For Immediate Release

May 26, 2005

Mercy Memorial Breaks Ground for the Future of Healthcare

Ardmore — Mercy Memorial Health Center continued its 50th Anniversary festivities by breaking ground for a new medical office building yesterday. Area civic leaders, members of the hospital board and Mercy Memorial medical staff were among those in attendance. Sister Mary Roch Rocklage, RSM, founding president of the Sisters of Mercy Health System, participated in the ceremony. “This is an historic event for Mercy Memorial and southern Oklahoma. This hospital was built 50 years ago, and on the anniversary of this great facility, we are moving into the future by continuing to provide exceptional healthcare to the community,” said Rocklage. “I am proud to be part of this landmark event.”

The 50th Anniversary celebration continued at the Ardmore Convention Center with a banquet to top off the evening. Bob Goddard, son of Charles B. Goddard, Mike Cawley, President of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Ron Ashworth, CEO of the Sisters of Mercy Health System, spoke of the past, present and future of Mercy Memorial, respectively.

Earlier in the day, Mercy Memorial co-workers celebrated the hospital’s birthday with cake, ice cream and special sessions with Sister Mary Roch Rocklage.

The new medical office building will be located on 14th street just south of the hospital. Construction is anticipated to begin late fall of 2005 for this 50,000 square foot building.

Mercy Memorial Health Center is a member of Mercy Health System of Oklahoma and the Sisters of Mercy Health System. ###