Established on July 8, 1902, Bellefonte Hospital laid the cornerstone for what would evolve into Mount Nittany Health. With humble beginnings in a frame house equipped with just six patient beds, our journey has always been driven by our dedication to providing exceptional community care.
Over the decades, we have continually grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of our patients. Bellefonte Hospital was aptly renamed Centre County Hospital in 1924. To meet increasing demand for services, a new hospital building, known as the Mountainview Unit, opened July 26, 1972 in State College. The Bellefonte Hospital, called the Willowbank Unit, and the Mountainview Unit both operated until 1978, when the Willowbank Unit was closed.
Major milestones mark our progress, including significant construction projects in the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in the establishment of the Centre Medical Sciences Building in 1994 when the Centre Community Surgical Center began operation there.
During 1996 and 1997, major capital improvements included a new Birthing Center, a new Transitional Care Unit, expansion of the laboratory, and an operating suite renovation.
In 2003, Centre Community Hospital proudly assumed the name Mount Nittany Medical Center, signifying its growth as a regional medical center. Collaborating with partners like Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, we expanded our services, introducing interventional cardiology in 2007 and unveiling the state-of-the-art east wing in 2010.
As we entered a new decade, Mount Nittany Health transitioned into a system organization in 2011. This pivotal moment signaled our commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and accessibility for our community. Our vision for a healthier tomorrow took shape with the expansion of the Emergency Department and the construction of a comprehensive Cancer Pavilion.
Today, Mount Nittany Health is comprised of Mount Nittany Medical Center – a 260-bed acute care facility renowned for its exceptional care – and Mount Nittany Physician Group. We are a health system with 2,400 employees, 220 providers, and 30+ medical specialties, serving more than 400,000 residents in six counties. Our presence spans 19 convenient locations throughout the region, ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
We look forward to continuing our growth as an independent, community governed health system as we open Mount Nittany Health Toftrees in the summer of 2024, and the Patient Tower at Mount Nittany Medical Center in 2026. Continued improvements to our Diagnostic Pavilion, the largest imaging center in Centre County, will be completed in 2027.
Join us as we continue our legacy of compassion, innovation, and excellence in healthcare. At Mount Nittany Health, we are dedicated to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”