The Ripple Effect

The history of health care in Greater Cincinnati has a long and illustrious tradition. A new book from Bethesda Inc. documents the origins and evolution of this charitable institution.

Bethesda has been one of the leading healthcare providers in Greater Cincinnati since its humble beginnings in 1896, when a German Methodist minister convened seven women deacons to found the Deaconess Association and Bethesda Hospital. Their mission was to minister to the health and spiritual needs of the sick poor, especially the large immigrant community from the German states. The early years featured home visits by the deaconesses, who brought care directly to residents of the overcrowded city. Maternity and pediatric services were early priorities, and women were respected workers and administrators. The School for Nursing, which trained nurses and social workers, introduced a new field for professional women.

The Ripple Effect:How Bethesda Transformed Health Care in Cincinnati reveals how Bethesda Hospital grew from a single building in Mount Auburn into a multi-faceted organization that is now a partner in TriHealth, an integrated modern healthcare system. It is a fascinating story, documenting the contributions of the healthcare heroes doctors, nurses, educators, administrators, and donors who created a holistic healthcare system. Their dedication remains the driving force behind Bethesda s success.