AnMed began in 1904 with a promise. Jennie Gilmer, a young wife and mother, promised God that if she survived the birth of her second son, she would help see a hospital built in Anderson. She survived and kept that promise.
In 1906, her efforts helped lead to the formation of the Anderson County Hospital Association. Community members raised $25,000 to build a two-story hospital with 25 beds. Anderson County Hospital officially opened on April 20, 1908.
Over the decades, the hospital grew into South Carolina’s largest independent not-for-profit health system. Key milestones along that journey include:
1939: A 66-bed expansion opened and was named the Jennie Gilmer Pavilion in honor of the hospital’s founder.
1943: The hospital was renamed Anderson Memorial Hospital to honor local residents who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
1947: The Daniel Wing opened, a seven-story addition named for trustee Charles E. Daniel. It remains the oldest building from the hospital’s early years.
1961: The North Tower opened, creating a new front entrance to the Medical Center.
1969: An eight-story diagnostic and treatment wing was completed, increasing total capacity to 460 beds.
1989: A new cancer treatment center opened, offering advanced radiation therapy.
1991: The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of 125 acres of land north of the hospital.
1993: The hospital became Anderson Area Medical Center, reflecting its role as a regional medical center. The AnMed system was also established.
1994: AnMed launched a community investment program to support initiatives that improve local health.
1997: The D.K. Oglesby Jr. Center opened on the North Campus, expanding outpatient services.
2001: The first open-heart surgery and angioplasty were performed. AnMed also became the first provider in the state to install an all-digital mammography system.
2003: AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital opened. Construction also began on a major North Campus expansion that included AnMed Women’s and Children’s Hospital, a cancer center and a cardiac diagnostic and rehabilitation center.
2005: AnMed Women’s and Children’s Hospital opened. The organization was renamed AnMed Medical Center and the downtown campus became the Medical Center Campus.
2007: A new mission and vision were introduced, followed by a $74 million expansion and renovation project.
2008: AnMed celebrated its 100th anniversary.
2009: AnMed signed affiliation agreements with Cannon Memorial Hospital and opened new heart and neurosciences centers.
2010: The bariatric program received a Center of Excellence award.
2013: Cannon Memorial Hospital fully integrated into the system as AnMed Health–Cannon. AnMed also partnered with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.
2014: AnMed became the first branch campus of the Medical University of South Carolina.
2015: Construction began in Clemson on urgent care and specialty offices. AnMed launched a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room and received the Equity of Care Award from the American Hospital Association.
2017: The Mobile Mammography Coach launched and the Pet Therapy program began.
2018: AnMed introduced programs to honor veterans, train patient care technicians and support RN-to-BSN education. E-visits and urgent care reservations were also introduced. The AnMed Auxiliary celebrated its 60th anniversary.
2019: AnMed transitioned to DNV accreditation and opened a medical simulation skills lab. AnMed also helped form the Upstate Carolina NCORP partnership.
2020: William Kenley, FACHE, was selected as CEO. AnMed Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine opened, along with new partnerships to support recovery services and campus safety.
2021: AnMed launched a Master Facility Plan focused on improving and consolidating inpatient services.
2022: AnMed rebranded and introduced a new logo that reflects a commitment to modern, compassionate care. AnMed also received Magnet designation for the third time, the highest national honor for nursing excellence.