Our History & Leadership

Johnson County Healthcare Center began in 1952 as Johnson County Memorial Hospital, managed by the Lutheran Homes and Hospital Society (LHHS). The original 21-bed, county-owned hospital quickly became a cornerstone of care for Buffalo and the surrounding communities.

In 1964, the hospital expanded to 25 beds and added a 40-bed nursing home. By 1979, JCHC had grown to include Emergency Medicine, Audiology, Laboratory, Radiology, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Central Supply, Pediatrics, Coronary Care, and Administration. Our outpatient clinic opened in 1986.

In 1987, the community voted to transition the hospital into a Hospital District, giving it independence from LHHS and creating a new governance structure. That same year, Sandy Ward became the organization’s administrator and led it for 30 years. In 1992, the name officially changed to Johnson County Healthcare Center (JCHC).

The 1990s brought continued growth, including the addition of a Surgical Suite in 1998, modern birthing facilities, expanded access to general surgery, and enhancements to Amie Holt Care Center.

Further upgrades followed in 2006, including a new cafeteria and a doubled clinic footprint at The Family Medical Center. In 2011, JCHC added a new Emergency Department, Laboratory, Radiology Suite, Administrative Offices, and a large, welcoming lobby.

In 2016, we opened the new Amie Holt Care Center—a three-story, 44-bed skilled nursing home located on campus to ensure easy access to healthcare providers for residents.

Luke Senden became CEO in 2021, launching the next era of capital improvements: renovated inpatient rooms, a Family Medical Center expansion, a new Physical Therapy gym, updated birthing suites, and modern telemetry and communication systems to connect providers and patients better.

Across more than seven decades, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to delivering healthcare as it should be for Johnson County at every stage of life.