Death of a Hospital: Requiem for Good Samaritan

Good Samaritan Hospital which traces its founding to the Sisters of Charity eighty six years ago is closing its doors forever on July 23, 2018. Just thinking about it makes me ill. The health care and
economic impact to the community are enormous. Will there be an antidote? Is the ten million dollars
offered by Premier Health to help redevelop the site fair and equitable compensation for the injury to the community? Non-profit hospitals have evolved into mega businesses or have been taken over by
corporate entities. As I mourn the death of Good Samaritan Hospital my self-prescribed antidote is to protest, pause, and reflect.

This gem of the community, feted as 20th in Ohio and among the Best in the Nation," Has been the difference between life and death for so many in the Dayton View Community. And it is difficult to let go with an uncertain future.

On May 12, 1932 when the people of Dayton celebrated the opening of the new hospital, at the
corner of Salem Avenue and Philadelphia Drive, the cost to build was $2,325,051, mostly financed by the Sisters of Charity. The nurses' residence, Regina Hall, was an additional $223,00. The people also had given generously to the fund raising effort. Of the requested million dollars, the Kettering Family gave $50,000. Dr. B. W. Beatty donated four acres at the corner of Salem Avenue.

Thanks to the Sisters of Charity for their vision and philanthropy. Thanks to all the staff past and present (physicians, nurses, social workers, etc.) who have shared their profession on behalf of
the patients of Good Samaritan Hospital. Thanks to the volunteers for their gifts of healing and caring.