Adair County Memorial Hospital held a reopening ceremony on Wednesday, returning to regular services after the devastating May 21st tornado.

Those that came to attend were able to enjoy some refreshments before hospital administrators gave some short speeches. Guest speakers included Mercy One Vice President of Rural Hospitals Mike Tracta and Mercy One Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Ritz, who both shared how impressed they were with not only the recovery of the hospital, but the community as well.

Adair County Memorial Hospital CEO Catherine Hillasted also spoke at the event, and tells Raccoon Valley Radio how it feels to finally be back to regular operational status.

“I think it’s absolutely one of the most exciting times for all of us. I mean, we’ve all been through so much since that tornado. I think it’s been a lot for everybody, but I think it’s really a breath of fresh air and a sigh of relief for everybody that we’re fully operational again and we can continue to grow and be our best selves.”

Hillasted mentions that with the repairs and renovations finished, most everything at the hospital that underwent construction has improved. She adds that the increase in severe storms in Iowa in recent years was also taken into account when renovations were ongoing, and that the building should be better prepared to withstand such situations in the future. Hillasted also thanked the community for all of the support that they gave the hospital as they went through the renovations.