St. Luke's Wood River kicks off celebrations recognizing 25 years of caring for community

2025 marks a major milestone for St. Luke’s Wood River: 25 years of serving the Wood River Valley with exceptional care, deep community roots, and a vision for a healthier future. To honor this legacy, St. Luke’s Wood River is launching a year-long celebration under the theme: “The Heart of the Valley. The Height of Care.”

Throughout the coming year, the hospital and the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation will host events and storytelling initiatives to celebrate the people, progress, and partnerships that have shaped the hospital’s journey—from its founding to its future.

“Twenty-five years ago, a group of visionary neighbors came together with a dream to build a hospital that would serve this community with excellence and compassion,” said Megan Tanous, chief development officer of the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. 

St. Luke’s Wood River Chief Operating Officer/CNO, Almita Nunnelee added, “Today, we are proud to be recognized as one of the finest rural community hospitals in the country. This anniversary is a celebration of our team, our patients, and the community that made it all possible.”

Since opening its doors in 2000, St. Luke’s Wood River has marked countless milestones—from welcoming new life into the world to providing life-changing joint replacements, preventative care, time sensitive emergency treatment, and specialty services tailored to the needs of the valley.

“The hospital has grown alongside the community, always guided by a commitment to listen, respond, and lead with care,” Tanous said.

“This celebration is about more than looking back—it’s about looking ahead,” said Nunnelee. “Together with The Foundation, we’re working to address the growing needs of the community, to support our staff and physicians and to continue improving the health and well-being of everyone who calls this place home. We’ve got your back, and we know you have each other’s.”

St. Luke’s and the Foundation are partnering closely to shape the anniversary celebration, which will include events honoring hospital staff, donors, and the public. These gatherings will reflect the shared values that have defined St. Luke’s Wood River for a quarter-century: generosity, a commitment to excellence, and a deep sense of community.

“Most people don’t think about health care until they need it,” added Tanous. “But we’re always thinking about you—your family, your neighbors, and the future we’re building together.”

As the celebration unfolds, St. Luke’s Wood River invites the entire community to join in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and imagining what’s possible for the next 25 years.

For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved, visit our foundation page.