DCMH celebrates 90 in grand fashion [Greensburg Daily News, Ind.]

Aug. 08--GREENSBURG -- Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) celebrated nine full decades of community service Saturday in an elaborate birthday bash befitting an accomplishment nearly a century in the making.

A balmy, hazy morning drew a crowd of hundreds for free music, food and entertainment of several different varieties. Children crowded into inflatable "bounce houses"and lined up to watch illusions courtesy of "The Amazing Barry."

Others entered their names in drawings to win bicycles, and most enjoyed free Subway sandwiches or hot dogs courtesy of Dawg Haus Diner. It was difficult to go more than a few steps without bumping into a reminder of the hospital's vaunted past, as guests were invited to share their own DCMH success stories and flip through old photos featuring patients and physicians of the past.

And though Saturday's focus was clearly on providing an appropriate celebration for one of Decatur County's most important establishments, those most closely involved with the facility set their collective eyes on the future.

The morning opened with a ceremonial "ground breaking"that figuratively set in motion the beginnings of what will eventually be two new stories added to the present DCMH structure.

The third floor will be an inclusive, state-of-the-art in-patient medical surgery wing aimed at offering the best possible comfort and care for all who attend. This view was echoed by DCMH chair of the board of trustees Toni Collins, who stated one advantage of the new area is its intent to be "more environmentally restful."

"We're excited,"Collins said regarding the $8 million project, which is planned to be completed in approximately a year. DCMH is funding the construction via a loan obtained through MainSource Bank. Pepper Construction is handling the physical workload, according to Collins, who went on to mention that the fourth floor will be completed within the next 12 months, though it may not have any particular designation for some time.

According to Collins and Hospital Foundation director David Frye, "It just made sense"to complete the project all at once, reserving the fourth floor for "future expansion."

Frye noted how the new third floor unit will provide better care than the hospital is presently able to accomplish.

"When you're hospitalized, environment impacts the healing process,"mentioned Frye. He said some areas of the hospital are "beyond their expiration date,"and the expansion will allow the hospital to better meet the needs of all patients. Frye went on to give credit to those who helped make it possible.

"I commend our board on recognizing how to make these improvements,"he said, adding that patient "privacy, comfort and convenience"are at the forefront of the expansion.

Former State Representative Cleo Duncan spoke of the hospital's importance prior to the groundbreaking ceremony.

"This is an important, vital project,"she said, "for the health and well-being of all who live here."

Current District 67 State Representative Randy Frye remarked DCMH is yet another reason people should wish to call Greensburg home.

"Greensburg has it all,"said Rep. Frye. "It's about quality of life and economic development is attached to that." Rep. Frye was one of those who took ceremonial shovel in hand to unearth a bit of dirt Saturday morning.

Another was Greensburg Mayor Gary Herbert, who also spoke highly of DCMH's impact on the community. "When people come to Greensburg, they look at our hospital, our doctors, the care they receive,"he said. The Mayor called the forthcoming construction project a positive "domino effect"that can lead to putting multitudes of Hoosiers to work.

Both Mayor Herbert and Rep. Frye stated proper care is of the utmost importance, though they both mentioned projects such as this can reap economic rewards for the community as well.

But perhaps more than anything, Saturday's ceremony was a celebration of the health of a community that has been cared for by DCMH staff since Warren G. Harding roamed the White House's Oval Office.

In the 90 years since its inception, the impact of DCMH has been felt by untold thousands throughout the Decatur County community. Saturday's efforts, above and beyond any celebratory pageantry, were intended to ensure that legacy continues far into the future.

Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056

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