Vandalia Health Grafton Hospital receives Centurion Award for more than a century of service

West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner presented Vandalia Health Grafton Hospital with the West Virginia Centurion Chamber of Commerce Award today, recognizing the hospital’s more than 100 years of continuous operation and longstanding service to the community.

The award honors West Virginia businesses that have operated continuously for at least a century, recognizing their lasting contributions to the state’s economy and communities.

“For generations, families in Grafton and Taylor County have relied on this hospital for care close to home,” said Melissa Lockwood, Chief Administrative Officer of Vandalia Health Mon Preston and Grafton Hospitals. “We thank Secretary Warner for presenting this award and recognizing the hospital’s longstanding contributions to our community. This honor reflects the dedication of the employees, providers, volunteers and community members who have supported the hospital throughout its history. We are proud to carry that legacy forward and remain committed to meeting our community’s healthcare needs for years to come.”

The hospital’s history dates to 1915, when the City of Grafton purchased a hospital established by Dr. R.H. Powell in the former West Grafton School. As community needs grew, efforts to build a new hospital led to the opening of a 65-bed facility in 1945. The hospital celebrated its centennial in 2015.

Formerly known as Grafton City Hospital, the hospital officially joined Vandalia Health on Sept. 1, becoming Vandalia Health Grafton Hospital. The transition built on a relationship established in 2019, when Mon Health System began providing management services to the hospital.

Today, Vandalia Health Grafton Hospital continues its tradition of serving Grafton, Taylor County and surrounding communities while drawing on the resources and expertise of Vandalia Health to strengthen access to local care.