Vernon Health’s story began in 1946, when the Vernon Memorial Hospital Association was formed to launch a countywide effort to build a new hospital for the community. Just five years later, in September 1951, Vernon Memorial Hospital opened its doors with 31 beds. Demand for services grew quickly, and an additional 17 beds were added soon after, followed by a maternity wing in 1956, a diagnostic and outpatient wing in 1969, and a south wing in 1971.

Significant expansion continued throughout the 1990s. A three-level addition transformed the hospital layout and relocated the main entrance from Main Street to the east side of the building. This era also brought the development of a new Emergency Department and the H.E.A.R.T. Center, home to Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Rehab and the VMH Wellness Center. During this time, the Physical and Occupational Therapy departments were remodeled, a Renal Dialysis unit was opened, and additional enhancements—including a therapy pool, racquetball court, and expanded H.E.A.R.T. Center—were completed in the years leading up to our 50th anniversary.

As our region grew, so did our commitment to providing high-quality care close to home. Vernon Health expanded access across the county by acquiring Kickapoo Valley Medical Clinic in Soldiers Grove in 1993, Bland Clinic in Westby and Hirsch Clinic in Viroqua in 1994, La Farge Medical Clinic in 2003, and Solar Town Pharmacy in Soldiers Grove in 2005.