Mercy Cedar Rapids celebrates 120th anniversary

Mercy Foundation invites community to take part in Giving Day on Nov. 12

Mercy Cedar Rapids is celebrating a milestone this month – 120 years of serving the healthcare needs of eastern Iowans. From the beginning, the Sisters of Mercy took a vow “to care for the poor, the sick and the uneducated.” With that vow as their focus, the Sisters fulfilled a much-needed demand in Cedar Rapids by building a hospital. On November 14, 1900, the Sisters established Mercy Hospital in a small house with 15 beds on 3^rd Ave. and 6^th St. SE. Later, the Sisters were able to build a 100-bed hospital, which is where Mercy is located today.

“As we observe our 120^th anniversary, Mercy is celebrating its continued commitment to the sacred healthcare ministry to which we’ve been called,” said Sr. Susan O’Connor, Mercy’s vice president of mission integration. “I think the founding Sisters would be exceptionally proud of how far we’ve come and the work we’ve accomplished to serve the needs of our community. From very humble beginnings, Mercy has evolved into a leading healthcare organization, providing patients access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare in a wide variety of specialties and utilizing the very latest technology. It’s a legacy we can certainly be proud of.”

Throughout the week of Nov. 9 to 13, Mercy staff will be marking the 120-year milestone with special internal observances, a commissioning of new Mercy leaders, and a community service project.

The Mercy Foundation is also inviting the public to invest in the legacy of Mercy and local quality healthcare by taking part in its annual Giving Day Challenge on Thurs., Nov. 12.  Donations made on that day will support the Mercy Employee Relief Fund, benefitting Mercy employees affected by the events of this year, such as COVID-19 and the derecho. The Foundation’s goal is to raise $12,000 in 24 hours. Donations can be made at www.mercycare.org/giving or by calling (319) 398-6206.