During the 1870's, Fr. Edward Koch, of St. Peter Parish, donated the land across the street to the Sisters of Saint Mary (SSM) to build a hospital. This is where SSM St. Joseph Health Center sits today.

The sisters were experienced in caring for the sick and injured and, inspired by their faith, wanted to reveal the healing presence of God to the community. From a small home on Chauncey Street the sisters began providing health care. In 1872 they treated small pox victims, and in 1884 treated patients with diphtheria and scarlet fever.

In 1891, the sisters opened the doors of their first hospital, a 28-bed, red brick structure, which has grown into what is known today as SSM St. Joseph Health Center.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center has grown structurally, technologically, as well as in human resources, to meet the needs of a growing community. Today, the 352-bed acute care hospital excels in many areas, including open heart surgery, cardiac catheterizations, trauma and emergency services, sleep medicine, obstetrics, surgical services, oncology, vascular surgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology and more.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center houses the Cardiac Care Center of Excellence, offering the most comprehensive services available in the tri-county region.

SSM St. Joseph Health Center is the first recipient of the MissouriPRO Quality Award, and a recipient of the 2005 Missouri Quality Award.