T.J. Samson | Destination Health | June 2019

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Platteville, WI Permit No. 7 T.J. Samson Community Hospital 1301 N. Race St. Glasgow, KY 42141 JUNE 2019 I n September 1929, Glasgow leaders dedicated a new hospital to the public—an occasion that might seem ill-timed in retrospect.The country was on the brink of a stock market collapse and the Great Depression. “I can’t imagine opening a hospital right when the Depression started,” says Neil Thornbury, CEO, T.J. Regional Health. The hospital that opened 90 years ago was T.J. Samson Community Hospital. And you could just as easily argue that the timing was just right—thanks to a community of generous back- ers near and far. THE COMMONWEALTH FUND AND A NAMESAKE STEP UP In 1926, the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce was considering expanding the local Maple- Wood Infirmary. At the same time, the Com- monwealth Fund of New York was helping communities across the country start rural hospitals. You’re invited! Visit tjsamson.org for updates on T.J. Samson’s 90th anniversary celebrations. Learn about our history and help us celebrate this milestone Neil Thornbury, CEO T.J. Regional Health Instead of expanding the infirmary, the cham- ber accepted the fund’s $130,000 matching gift toward a new hospital.The community just had to chip in the remaining $65,000. Then someone thought up a great fundraising plan: Anyone who donated $25,000 could name the new hospital. A businessman named T.J. Samson pledged $18,500 worth of stock from his tobacco company, plus $6,500 in cash. The new hospital was built. And on Sept. 18, 1929, the first patient was admitted. STILL A VITAL ROLE A section of the hospital that houses Thornbury’s office is part of the 1920s construction. But over the years, many renovations and expansions have occurred around the old building.The most re- cent was in 2000.That’s when a four-story wing was added. Today T.J. Samson has grown to include the outpatient T.J. Health Pavilion and medical clin- ics in surrounding counties. And yet there’s still Dozens of essential services are available locally. To name a few: We’re turning ■  ■ Cardiology. ■  ■ General surgery. ■  ■ Laboratory. ■  ■ Neurology. that community focus. Decisions are made by a local board of directors. “And there is a very personal experience here,” Thornbury says. “We take care of our family and friends in the community.” As a large employer in Barren County, T.J. Sam- son is also crucial to the local economy. Asked to reflect on the hospital’s 90-year jour- ney,Thornbury’s message to the community is clear: “Thank you,” he says. “I want to send a very sin- cere and heartfelt thank-you from our hospital for choosing and supporting T.J. Samson.” STAY TUNED! T.J. Samson will hold a community event later this year to mark its 90th anniversary. Details will be announced soon.Also watch for announcements about other milestone celebrations throughout the year. ■  ■ Oncology. ■  ■ Pain medicine. ■  ■ Pharmacy. ■  ■ Primary care. ■  ■ Pulmonology. ■  ■ Radiology. ■  ■ Rehabilitation. ■  ■ Women’s health services.