Caring for Alaska Since 1902

Providence was formed by the journeys of courageous Catholic Sisters who sought to meet the needs of the communities they served. Two congregations in particular – the Sisters of Providence and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange – had major roles in establishing and guiding the health system Providence is today.

Providence has a long history of serving Alaska, beginning when the Sisters of Providence first brought healthcare to Nome during the Gold Rush. In 1902, they established a hospital where they provided shelter and care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Over the years that followed, the Sisters’ Mission carried them across Alaska to serve the growing communities in need.

A Rich History in the United States

Founded in Montreal, Canada in 1843, the Sisters of Providence were well prepared for new challenges. Following their Mission to minister to the needs of the poor, sick and unfortunate, they responded to communities throughout the Northwest United States. By 1900 they had established hospitals, schools, orphanages and homes. Within two years, they would respond to yet another need. This time, in Alaska.

Pioneering Firsts in Alaska Health Care and Education

Following rumors of striking gold, prospectors headed to Alaska in droves. By 1900, over 10,000 inhabitants occupied the town. With no formalized government, the community had few provisions for social welfare and local leaders looked beyond the town for help. Heeding their call, two Roman Catholic priests arrived in July 1901. Knowing of the great works of the Sisters of Providence, they persuaded the Sisters to establish a much-needed hospital in Nome.

Once settled in Nome, the Sisters purchased a two-story building and opened Holy Cross Hospital in 1902. They provided shelter, care and compassion to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The same year, the Sisters established a school in the community.

By 1906, Holy Cross Hospital had outgrown its original location, and with community support, a second hospital opened. But by 1918, a struggling mining industry forced many residents to leave Nome and the Sisters were called to join the Sisters of Providence in Fairbanks.

Expanding Services Across Alaska

As Fairbanks continued to grow, the Sisters purchased St. Joseph Hospital for $10,000 in 1910. Nearly three decades later in 1937, the Sisters opened Providence Hospital, a two-story, 52-bed hospital in Anchorage. The hospital was later rebuilt, and on October 26, 1962, the new Providence Hospital opened at Goose Lake, where Providence Alaska Medical Center remains today.

To continue helping those in need, the Sisters opened Providence House in the 1980s to provide patients’ families a place to stay close to the hospital. Providence Extended Care Center, a long-term facility for individuals with acute and/or chronic illness, and Mary Conrad Center, a 90-bed skilled nursing facility, are established shortly thereafter. The Sisters ongoing commitment to the community was further reflected in their work at the Brother Francis Shelter where they served hot meals to an average of 150 guests per night.

During this time, Seward General Hospital becomes Providence Seward Medical Center in 1996, and Kodiak Island Hospital becomes Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center in 1997. In 1999, Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital celebrated its official grand opening.

Joining Forces for Healthy Communities

Further growth occurred in 2016, when Providence Health & Services (founded by the Sisters of Providence) joined with St. Joseph Health (founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange) to establish Providence St. Joseph Health. The health system combines the two systems to strengthen the Mission across seven Western states.

Today, Providence carries forward the legacy of these pioneers by reimagining the future of healthcare delivery and improving the health of individuals and communities across seven western states. The Providence family of organizations remains rooted in its Mission to serve all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, and committed to fulfilling its vision of Health for a Better World.