NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Great Plains Health is turning 50, and the entire community is invited to join the celebration.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., the east lawn of the hospital at 601 W. Leota St. will come alive with live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors and staff who have been part of the hospital’s story.
The evening promises fun for all ages. Guests can enjoy live music from Rascal Martinez, face painting, giveaways, and free bike helmets for kids. Food trucks will be on site, so attendees are encouraged to bring their appetite along with a lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit back, relax, and soak up the evening. All activities and entertainment are free to the public, with food available for purchase.
This milestone is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to reflect on 50 years of community-driven healthcare. In the 1970s, North Platte was home to two independent hospitals—Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital. Community leaders and residents came together with a shared dream: to create a single, independent medical center that could serve a growing regional population. Through a grassroots campaign that united neighbors, friends, and even strangers, the community raised more than $1.2 million, turning the vision into reality. On Aug. 9, 1975, Great Plains Medical Center opened its doors, later evolving into Great Plains Regional Medical Center and, eventually, today’s Great Plains Health.
As part of the anniversary, Great Plains Health is inviting the public to share personal stories, photographs, and memories. Whether as a patient, staff member, or community supporter, your experiences are part of the hospital’s history and a reminder of the connections that make North Platte special.
“For 50 years, this community has been the heart of everything we do,” said Ivan Mitchell, chief executive officer of Great Plains Health. “This celebration is not only about honoring the trust and support our community has shown us—it’s about safeguarding that trust for generations to come.”