Melissa Memorial Hospital (MMH) is located in the north eastern plains of Colorado in the thriving community of Holyoke. Our rural landscape is home to key industries such as
- Construction: This is a significant employer in Holyoke.
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting: A large portion of the workforce is involved in agricultural activities.
- Public Administration: Governmental services contribute to the local economy.
- Utilities: This sector is one of the highest-paying industries in Holyoke.
- Wholesale Trade: This industry also provides well-paying jobs.
- Transportation & Warehousing: This sector, along with utilities, contributes to the higher average incomes in the area.
- Food service and retail: Jobs are also available in food service and retail sectors.
- Healthcare. Education: Educational institutions in the area offer employment opportunities.
- Hotels & Travel Accommodation: The hospitality sector provides jobs related to lodging and travel.
Our 15-bed critical access hospital, 24/7 ER, Nursing Unit, Family Practice and Specialty Clinics, inpatient and retail Pharmacies, surgical services, and various ancillary services support the outstanding patient care provided at MMH.
With strong board leadership comprised of community members and focusing on the health and wellness of our community, our excellent and compassionate staff is committed to providing you with the care you need. We value integrity, collaboration, courage, service, passion, and ownership.
Holyoke the City of Pride and Progress
Melissa Memorial Hospital is located in Holyoke, Colorado, a rural community and county seat in eastern Phillips County. Holyoke is home to and is truly a “City of Pride and Progress.” Holyoke offers a strong education system, airport, indoor swimming pool, 18-hole golf course, ball fields, skateboard park, tennis courts, fishing ponds, parks, camping facilities, hotels, a movie theater, many churches, a nice variety of restaurants, and many unique stores ready for you and residents to enjoy.
It’s also home to the Phillips County Historical Society Museum, the County Fair, and two facilities on the historical register, The Burge Hotel and the Heginbotham Library. The county seat of Phillips County, Holyoke, sits on the golden plains of northeastern Colorado and is composed of four communities: Amherst, Haxtun, Holyoke, and Paoli.
Holyoke has two major highways running through the community, Hwy. 385 & 6, and agriculture is our main economic force, with excellent dry land and irrigated cropland to grow wheat, corn, dry edible beans, popcorn, and alfalfa among other important crops. For those interested in pheasant hunting, Phillips County has over 30,000 acres of walk-in access land.
Our History
Melissa Memorial Hospital has a rich history dating back to 1918 when Dr. Timmons built the original hospital at 236 South Interocean Ave. Later purchased by Dr. H.C. Hill and his wife, Irene, the facility operated as a 10-room hospital with the couple residing on the first floor. In 1949, the community raised funds to buy the hospital from Mr. Hill, transforming it into a county-operated facility. The original living space was converted into a delivery room and small surgery suite, accommodating vital procedures like C-sections and appendectomies.
Vision for the future
In 1964, Will Heginbotham generously donated property and funds to build a new hospital at 505 South Baxter Ave., named Melissa Memorial Hospital in honor of his mother. Officially opening in July 1965, the new facility featured modern medical equipment and capacity for 25 patients. The first patient admitted was Fred Peterson, a former mayor of Holyoke. The hospital maintained an average census of 15-17 patients through the ’60s and ’70s, supported by generous donations from local philanthropists.
As the community’s healthcare needs grew, the hospital faced space challenges. Under the leadership of Administrator Arlene Harms and CFO Shelly Larson, a collaborative effort began in 2002, leading to groundbreaking on November 18, 2006. The project was completed on time and nearly $1 million under budget, officially opening on March 7, 2008.
In 2015, Melissa Memorial Hospital initiated a renovation and expansion project, which included a specialty clinic, family practice addition, and on-site residence. This project also introduced an enclosed ambulance drop-off, a new laboratory entrance, and an on-site pharmacy, enhancing services for our community. Groundbreaking for this addition occurred on October 12, with completion achieved in summer 2016.
Additional new projects are being reviewed to continue to improve our ability to serve our evolving community.