History & Facts

Established in 1925 as Camden Hospital, the hospitals original location was on Dolphin Street. Camden Hospital was a monument to the community and was respected for the quality health care it provided to Camden and surrounding towns in Ouachita County.

As Camden grew so did the medical needs of the community. In 1941 an addition was constructed that increased the number of beds to 50. However, by 1945 the need for more space prompted the community to seek a location to establish a new, larger building.

In 1950, with funds procured by a three mill tax, a bond proposal and matching funds from a Hill-Burton Grant, construction began on land donated by the Berg and Rumph families. Amid much fanfare the new, modern Ouachita County Hospital opened in 1952. It featured 100 beds, 3 operating rooms, 3 delivery rooms, full x ray equipment, complete laboratory and dietary facilities, a nursery, 32 bassinets and a separate wing for colored patients.

Construction of a fourth patient wing was completed in 1954 and in 1957 a two mill tax was approved for construction of a South Wing. In 1960 a G wing was constructed and modernizations and additional renovations were done in 1970, 1972, and 1977. Some of the most recent additions include the newly constructed W.K. Green Conference

and Education Center and the and the MRI wing, both completed in the fall of 1998. In the winter of 1999 groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Valley Oaks Rehabilitation and Senior Living Center. This beautifully landscaped, state-of-the-art facility opened its door to the public in August of the same year.

From its humble beginnings as Camden Hospital, to the modern facility we know today - many changes have taken place. It has been an ongoing process of growth, improvements and expansion to ensure our services meet the needs of the community. Through all of the changes however, one thing has always remained constant . . . OCMC has continued to provide the community with accessible, personal and quality healthcare.