Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is proud to celebrate a significant milestone – its 75th anniversary. On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the hospital marked three-quarters of a century of providing exceptional healthcare to the people of Garrett County and the surrounding region.
The history of GRMC dates back to 1946 when George W. Loar, a local resident of Oakland, generously left $135,000 in his will to establish a county hospital. This donation led to the creation of Garrett County Memorial Hospital, which officially opened its doors on May 15, 1950. Over the years, GRMC has evolved from a small community hospital into a Joint Commission-accredited, award-winning acute care facility that serves more than 46,000 people across eight counties in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Today, GRMC stands as one of the largest employers in Garrett County, with a dedicated team of more than 500 employees. As a true regional medical center, the hospital offers a broad range of services, including cardiopulmonary care, general surgery, heart and vascular care, cancer care and infusion therapy, urology, dermatology, orthopedics, behavioral health, women’s healthcare, and many other specialized outpatient services.
Since becoming clinically affiliated with West Virginia University Medicine in 2015 and a full partner in 2022, the hospital has expanded its offerings, including specialty services not typically found in rural areas. This partnership has allowed GRMC to provide cutting-edge treatments and continue its mission of delivering exceptional care close to home.
“Our community’s unwavering support, along with the commitment of our dedicated staff, has allowed us to grow and enhance our services throughout the years,” said Mark Boucot, President and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser, WV. “It’s all about the people—our employees, our patients, and our community. We work together to ensure that every patient receives the care they need and deserve.”
In recognition of its outstanding care, GRMC has received numerous national accolades, including being named one of the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by the National Rural Health Association for three years. Additionally, for the seventh consecutive year, GRMC was recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
GRMC continues to excel in patient safety, having reported zero preventable harm events, venous thrombosis, surgical site infection rates, and serious medication errors in 2024. The hospital’s commitment to high-quality healthcare is further reflected in its impressive 0.03% hospital-acquired infection rate during the same period.
“We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients, now and in the years to come,” added Boucot. “This recognition as a national leader in patient safety, quality, and care is a testament to the dedication of our team. It also reaffirms our commitment to continuously improving the health and well-being of our community, ensuring that our services evolve to meet the needs of those we serve.”
The hospital’s 75th anniversary celebration will culminate with the highly anticipated GRMC Foundation Gala, scheduled for November 15, 2025. The gala, themed “Diamonds and Decades,” will honor the hospital’s rich history of providing compassionate care since 1950, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s legacy of service to the community.
Proceeds from the “Diamonds and Decades” gala will directly benefit the Aspiring Nurse Program, an initiative designed to support the next generation of nurses and sustain GRMC’s tradition of high-quality care. The Aspiring Nurse Program provides scholarship opportunities to nursing students in Garrett County and surrounding regions.
“The future of healthcare depends on the dedication and expertise of the next generation of nurses,” Boucot continued. “This program ensures that future nurses have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed, ultimately benefiting our patients and our entire community.”
For more information on Garrett Regional Medical Center, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.
Photo cutline: President and CEO Mark Boucot is pictured with Garrett Regional Medical Center team members celebrating the hospital’s 75th anniversary.
