Our Legacy of Caring begins almost one hundred years ago with those first doctors who came to the Imperial Valley to practice medicine. Realizing they couldn’t be very successful without a hospital, they took action and built the first hospital in 1908. It had 13 beds.

In succeeding years, the doctors of Imperial Valley continued to pioneer healthcare and expand the little hospital in El Centro. Eventually, it was sold to the county and was re-named, the Imperial Valley Hospital. By WW II, the responsibility for medical care had become a public matter administrated by local government.

By 1949, post-war El Centro was growing quickly and it became clear to community leaders that it was time to build a larger, more inclusive medical facility – a task that required the support of government and private citizens working together. This partnership that continues our “Legacy of Caring” still exists today.

In the 1950’s, the nearly decade-long battle to build the El Centro Community Hospital involved some of the city’s most prominent citizens who are recognized as founders of our present day medical center. Special recognition is due the “Committee of Six” – four businessmen, a farmer and a minister – whose perseverance overcame many obstacles and preserved the legacy.

When the 21,700 square foot project was completed, the whole community celebrated. In January 1957, the new hospital accepted its first patients.

In the 1960’s, a major expansion added 20,600 square feet and increased the hospital’s size to 86 beds. The $800,000 cost nearly matched the money raised to build the original wing.

In 1973, 94% of the citizens of El Centro supported another major expansion through a public bond issue. Enhancements were made to the radiology, emergency, laboratories and in-patient care areas.

In 1986, the name of El Centro Community Hospital was changed to El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) to reflect the broad areas it serves.

The opening of the medical plaza building in 1997, the completed remodeling of the Women’s Center in 1999 and the dedication in June 2003 of the largest addition to date signals that our hospital will continue to keep up with a flourishing population as well as advances in medical technology.