Andalusia Regional Hospital marked its 50th anniversary Saturday with the dedication of its new legacy garden in a celebration that included public officials, tons of giveaways, two marching bands, and the public unveiling of its new name and logo, Andalusia Health.

The hospital had its beginning in the early 1960s, when local businessmen led an effort to raise money for a new hospital. Local residents pledged $490,000 – which would be $3.8 million in today’s dollars- over a three-year period.

CEO John Yanes said if those leaders were with us today, they would challenge the current hospital leaders to continue to prepare for future generations.

Victor Giovanetti, western group president of LifePoint Health, the hospital’s parent company, said, “We have been blessed to be part of your community since the inception of our company in 1999.”

After acknowledging those celebrating the milestone outside the hospital, he added, “what really matters is what happens inside the walls of the hospital, and at the bedside.”

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson and Rep. Mike Jones each presented proclamations recognizing the hospital’s milestone.