It was in 1957 that the language in Act 280, the Social Welfare Act, was amended to include Medical Care Facility.  Since the Iron county Hospital could no longer retain the name "hospital", because of the definition of "hospital" under Act 139, the institution became known as the Iron County Medical Care Facility, with standards and regulations written and applied as written by the State Department of Social Services (now known as The Family Independence Agency).  The establishment of the Iron County Medical Care Facility was to provide individualized medical care, treatment, and supervision for those elderly chronically ill, or disabled persons requiring services of lesser intensity than those provided in hospitals but unavailable elsewhere.

As a publicly supported facility the distinguishing emphasis from it's beginning was SERVICE to the POOR or Medically INDIGENT.  Thus, with the amendment to Act 280, was the beginning of some drastic changes in the Medical Care Facilities throughout the State.  With the enactment into law of the Medicare and Medicaid Programs in July, 1966, the old structure no longer met the building codes in order to be certified under the Medicare and Medicaid Program.

In the early 1970's, the citizens of Iron County were confronted with a millage levy as proposed by the Iron County Board of Commissioners by which tax levies would be used to construct a new Medical Care Facility.  This tax levy was affirmatively voted.  Residents were transferred to the new facility in 1976 and the old structure, except for the 3 story section which had been an addition to the old structure in 1957, was demolished.

The Iron County Family Independence Agency board is the governing body of the Iron County Medical Care Facility.  Under the Social Welfare Public Act. No. 280, Section 400.58 and as per Act No. 125 of P.A. 1954 which is legislation authorizing county Medical Care Facilities, the County Independence Agency Board is authorized, with the approval of the Board of Commissioners, to supervise and be responsible for the operation of the County Medical Care Facility.  The County Family Independence Agency Board consists of 3 members (2 appointed by the County Board of Commissioners and 1 appointed by the State Family Independence Agency).  The Iron County Family Independence Agency provides local control of the quality and cost of services provided to it's citizens.  As a local body the Family Independence Agency Board can address the unique health care needs of it's community, tailoring services to match needs.  In the rapidly changing health care systems of today, they are uniquely positioned to serve the interests of the local population in a caring sensitive manner.

As needs became apparent, the Facility has worked diligently to provide it's residents with the best possible environment.  Improvements and life enhancing projects or additions are on-going at the facility. Most notable additions were a new pavilion area in the rear of the building which allowed residents an increased time outdoors and a 15 person bus which allowed them outings and excursions within their community.  The bus, equipped with automatic lift equipment for wheelchairs, has allowed residents to enjoy themselves and maintain a sense of independence regardless of their physical limitations.

The largest and most recent change and enhancement at the Facility took place in 1994 when they broke ground to build a 20 bed addition.  At this time, the Facility undertook a 2.2+ million dollar expansion and renovation project.  Taking almost two years to complete, the facility was given a total "face-lift".  In conjunction to improving the exhisting building, an additional dining area and new diversional area was added at the end of the newly constructed wing.  An existing wing was taken and made into a secure Dementia Unit called the "Special Needs Unit".  The wing designated as the Special Needs Unit is a secure wing with its own dining/social area added at the end of it.  In the fall of 1997 an outdoor fenced in area with a gazebo was added to further outdoor options of the unit's environment.

In Summary, The Iron County Medical Care Facility provides to it's people a needed service.  They fill the gap in the health care system and insure access to long term care. They provide for local control of quality with an infusion of Federal and State funds.  The Facility does not provide bargain basement care, they provide value for cost.

We have and will continue to be devoted to the care of residents needing long-term skilled nursing and medical care, including restorative related medical services, and /or special therapeutic services to the citizens of Iron County who are chronically ill and/or disabled.

We are honored to be able to serve the community of Iron County with a facility that THEY can be proud of.