Historical Timeline

At Bellin, we’re proudly celebrating 100 years of service to Green Bay and the Northeast Wisconsin region. At the same time, we’re humbled by the trust our patients--and the healthcare providers in this community--have placed in us over the course of a century. Since 1907, when Julius Bellin first converted a small house into what has become the Bellin Health System, we have been able to fulfill on his vision of providing outstanding, affordable healthcare, and at the same time, achieve a level of quality that has allowed us to play a pivotal role in the health and well-being of families for generations. To all of you, we say thank you for your benevolence and support. Thank you for your trust, hard work and dedication. Thank you for allowing us to be part of so many lives.

And one more thing: Welcome…to Bellin Health.

1907

Julius J. Bellin M.D, a surgeon, purchases a 15-bed house from Dr. B.C. Brett. This house became "General Hospital", located at 112 N. Adams Street (where the Wis. Telephone Co. is now located).
Dr. B.C. Brett was a retiring physician from St. Vincent and St. Mary's Hospitals.
Dr. Bellin invites two deaconesses to assist him in Green Bay at "General Hospital".
Miss Matilda (Tillie) Giese and Miss Delia Scheible arrive from Ohio. They were from the German Methodist Deaconess Order (a nursing order from the combined German Methodist and Lutheran churches); Miss Giese trained at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati Ohio.
First patient: Robert Dickey, May 6, 1907. 1908
General Hospital becomes incorporated, moves to the D.W. Britton home, a larger house on the corner of Lawe and Webster streets.
The hospital is rented from Dr. Bellin for $40/month.
Named "Deaconess Sanitarium". This is the site of Bellin Hospital today.
Nurses Hannah Wedewart (Mrs. Greiser) and Carrie Krueger (Mrs. Horkman) join the staff of General Hospital. The nurses carried patients up and down the stairs (a spiral staircase) using stretchers, tended the fires, mowed the lawn, and did cooking and cleaning in addition to caring for the sick.
First class of "Deaconess Sanitarium Training School"; 3 students enrolled; only one finishes the program.

1909

Affiliation begins with the Methodist Church. Methodists promise moral and financial support.
Information taken from a postcard dated September 1909: "Training for Nurses": "The new hospital offers a superior course for bright and ambitious women in the profession of nursing. It's modern in all respects - location, excellent, streetcar and ambulance service. Rates $7.00 and upward per week. Open with reputable physicians. Write to: Sister Tillie Giese, Head Deaconess; Rev. J.H.Paul, Spiritual Advisor; Rev. Perry Miller, District Supt. Appleton; Julius J. Bellin, M.D., House Physician".
One of the first services offered with the first hospital is the concept of a bathhouse, which included "Moor Mud Baths": supposed to be "nature's infallible cure for rheumatism and kindred diseases".

1912

A.J. Benjamin appointed Field Secretary; business management of the hospital organizes with a "Board of Managers".

1913

Board of Managers reincorporates the hospital.
Board of managers consists of 50 representative men of the state.

1915

Miss Giese conducts groundbreaking for a new $60,000 building for the hospital, no longer a house.
Deaconess Sanitarium renamed "Wisconsin Deaconess Hospital".

1916

First hospital building completed, dedication: Jan 8, 1916; three floors and a basement, 60 patient rooms & surgery facilities.
Deaconess Sanitarium Training School Perry Hall establishes.

1923

Nurses Home and Annex building addition completed, north wing; 24,576 sq. ft.
60 different physicians, surgeons and dentists treat patients at the hospital.

1925

Mrs. Charlotte M. Fowler of Antigo donates $25,000 toward building a residence for students of the School of Nursing.
Dr. and Mrs. Bellin donate money to construct another 4-story wing.
June 1925, Board of Managers vote to rename the hospital "Bellin Memorial Hospital", (over-riding Dr. Bellin's objections), "as a tribute to the good doctor’s many years of charitable works and service."
Board of Managers elects 15 members for Board of Directors; at least 8 directors must be members in good standing of the Methodist Church.
First president of the Board of Directors is the Rev. J.H.Tippet, father of Dr. Walter Tippet.
V.P. Dr. G.W. Nicholson; 2nd V.P. Mr. J.T. Phillips; Secretary, Mr. Samuel Cady; Treasurer, Mr. J.H. Taylor.
Other presidents were: William Larson, Mr. J.T. Phillips, Dr. J.J. Bellin and Mr. J.P. Jensen.

1927

4-story building addition completed, corner of Webster and Lawe streets.
Through the sale of bonds, the hospital increases to 100 beds.

1928

Dr. Bellin dies unexpectedly, suffering complications from several diseases.

1934

Miss Alida Jacobsen and Mrs. George Brown form Bellin Hospital Auxiliary.
Auxiliary Sewing Committee forms to improve patient rooms.

1928 - 1953

Depression & World War II, no building occurs due to lack of funds, yet community continues to grow.

1950

School of Nursing temporarily closes "for want of adequate dorm facilities."

1953

Groundbreaking for five-story wing and a one-story addition (former Central Service in courtyard).

1954

Bellin Memorial Hospital becomes a 150-bed hospital.
New dorm built, named Charlotte Fowler Residence.
Auxiliary opens first Gift Shop in the hospital.

1957

Bellin School of Radiology begins with 2 students.

1963

Bellin completes a comprehensive study of community health needs, more expansion planned.

1965

Southwest corner addition, 48,290 sq. ft.; small section added connecting two wings, lobby area and southeast corner added.

1968

Bellin becomes a 232 -bed hospital: 5-story medical, surgical, and obstetrical addition; remodeling of older parts of hospital.

1970

Alcohol and drug abuse program begins – the community's first hospital treatment program for substance abuse.

1971

Tunnel connects Bellin with St. Vincent Hospital for ease of transporting patients (part of Dr. Bellin's vision).
Northwest corner addition, 17,920 sq. ft.

1972

Construction of Medical Arts Center begins, completed in 1973; (achievement of another of Dr. Bellin’s goals where doctors could rent space from Bellin Hospital).
Bellin's Cardiac Program begins: first open heart surgery is performed; cardiac catheterization lab opens.

1975

Addition of 4,800 sq. ft. south entrance; walkway and tunnel connecting Bellin to Medical Arts Center completed.

1976

Van Buren Street addition is completed: large dining room, new kitchen, lab & X-ray facilities, public education center, and Bellin's new Heart Center.

1977

John P. Cofrin Heart Center opens.
First Bellin Run, 881 runners.
Bellin Hospice starts.

1978

Adult psychiatric program begins

1979

Psychiatric care expands, taking up the entire west wing of the 3rd floor.

1982

Shuttle bus system begins as way to cope with parking congestion on campus.

1983

Whitney School is purchased (215 N. Webster Ave.).
Health Connection and TRIM program begin.
Adult Alcohol & other Drug abuse treatment program starts.
DRGs (Diagnostic Related Groups) begin.
Clinicare, lithotripsy, short stay unit, laser surgery starts.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Center is built.

1984

Bellin School of Nursing becomes Bellin College of Nursing; 4-year BSN program starts.

1985

Adolescent psychiatric program begins.

1987

Second physician office building is constructed on Van Buren Street with a walkway connecting to the hospital.

1988

Bellin becomes a founding member of the Quality Management Network – a group of 40 health care organizations from around the country learning and applying quality improvement concepts.

1989

Bellin Psychiatric Center forms. Groundbreaking for new Bellin Psychiatric Center Building at 725 S. Webster Ave.

1990

Bellin Psychiatric Center moves into new building 725 S. Webster Ave.
Ask-A-Nurse program begins

1991

Construction begins on two-story addition to Van Buren Street section of hospital
Bellin leaders attend a 2-week study mission to Japan in order to focus on learning principles of total quality management

1992

Bellin introduces Patient Focused Redesign – redesign of hospital-based care systems to be focused on the patient and patient flow within the hospital

1993

Establishment of “The Committee on Health System Performance” – a board-level committee responsible for monitoring and guiding Bellin’s quality improvement efforts
Bellin is named a 100 Top Hospital in the nation by HCIA

1994

Bellin Psychiatric Center moves to 301 E. St. Joseph Street
Bellin College of Nursing moves into first floor of 725 S. Webster building
The Bellin Foundation forms
Bellin Medical Group forms; clinics include: Denmark Clinic (January); Daggett Medical Clinic (July); Brillion Clinic (September)

1995

Physicians and Bellin Hospital GI lab move into 725 S. Webster building
Bellin Medical Clinics join: Weisse Clinic (January); Bonduel Clinic (February); Family Doctors of Pulaski (Aldrich Clinic) (March); Family Practice Associates (April); Peshtigo Family Practice (May); Oconto Primary Care (August); Family Care Assoc. (September); Kewaunee Medical Clinic (October); Family Doctors of Green Bay (November)
Bellin is a founding member of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the leading organization in the world in the learning and application of quality improvement concepts and principles in healthcare

1996

Bellin Medical Clinics join: Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Clinic (April); Family Care Medical Clinic & Crivitz Medical Clinic (May); Family Doctors of DePere (August); Family Doctors of Howard (September).
Bellin, as part of United Health, offers its first PPO in Green Bay market - United Preferred

1997

Bellin Family Health Center opens on west side of Green Bay; Bellin Medical Clinics join: Medical Center OB/GYN Associates (February); Artwich Clinic, Oconto Falls and Suring (July); Mountain Clinic (August); Siefert Clinic (September).
Bellin, as part of United Health, offers its first HMO is Green Bay; market -- United HMO

1998

New Bellin Health name and logo is unveiled.
Region's first pediatric intensive care unit opens - Christoph Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Shade Cardiac Care Center opens on 5th floor of Bellin Hospital consolidating outpatient cardiac services including cardiac rehab, electrodiagnostics and nuclear medicine, and joining the cardiovascular lab and cardiac short stay.
Bellin opens Center for Well-Being, offering area's first non-traditional healthcare services, including yoga, qi gong, tai chi, and massage therapy.
Northwestern University study positions Bellin Hospital as national leader in cardiac care.
Bellin publishes its first Quality Performance Report to the Community.

1999

Ask-A-Nurse receives 1,000,000th call in January (service started on Oct. 4, 1990).
Bellin named "100 Top Cardiovascular Hospital" for its interventional cardiology program by HCIA.
Bellin named "100 Top Hospital: Orthopedics" by HCIA.
Bellin named "100 Top Hospital: Overall" by HCIA.

2000

Bellin and Cardiology Associates form Bellin Regional Heart Center.
Kids For Running kicks off during annual Bellin Run.

2001

Clinics demonstrate a unified identity by implementing a name change, from individual clinic names, to "Family Medical Center", with the city or street noted to differentiate locations.
Plans are announced and ground is broken on $40 million hospital redevelopment project.
Green Bay Packers form marketing partnership with Bellin, St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, Prevea and Touchpoint.
Bellin Run celebrates its 25 anniversary; grows to 7142 participants.
The Cardiac Rehab program is awarded program certification for is cardiac rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy, a new, minimally invasive procedure for identifying cancerous lymph nodes in breast cancer patients begins.

2002

Bellin starts a new home infusion service, enabling patients to receive needed drug and nutritional treatments in their homes.
Emergency Services expands its outpatient service hours of operation to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Along with this expansion in operating hours, the name Clinicare will change to Bellin Health Emergency Services.
Construction of new boiler plant is complete. Building is Phase I of $40 million hospital campus redevelopment project.
New two-story addition to Van Buren Street building is complete. Addition is Phase II of $40 million hospital campus redevelopment project.
Touchpoint Health Plan (of which Bellin is a partial owner) is ranked Best in the Nation for Effectiveness of Care – NCQA singles out the doctors of Touchpoint for having the best overall performance in the country.

2003

100 Top Hospitals® study names Bellin Hospital as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals, a leader among health care providers.
Years of quality improvement work pay off…Bellin rated by HealthGrades as one of the best hospitals for quality; recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for “providing an outstanding patient experience”.
ACT Fast, (Access Coordinated Treatment Fast) a new service designed to help physicians and referring health care organizations gain fast and easy admissions access for patients needing to be transferred to Bellin Hospital is unveiled.
Hospital is named one of the nation's 100 Top cardiovascular hospitals by Solucient®.
Bellin is a founding member of the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality.

2004

Emergency Department opens in order to increase access and better serve patients with emergent acute care needs.
County Rescue’s EAGLE III helicopter and other emergency helicopters are now able to take patients directly to Bellin Hospital with the opening of its new heliport. The heliport is located on Bellin Hospital’s new four-story courtyard building.
Bellin Health Heart and Vascular Center forms.

2005

Bellin Health performs its first robotic assisted surgery. Bellin is one of only two hospitals in the state with this technology and one of a few in the world to be able to offer the ground-breaking technology.
Bellin’s cath lab performs its 50,000th cardiac catheterization procedure, making it one of the busiest cath labs in the state.
The Bellin Run grows to be the 6th largest 10-K run in the nation.

Bellin Health, in partnership with the Oconto Community Hospital Citizens’ Foundation, opens the Bond Health Center, a 4-bed hospital and emergency department, in Oconto.
The Bellin Health Hospital Center renovation project is completed. Started in 2001, this project has updated many areas of the hospital.
Bellin Health Hospital Center hosts open house on Sunday, Oct. 16 with approximately 8,000 people attending. Invited guests included Patrick Fabian (Bellin’s TV spokesperson) and Packers greats Bart Starr, Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor.

2006

Bellin opens two FastCare clinics in area ShopKo stores, the first retail health clinics in the area, offering a complete visit for only $39.
The new Green Bay Health and Athletic Performance Center opens at 1630 Commanche Ave., featuring Bellin’s new XL athletic performance center, an expanded fitness center, expanded FMC-Ashwaubenon, a new occupational health office and clinic offices for Orthopedic Associates and Green Bay Orthopedics. An open house on November 11 is attended by approximately 3,500 people.
The Bellin Health Heart and Vascular Center is nation a 100 Top Hospital –Cardiovascular by Solucient.
Bellin Home Health is named a top 100 home health agency by Outcome Concept Systems, a leading benchmarking company.
Bellin introduces 64-slice CT, a new highly advanced diagnostic tool in the fight against heart disease and other conditions.
Bellin achieves 59-minute door-to-balloon time for patients suffering a heart attack. The national average at this time is 120 minutes and the American College of Cardiology has set a goal of 90 minutes.
The Bellin Run surpasses 10,000 registrants, making it the 7th largest 10K road race in the nation, while celebrating its 30th anniversary.

2007

Bellin College of Nursing graduates first master’s degree class.
Bellin named the exclusive health care partner of the Green Bay Packers.
Bellin Foundation receives $1.25 million from Fulwiler family, the largest single donation in Bellin history.
Clínica Hispana opens for Spanish-speaking patients.
Bellin opens five clinics in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
New 8,500-square-foot Behavioral Health Clinic opens.
Bellin Heart and Vascular earns 100 Top Hospitals award for cardiovascular services.
Bellin Run is the 4th largest 10K race in the U.S. as it prepares to enter the 2008 season.

2008

Bellin Health celebrates its centennial, commemorated by the Welcome to 100 Years of Bellin Health exhibit at Neville Public Museum of Brown County
Bellin opens The Cancer Team, 32,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed to address patients’ needs during and after treatment
Bellin Health opens Brillion-area medical center, which includes the Family Medical Center – Brillion and Bellin’s first eye clinic
Bellin College of Nursing breaks ground on new campus in Bellevue. The campus will also be home to the Bellin Health School of Radiologic Technology.
Bellin Run has 15,149 registered participants, establishing a new record for the fourth consecutive year
Bellin Health, Green Bay Packers sponsor unprecedented program which tests nearly 1,000 teens and young adults for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the leading cause of death among youth athletes
FastCare clinics open in Shawano and Suamico. Bellin now operates six retail health clinics
Bond Health Center changes its name to Oconto Hospital & Medical Center to better reflect its services. The hospital provides care to its 10,000th patient
Bellin Health completes $48 million initial bond offering to finance expansion of Emergency Department

2009

Bellin Health opens its Bellevue-based, two-story, 63,000-square-foot Family Medical & Wellness Center.
Merchant Medicine names Bellin Health FastCare a top 10 retail clinic operator.
The health system opens Bellin Health Family Medical Center-Manitowoc.
Bellin Health and Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists of Green Bay announce plans to construct an orthopedic ambulatory surgery center.
Bellin Health begins construction to remodel its Emergency Services Department and create an enhanced Emergency Services Pavilion.
Bellin Health earns recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for treatment of stroke patients.
Laboratories at Bellin Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center and The Cancer Team at Bellin Health are accredited by The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories.
The annual Bellin Run records 16,746 registrations, a record for the fifth consecutive year.

2010

Bellin Health signs on as a presenting sponsor of the annual Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament in Iron Mountain, Mich.
Bellin Health Family Medical Center-Howard earns accreditation as a Patient-Centered Medical Home from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
Bellin Hospital Laboratory awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists.
Bellin Health opens Escanaba, Mich.-based clinic.
Bellin Health participates in National Healthcare Decisions Day, drawing attention to its efforts to encourage families to create advance care directives.
Bellin Health hosts HeartStrong High School Expo at the Lambeau Field Atrium. Event raises awareness of sudden cardiac death in active students.
The Wound Healing Center at Bellin Health opens.
Bellin Health honored with a “Partner for Change Award” and a “Making Medicine Mercury Free” award from Practice Greenhealth.
Moody’s Investor Services affirms Bellin Health’s A3 bond rating.
One dozen Bellin Health clinics earn accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as patient-centered medical homes.
The Bellin Health Orthopedic Surgery Center opens.
Cardiology Associates of Green Bay joins Bellin Health as an employed practice.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Service raises Bellin Health’s long-term bond rating to A from A-, and grades the health system’s long-term future as stable.
Groundbreaking ceremony celebrates plans for new Escanaba-based clinic. Will consolidate east and west clinics into one site.
The Bellin Run registers 18,398 people, a record registration total for the sixth consecutive year.

2011

Bellin Health, ThedaCare and a network of nearly 700 physicians are selected to participate in the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model, an innovative pilot program designed to improve healthcare services for patients in Northeast Wisconsin.
The new Bellin Health Family Medical Center-Escanaba opens its doors in Escanaba, Mich. The 18,000-square-foot clinic is located at 610 S. Lincoln Road.
The 35th annual Bellin Run attracts a record-breaking 18,701 registrants while marking a major milestone in the history of Green Bay’s signature 10K event.
Bellin Health is named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals, according to a study by Thomson Reuters. It is the only facility in Northeastern Wisconsin to earn the distinction.
Bellin Health breaks ground on its new Iron Mountain, Mich.-based clinic at 440 Woodward Ave.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Service affirms Bellin Health’s ‘A’ long-term bond rating, citing the health system’s increased market share and continued strong operating performance.

2012

Bellin Health System completes implementation of Epic electronic medical records system. Move results in greater access to information for providers and patients and improved processes.
Moody’s Investors Service upgrades Bellin Health’s long-term and unenhanced ratings from A3 to A2, citing the health system’s continued favorable operating performance.
Bellin Health partners with other health care organizations to launch an accountable care strategy and other initiatives. The partnership, Quality Health Solutions, Inc., represents 28 hospitals in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along with 4,000 affiliated physicians.
Bellin’s Health Management Resources program is awarded a 2011 HMR Gold Standard Certificate of Achievement from Health Management Resources, a national health care company.
The Bellin Run is broadcast on local television for the first time in its 36-year history.
The Neuro Team at Bellin Health is remodeled and relocated to create a comprehensive care location for patients.
New York Times newspaper lauds Bellin Health in an editorial article for the health system’s ability to slow rising health care costs while simultaneously and consistently ranking among the best in quality of care.
Bellin Health earns top grade for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent, national non-profit organization run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

2013

Standard & Poor’s Rating Service affirms Bellin Health’s “A” long-term bond rating, noting the health system’s stable outlook.
Bellin Health earns Gold Plus Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines stroke program for ensuring that stroke patients receive nationally accepted care standards.
Moody’s Investors Service affirms Bellin Hospital’s “A2” long-term and unenhanced ratings citing a stable outlook.
CathPCI Registry data earns Bellin Hospital kudos for cardiac procedure readmission rates.
Bellin Health earns the Governor’s Worksite Wellness Award for maintaining a work environment that encourages improved health and wellness.
Bellin Run reaches registration milestone with 20,000 registrants.
ThedaCare-Bellin Pioneer accountable care partnership reduces total cost of care by 4.6 percent, saving $7 million in its first year.
Consumer Reports ranks Bellin Hospital the safest hospital in the nation. More than 2,000 hospitals were rated.

2014

Bellin Health opens its expanded Algoma clinic at 831 Parker Ave., adding new services in a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to better serve the healthcare needs of the Algoma community.
The Bellin Run registers 18,213 runners and walkers and welcomes Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi to its ranks. In keeping with the true community spirit of the event, Keflezighi waits at the finish line to congratulate participants long after he has crossed.
Bellin Health purchases NorthReach Healthcare, enhancing its commitment to serving the populations of Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan while ensuring patients are able to continue their relationships with trusted local clinics and providers.
Bellin bolsters its commitment to home health, opening a second Bellin Health Home Care Equipment store in August and being named a Top Agency of the 2014 HomeCare Elite, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States, in November.
Bellin is a pioneering member of Abouthealth, the new statewide healthcare network formed to share best practices for improving quality and eliminating waste.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognizes Bellin Health’s efforts to promote enrollment in state organ donor registries through the Workplace Partnership for Life hospital campaign.
In its second year of the Pioneer ACO program, Bellin-ThedaCare HealthCare Partners earns accolades for ranking tops in quality while having the lowest healthcare costs among all participants in the national program.
Bellin Health and the Green Bay Packers earn a second-place finish in the 2014 Medline Pink Glove Dance Competition, claiming a $5,000 consolation prize that was donated to cancer-support organization the Ribbon of Hope Foundation.

2015

Bellin Health unveils its new mobile mammography unit, a critical screening tool for women in rural areas who may not otherwise have access to mammography and bone densitometry services.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Service raises Bellin Health’s long-term bond rating to A+ from A, citing the health system’s solid management and prudent capital investments. Moody’s Investor Services affirms the health system’s A2 bond rating, issuing a stable rating outlook with good results expected.
The Live Algoma Coalition, a partnership between Bellin Health, the Algoma School District, community agencies and local employers and government, receives Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) funding to support promising community-based work on health improvement.
The 39th annual Bellin Run attracts 16,539 registrants, introducing participant-friendly changes such as live tracking and free photos as the iconic community event prepares for its milestone 40th anniversary in 2016.
Bellin Health opens its new and improved Oconto Falls clinic at 107 E. Highland Drive. The state-of-the-art, 9,000-square-foot facility adds new services as it replaces the former clinic location at 833 Main St.
The Green Bay Packers announce that their official healthcare partner, Bellin Health, will operate a nearly 30,000-square-foot sports medicine facility within the new Titletown District, a destination to be created on approximately 34 acres immediately west of Lambeau Field.
The inaugural Bellin Women’s Half Marathon debuts with a sold-out field and rave reviews from the local running community.
Bellin Health earns top grade for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent, national nonprofit organization run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.
In its third year of the Pioneer ACO program, Bellin-ThedaCare HealthCare Partners receives national recognition for generating $14 million in savings and topping quality scores.

2016

Bellin Health builds new clinics in Marinette and Pulaski, providing enhanced services and state-of-the-art design for individuals in those communities. Bellin Health Sturgeon Bay opens to the public after initially serving as an employer clinic.
The 40th annual Bellin Run attracts 16,944 registrants, celebrating its milestone anniversary with finisher medals, decade-themed entertainment and technical fabric race shirts for all participants. More than 1,100 registrants take advantage of a deferment option offered due to hot, humid and potentially dangerous race-day weather. The event is safe and successful.
Ground is broken on the new Bellin Health Sports Medicine & Orthopedics facility in the Titletown District of Lambeau Field, further bolstering the relationship between the Green Bay Packers and their official healthcare partner while enhancing care for the larger community. The 52,000-square-foot facility is slated to open in time for 2017 Packers Training Camp.
Bellin Hospital is one of just 115 hospitals nationwide to be named to The Leapfrog Group’s annual Top Hospitals list for 2016. It’s the second year in a row Bellin has earned this prestigious distinction.
The second annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon draws more than 1,300 participants to the only event of its kind in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Bellin Health is one of just 11 organizations nationwide to earn UnitedHealthcare’s “Well Deserved” award, an annual honor given to employers that have implemented innovative, industry-leading worksite wellness programs that help improve their employees’ health and wellbeing.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Service affirms Bellin Health’s A+ bond rating, issuing a rating outlook of stable and assessing the health system’s enterprise profile as strong. Moody’s Investor Services affirms the health system’s A2 bond rating, issuing a rating outlook of stable as it cites profitable operating margins, strong debt coverage ratios and improved liquidity.
Bellin Hospital is the only facility in Northeast Wisconsin to be named one of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals, according to a study from Truven Health Analytics™. It’s the eighth time Bellin has made the list.
It is announced that Bellin Health Partners will participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Model. From 2013-15, Bellin Health participated in CMS’ Pioneer ACO Model through a collaboration with ThedaCare known as Bellin-ThedaCare HealthCare Partners. This partnership received national recognition for generating $14 million in savings and topping quality scores.

2017

Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics opens its doors, further bolstering the relationship between the Green Bay Packers and their official healthcare partner while enhancing care for the larger community. Prior to the clinic opening, Bellin Titletown announces it has added the much-sought-after talents of Dr. Robert Anderson, a nationally renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care.
The 41st annual Bellin Run attracts 13,892 registrants, drawing more than 7,100 participants in its two largest programs, Corporate Challenge and Kids for Running.
Bellin Hospital earns its fifth consecutive “A” grade for patient safety from national nonprofit The Leapfrog Group.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Service affirms Bellin Health’s A+ bond rating, issuing a rating outlook of stable and assessing the health system’s enterprise profile as strong. Moody’s Investor Services affirms Bellin Health’s A2 bond rating, issuing a rating outlook of stable as it cites the health system’s broad service area and a trend of strong profitability, among other factors.
The third annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon draws more than 1,000 participants to the only event of its kind in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Bellin Health Iron Mountain begins an ambitious remodel project that will significantly increase the size of the clinic and provide important additional services for area residents.
Bellin Health completes its 5,000th robotic-assisted surgery, further advancing its position as Green Bay and the surrounding region’s leader in use of the technology to improve surgical precision and benefit patients.
Bellin Health Marinette unveils its new Oncology Services wing.
Bellin Health joins with ThedaCare and Minnesota-based HealthPartners to offer new health plan products under the name Robin with HealthPartners.

2018

The Bellin Health Board of Directors announces that health system president and CEO George Kerwin will retire, capping a 47-year Bellin career. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Woleske is announced as Kerwin’s replacement. Click here to read an article that reflects on Kerwin's history with and contributions to Bellin Health.
Incoming Bellin Health President and CEO Chris Woleske announces that health system Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jim Dietsche will also become the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. The changes are part of a revised service delivery structure for the health system.
The 42nd annual Bellin Run attracts 12,050 registrants as Risper Gesabwa notches her sixth event title and sets a new Bellin Run women’s victory record.
The Bellin Women’s Half Marathon partners with the Breast Cancer Family Foundation to present the Bellin Women’s Pink Pumpkin 5K. This new race joins the event’s half marathon and two-person relay.
Bellin Health teams up with DarJune Recovery Community to offer a new approach to helping those facing addiction. They use grant funding to create a program that trains and places Peer Recovery Coaches in the Bellin Hospital Emergency Department.
Bellin Health launches Bellin for Women, an innovative new program that encourages Bellin Health patients and employees, as well as members of the broader community, to take ownership of their health and wellbeing while having fun and socializing in a comfortable, laid-back environment.
Bellin Health Iron Mountain celebrates the opening of its expanded facility. A 2017-18 renovation and expansion project added more than 10,000 square feet to the building’s existing 18,300-square-foot footprint.
Bellin Health Lakewood opens its doors after Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Peggy Christianson and Assure Family Practice join the Bellin Health team.

2019

Bellin Health Partners’ Accountable Care Organization (ACO) achieves the highest overall quality score and the lowest cost of care per patient among all Next Generation ACOs for 2017, as announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Bellin Hospital is been named to Healthgrades’ America’s 250 Best Hospitals list for 2019. It is the only Northeast Wisconsin hospital and one of just a handful in the state to make the list, which represents the top 5 percent of hospitals in the United States.
Bellin Hospital earns an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. The designations recognize Bellin’s efforts in protecting patients from harm and providing safer healthcare.
Bellin Health announces new locations for its Green Bay-area FastCare locations. FastCares located within Shopko stores closed when the retailer closed all locations in June.
The 43rd annual Bellin Run attracts more than 11,000 participants, continuing its tradition of getting “feet on the street” in the name of health and wellness.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Bellin Hospital No. 5 in Wisconsin and tops in Northeast Wisconsin on its 2019-2020 Best Regional Hospitals list.
Bellin Health and ThedaCare announce cardiovascular care partnership aimed at creating the region’s largest and most comprehensive heart care team.
The fifth annual Bellin Women’s Half Marathon and second annual Pink Pumpkin 5K draw more than 1,600 participants to the only female-focused events of their kind in the region.
Bellin Hospital is named one of the Nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IMB Watson Health™. It is the 11th time Bellin has been recognized with this honor.

2020

Bellin Health joins with other area hospitals and health systems, as well as local public health departments, to implement visitor limitations (effective March 16) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bellin opens dedicated respiratory clinic in West De Pere (March 20).
Bellin Health announces that the 2020 Bellin Run will be virtual due to COVID-19.
Bellin Hospital earns an ‘A’ in the Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, national distinctions recognizing Bellin’s achievements providing safer healthcare.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Bellin Hospital as tops in Northeast Wisconsin and tied for No. 4 statewide, according to its 2020-2021 Best Regional Hospitals list.
Bellin Hospital is named to Newsweek magazine’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2020 list, making it one of just two hospitals in Wisconsin to earn the designation.
Bellin Health receives Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ) Top Quality Award and Bellin Health Escanaba (Mich.) earns WCHQ honors as a top-performing clinic for managing hypertension.
Bellin Health opens new and improved infusion treatment center in Ashwaubenon
Bellin Health frontline healthcare workers celebrate a major pandemic milestone, receiving the health system’s first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at Bellin Hospital (Dec. 18).

2021

Bellin opens COVID-19 vaccination site at its Ashwaubenon clinic (Jan. 18).
Bellin opens COVID-19 vaccination sites in Oconto and Marinette.
Bellin launches Long COVID Care service for individuals who continue to suffer from COVID-19 weeks or even months post-infection.
Bellin opens registration for the 2021 Bellin Run, which is held as a virtual event due to the ongoing pandemic.
Bellin Hospital is named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2021 list.
Bellin Health partners with the Green Bay Packers and Brown County Public Health to stage a community COVID-19 vaccination site in the Lambeau Field Atrium. The site opens March 17, moves to a new stadium location in May and closes June 30 after administering a total of 46,593 doses over the course of 106 calendar days. Bellin transitions to administering COVID vaccinations at clinics and FastCare locations.
Bellin Hospital earns an ‘A’ in the Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Bellin’s achievements providing safer healthcare.
Bellin Hospital receives sixth consecutive five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Healthgrades names Bellin Memorial Hospital one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement.
Bellin Health is recognized on the Forbes list of Best-In-State Employers 2021, earning a spot among the list’s top 10 employers for the state of Wisconsin.
The Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K is held in a hybrid in-person/virtual format, drawing more than 830 participants. COVID safety protocols are closely followed and emphasized throughout race weekend.
HealthPartners Robin Medicare Advantage plans are awarded an overall 5 out of 5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2022. HealthPartners Robin is a collaboration among Bellin Health, HealthPartners and ThedaCare.