary

Holy Spirit Hospital opened its doors to serve the first eight patients on March 3, 1963, a response to community members who asked that Camp Hill have its own hospital to meet the area’s health care needs.

The Rev. Martin Lohmuller, who founded Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Marysville and went on to become auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia and titular bishop of Ramsbury, was a founding member of the Holy Spirit Hospital planning committee and planted the seed for the new hospital with the Rev. George Leech, then bishop of Harrisburg. With the purchase of 26 acres of land in 1956, the dream started to become a reality. Seven years later, the community celebrated the cornerstone dedication. At the heart of this major undertaking, the Sisters of Christian Charity planned, prepared and devoted themselves to caring for the sick.

“For six decades, Holy Spirit has remained committed to providing quality, compassionate, faith-based care,” said Don McKenna, regional president of Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers. “Our dedication continues today as part of Penn State Health. Along with Hampden Medical Center, we will find new and better ways to meet the region’s health and health care needs for the next 60 years and live our values with every interaction, every day.”

McKenna remembered everyone who laid the foundation, especially the Sisters of Christian Charity. “I want to thank the sisters for their selfless service over these past 60 years and their continued presence and support today,” McKenna said.

He also highlighted the members of the Harrisburg Diocese, leaders, visionaries and caregivers. “As a result of their inspiration and guidance, Holy Spirit Medical Center is a vibrant and successful health care organization.”

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