Celebrating 75 Years of Service to Our Community
This October, Sampson Regional Medical Center proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone -- 75 years of caring for our community!
For seven and a half decades, our hospital has been committed to delivering compassionate, quality care to patients, supporting families through every stage of life, and improving the overall health of our region. From our earliest days to today, this mission has been made possible by the dedication of our employees, physicians, volunteers, and community partners -along with the trust and support of the people we serve.
This anniversary is more than a reflection of our past; it is a celebration of the people and partnerships that have shaped our story. As we honor 75 years of service, we also look forward to the future, continuing to invest in healthcare excellence and innovation for generations to come.
We invite our community to join us in this celebration! A variety of special events and activities will take place throughout the year-long celebration, giving patients, families, staff and community members opportunities to be part of this historic moment.
A message from Dr. Shawn Howerton, Chief Executive & Medical Officer
This year marks a significant milestone in the life of our hospital - 75 years of service, growth, and unwavering commitment to the health of our community. As we celebrate this anniversary, we honor the journey that brought us here, the people who shaped it, and the promise we carry into the future.
Since opening our doors in October of 1950, Sampson Regional Medical Center has been rooted in a simple yet powerful mission: to care for our neighbors with compassion and excellence. From our beginnings as Sampson Memorial Hospital, with just a few beds and limited services, to becoming a comprehensive healthcare facility with a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, our hospital has grown alongside the community we serve.
Over the years, we have expanded access to care, brought in advanced technology, developed specialty clinics, and created educational opportunities to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. We've weathered challenges and celebrated milestones - always focused on meeting the needs of our patients and responding to the ever-changing landscape of rural healthcare.
Today, we stand proudly as one of the few remaining independent rural hospitals in North Carolina. In a time when many small hospitals have closed or been absorbed into larger systems, our continued presence reflects the strength of our leadership, the support of our community, and the dedication of the incredible individuals who make this hospital run every day.
As we reflect on where we've been and look ahead to what's next, one thing remains constant: our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare close to home. We are proud of our past, excited for our future, and honored to continue serving Sampson County and the surrounding region.
Shawn Howerton, Chief Executive & Medical Officer
Join Us in Celebration
Sampson Regional Medical Center is proud to celebrate 75 years of caring for our community! This milestone marks more than seven decades of dedication to patients, families, and the health of our region. We are excited to honor our history, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future - together.
We invite individuals, families, businesses, and community partners to join us for this special celebration on Friday, October 10th, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend our celebration.
A Timeline of our History
A Legacy of Growth, Innovation, and Community-Centered Care
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1950s: A Vision Realized
- October 5, 1950 – Sampson Memorial Hospital is Dedicated
Built for $1,053,369 through federal grants and county bonds—the only time in history Sampson County issued bonds for hospital construction—this marked a commitment to accessible care in rural North Carolina.
- October 10, 1950 – Hospital Opens
As a 100-bed hospital with on-site nurse housing, it was considered one of the most modern of its size in the nation. It laid the foundation for generations of care, employing 41 staff and led by a 20-member medical team under Dr. William Walton Kitchin.
- 1956–1959 – Major Expansions
Enhancements to radiology, the ER, central sterilization, dietary and oxygen systems modernized services, reflecting early efforts to meet growing community needs.
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1960s: Meeting Demand
- 1960 – Addition of 45 Patient Rooms
To meet capacity demands, 45 new patient rooms were added, allowing the hospital to serve a growing population.
- 1963 – Emergency Generator Installed
Ensured continuous power during outages—critical for patient safety.
- 1967 – Facility Expansion to 178 Beds
Growth in services like physical therapy increased the hospital’s ability to treat complex cases locally. Pharmacy also received an update.
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1970s: Expanding Access
- 1970 – Woodside Professional Building Opens
Enabled recruitment of specialists by offering office space directly connected to the hospital—bridging the gap between rural communities and specialty care.
- 1975/76 – Blood Donor Program Launches
Created a sustainable, local blood supply that continues to support emergency and surgical care today.
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1980s: Preparing for the Future
- 1980 – $6.6M Diagnostic & Treatment Building Opens
Anticipating the shift toward outpatient care, this expansion added advanced diagnostics, surgery, and trauma services—ushering in a new era of modern medicine.
- 1981 – Pediatric and Step-Down ICU Units Open
Provided specialized care for infants and critical patients transitioning out of intensive care.
- 1987 – Conversion of Beds for Skilled Nursing
Addressed the critical shortage of long-term care options for elderly and recovering patients in the county.
- 1989 – First Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony
A heartfelt community tradition supporting vital hospital projects, symbolizing generosity and remembrance.
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1990s: Innovation in Treatment
- 1990 – Introduction of Advanced Surgical Procedures
The hospital became a leader in rural surgical care with laparoscopic and laser surgery, reducing recovery times and improving outcomes.
- 1991–1992 – Pacemaker Clinic, Mammography, SPECT & MRI
Added diagnostic depth and continuity of care for cardiac, cancer, and orthopedic patients.
- 1994 – Home Health Services Begin
Transitioned from the county health department, bringing skilled care into patients' homes—improving access and reducing hospital stays.
- 1997–1999 – Maternity and Inpatient Renovations
Modern, family-centered maternity suites and private inpatient rooms greatly improved patient comfort and privacy.
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2000s: A System for the Future
- 2002 – Name Change & Outpatient Growth
From “Sampson Memorial” to Sampson Regional Medical Center, reflecting a broader scope. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Center opened to enhance recovery and independence for individuals offering a state-of-the-art center for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- 2004 – The Center for Health + Wellness Opens
A 42,000 sq. ft. investment in prevention and community health through fitness, aquatic therapy, and education.
- 2005 – Cardiac Program Expands
Added Cardiac Rehab, Heart Clinic, and CHF services, reducing the need for patients to travel for cardiac care.
- 2006–2007 – Cancer and Outpatient Diagnostics Centers Open
Introduced local radiation oncology and women’s imaging, bringing vital cancer detection and treatment closer to home.
- 2009 – ER Expansion & Urgent Care Services Added
Enhanced emergency access with Fast Track rooms and acquired Clinton Urgent Care, which would be renamed to Sampson Convenient Care in 2022, making non-emergency care more accessible.
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2010s: Focus on Patient-Centered Care
- 2012 – Safe Suite and Infusion Therapy Units Open
Designed for behavioral health patients, the Safe Suite promotes dignity and safety. The infusion unit centralized outpatient IV therapy, improving continuity and patient experience.
- 2013 – Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center Opens
Brought advanced healing therapies for chronic wounds to the local community.
- 2014–2015 – Graduate Medical Education Program Established
In partnership with Campbell University, SampsonRMC began training future physicians, addressing rural healthcare workforce shortages.
- 2018 – Family Medicine Residency Accreditation
Strengthened the hospital’s role in educating high-quality, rural-ready family physicians.
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2020s: Resilience and Expansion
- 2020 – COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
SampsonRMC served on the frontlines of the pandemic, providing free vaccinations and safeguarding the public’s health.
- 2023 – Primary Care Grows in Spivey’s Corner
Expanded access to routine care and introduced a dedicated Patient Transport Ambulance Service—ensuring patients could receive timely care locally and at referrals.
- 2024 – Orthopedics and Inpatient Dialysis Launch
Specialized services reduce the need to travel for orthopedic surgery and dialysis. Bedside telehealth nephrology enhances consult availability.
- 2025 – Blood Mobile & Brand Unification
The Blood Mobile expands donation outreach across the county. Two primary care practices rebrand to form Sampson Medical Group of Roseboro and Sampson Family Medicine, improving continuity of care and brand recognition.
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Shaping Tomorrow’s Care
As Sampson Regional Medical Center celebrates 75 years of healing, innovation, and service, its unwavering mission remains: to provide quality patient care to Sampson County and surrounding communities through accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive health services.