McKenzie Celebrates Successful Groundbreaking for New Hospital

McKenzie Health System (MHS) marked a historic milestone with a successful groundbreaking ceremony for its new hospital on Wednesday, October 1, at 12:00 p.m. at the organization’s new property location. Approximately 150 community members, partners, and staff attended the celebration, signaling broad regional support for the project and the future of local healthcare.

Beloved community voice Bob Armstrong emceed the event. Speakers included Steve Barnett, President & CEO; Mike Dreyer, Hospital Board Chair; Dr. James Sams, Family Healthcare Provider and Chief of Staff; Morgan Fraley, Dayshift Nursing Manager and Chair of McKenzie’s Heart & Hope employee-giving committee; and Dave Faber, Sandusky City Manager. A short invocation was given by local Pastor Aaron Anderson at the beginning, and the group was joined by Auxiliary Co-Presidents Emma Navarro and Kelsey Loding, Foundation Chair Susan Dreyer, and longtime McKenzie employee Debbie Smielewski for the official groundbreaking moment.

The new 70,000-square-foot hospital is being built with the future of healthcare in mind—designed for adaptable care, modern technology, efficient workflows, and a welcoming patient and family experience. Construction is expected to be completed in late first quarter of 2027.

“This day belongs to our community,” said Steve Barnett, President & CEO. “We’re building a hospital that keeps high-quality care close to home—today and for generations to come.”

“From emergency care and surgical services to outpatient testing and rehabilitation, this facility is designed to deliver the right care at the right time for the right reasons,” added Mike Dreyer, Hospital Board Chair. “Thank you to everyone whose dedication and generosity made this groundbreaking possible.”

The new hospital is planned as a flexible, patient-centered environment that enhances access to essential services—emergency care, surgical and procedural care, inpatient care, diagnostic imaging (including MRI), lab, cardiopulmonary, and rehabilitation—while creating room to expand as community needs evolve. The design focuses on efficient patient flow, modern infection-prevention standards, upgraded clinical technologies, and an improved experience for patients, families, and care teams.

Speakers acknowledged the many hands behind the effort—from city leadership and regional partners to donors, volunteers, and MHS team members. The ceremony included a traditional “shovel in the ground” moment with hospital board and leadership, symbolizing the official start of construction.

Project updates, photos, and opportunities to support the new hospital will be shared in the coming weeks. Community members can watch for sneak peeks on social media and coverage from local media outlets as construction progresses.

Group photos (l to r): Susan Dreyer, Foundation Chair; Larry Mitchell, Hospital Board Vice Chair; Dave Faber, Sandusky City Manager; Morgan Fraley, Dayshift Nursing Manager and Heart & Hope Chair; Amy Ruedisueli, CFO; Steve Barnett, President & CEO and Hospital Board Member; Billi Jo Hennika, COO; Dr. James L. Sams, Hospital Board Member and Chief of Staff; Mike Dreyer, Hospital Board Chair; Brandon Guibord, Hospital Board Secretary/Treasurer; Tonya Kaufman, Hospital Board Member; Kelsey Loding, Auxiliary Co-President; Emma Navarro, Auxiliary Co-President; Debbie Smielewski, Longtime McKenzie Employee.