Virginia Baptist Hospital Centennial Celebration

We are celebrating 100 years of care!

The Legacy of Virginia Baptist Hospital

For 100 years, Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH) has provided excellent healthcare services to the surrounding communities. VBH is one of the areas many historic buildings and has been a light to the community as one of the oldest hospitals in the area.

mother baby

A grand opening

VBH opened on July 12, 1924, becoming the state's first Baptist hospital. The first patient came for a dental procedure and a local college student was the first overnight patient and first surgery. Three days after opening its doors the first baby was delivered on July 1924.

Over the years VBH experienced many firsts along with our community. it was the first hospital in the city to receive unqualified approval from the American College of Surgeons and the first hospital in the state to have air conditioning installed in its operating rooms. VBH

Today, VBH stands as a thriving pillar in the community housing specialized services, including Women & Children's services, Mental health services, Centra Specialty Hospital, Acute Rehabilitation Center, and much more.

Centennial calendar of events

See what's happening!

June Architecture and VBH 100 Museum tribute

VBH 100, Stanhope Johnson and VBH Museum Re-Launch

As we celebrate the centennial year of Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH), we’re honoring different aspects of the hospital’s history with various themes. June’s theme is focused on the architecture of the hospital and its museum! You may or may not have known that VBH has a museum that features displays about its history including its college of nursing and pioneering work related to neonatal care.

May's feature on Born at the Baptist

Cindy Tweedy's story, A Full Circle Moment

Cindy Tweedy knew at an early age that she wanted to be a nurse, but at the age of 16, her uncle who was a dentist convinced her to pursue becoming a dental hygienist instead.

Many years later, Cindy was 31 weeks pregnant with her first child and working full time as a dental hygienist when she experienced bad back pain. This led her and her husband to go to the hospital and she delivered their first son, Justin, at Virginia Baptist Hospital that night.

Melissa Carrico and her daughter, Alaina, in front of VBH

April's Generation of Nursing

Melissa Carrico, RN

This year, we're celebrating the centennial of Virginia Baptist Hospital and sharing stories from throughout its history of excellent care. Melissa is one of many members of the current VBH Team who were personally impacted by the care they received as a child which led them to pursue a career in the medical field or work at the hospital.

March's physician focus

Honoring Dr. Peter W. Houck's Enduring Legacy

Centra’s Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) opened in November of 1972 at Virginia Baptist Hospital, and Dr. Peter W. Houck served as its first medical director. Dr. Houck’s extensive legacy as a provider includes pioneering work in neonatology and active involvement in caring for the Lynchburg community as a pediatrician.

February's Black History Month tribute

My Journey into Healthcare, Dr. Afua Kunadu

I am a first-generation physician and from a young age, I always knew that when I grew up, I wanted to be a medical doctor. I was a radio presenter in middle school and during my gap year after high school before college, but there was never a doubt in my mind about my desire to one day become a doctor.

VBH 100 events

July 12

Virginia Baptist Hospital 100 Year Celebration Event!

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