SWVHS Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Hamlin, W.Va. – June 24th, 2025 – In the summer of 1975, Lincoln Primary Care Center opened its doors in the small town of Hamlin, West Virginia. It was modest in size, but bold in purpose, driven by a mission to improve the health of a community in need. That was the beginning of what would grow to become Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS), an organization now woven into the fabric of an entire region.
Today, nearly 50 years later, SWVHS spans 26 locations across seven counties and continues to carry that same mission forward: providing quality care and serving as a leader in improving the health of its communities.
“Healthcare is about people,” says Walt McGrady, Chief Financial Officer of SWVHS. “Providing quality care for half a century is built on a foundation of commitment – people serving people. A lot has changed in the world since 1975, but SWVHS’s commitment to serving southern West Virginia hasn’t wavered. That’s been the key to our organization’s longevity.”
Though the reach of SWVHS has expanded, its purpose has remained rooted in the same core values that guided its very first day. Through decades of challenge and change, the organization has stayed centered on its mission, something McGrady credits as a defining reason for its continued success. “Committing to anything for a lengthy period is an accomplishment in itself, nonetheless, 50 years,” he said. “Staying mission-focused has aided in our success because it is a constant reminder of our ‘why,’ and our core values shape the way we show up for every person we encounter.”
Integral to this story are the employees who have poured their heart and soul into the work every single day. “The unwavering commitment from employees has always been the primary reason for success over the years,” McGrady said. “SWVHS employees reflect the very best of southern West Virginia: caring, compassionate, dedicated, proud, and resilient. Throw all those ingredients into any organization, and you’ve got a recipe for success!”
Over the last half century, SWVHS has become more than just a system of health centers; it has become part of the communities it serves. “I believe SWVHS has established a legacy of love, rooted in the communities it serves,” McGrady reflected. “You must love what you do and love who you’re serving, whether that be people or place, to position yourself to leave a lasting impact.”
As SWVHS looks to the future, there is a clear sense of momentum. “We’ve come a long way, from a single clinic to 26 locations. The number of lives we’ve impacted is astonishing,” McGrady shared. “What excites me most is the opportunity to multiply that impact. Whether we double, triple, or quadruple the reach, the goal remains the same: to improve lives in a place I simply call… home.”
The future of SWVHS is already taking shape, with strategies that embrace innovation and technology while staying anchored in the values that built the system. “We’re planning for the next 50 years by thinking boldly, planning smart, and staying true to who we are,” McGrady said. “We’re committed to serving southern West Virginia with the same passion and purpose that started it all.”
From one clinic in one town to a regional legacy of compassion and care, SWVHS celebrates 50 years not just as a milestone, but as a movement. And the story is far from over.
About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout Southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including family medicine-based primary care, specialty care, pharmacy services, and school-based health care, all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.
For media inquiries, contact:
Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Scott.coleman@swvhs.org
