History of SAH

During the early years of Umatilla County the average life expectancy was little over half of what it is today. Disease was the rule rather than the exception, and by and large, doctors were so scarce that people who came down with an affliction or injury had to "tough it out." Among the first to bring health care to the county were the Catholic sisters, who in the early 1880’s opened their doors to all that needed help.

The sisters first opened their doors to the sick and injured in a three- story Victorian home that still exists today. A hospital was the dream of Mother Stanislaus who one day received a check for $250 from Dr. F. W. Vincent. He suggested that she find others who would match his gift to help start a building fund. Mother Stanislaus received $8,000 from the community to go toward this dream. Ground was broken in the spring of 1901, and the original hospital was dedicated in 1902 at the cost of $75,000.