Happy Anniversary DKH!

In many ways, the story of Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) is also the story of Putnam, Connecticut. For one hundred and twenty-five years, the “hospital on the hill” has been part of the fabric of life around here and is deeply rooted in the quiet corner.

On September 1, 1894, Day Kimball Hospital of Windham County’s doors opened. Founded for the community, by the community, the hospital was the inspiration of two sisters, Miss Elizabeth and Gertrude Vinton, who had a vision for the “Windham County Infirmary.” Mrs. M. Day Kimball donated $5,000 for the construction of the infirmary building in memory of her recently deceased son, Day Kimball, with the condition that the institution be named after him. Other Kimball family members and community supporters contributed additional donations and thus Day Kimball Hospital was born.

Now, 125 years later, the hospital continues to thrive with the same spirit of community support that led to its founding. The support of the community remains a significant component in our ability to maintain and grow our services and to provide care to those in need. The overwhelming support and grassroots efforts of this community in the northeast corner of the state – the inherent instinct and ability of our neighbors to respond – are what set DKH apart from other hospitals.

Caring for the Community. Today and Tomorrow.

Over the past one hundred and twenty-five years, DKH has continued to grow and advance to meet the healthcare needs of our distinct community. We can look back on a history that has had a profound impact on health care in Northeast CT. Many doctors, nurses and hospital staff have come through the doors; many children have been born; and thousands of people have received comprehensive healthcare services here, at their community hospital.

One thing has remained the same throughout the course of the hospital’s rich history – the dedication and care of the employees and medical staff. Now an integrated healthcare system, Day Kimball Healthcare has more than 1,000 employees including nearly 300 associated, highly-skilled physicians, surgeons and specialists who provide exceptional, compassionate care to patients and families every year.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead.

There are many indicators of success, but the real measure is ultimately the well-being of our community. We are bound together through deep history, timeless commitment and our pursuit of excellence to provide hope and inspiration in our care for one another.

In honor of our quasquicentennial anniversary throughout 2019, Day Kimball Healthcare will be celebrating its growth and building for its future during its 125th anniversary – a major milestone in its long history of servicing the community. With this rich history as our foundation, we look forward to another 125 years of delivering the promise of medicine to our neighbors here in the quiet corner. 

DKH will continue to redefine what it means to be a community hospital in today’s healthcare environment in the best way we know how: by providing quality, compassionate healthcare to the residents of Northeast Connecticut.