Our Cumberland Medical Center 75th Anniversary Celebration

CMC Held 75^th Anniversary Celebration on March 19, 2025

Cumberland Medical Center was delighted to celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional healthcare to the residents of the Cumberland Plateau.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, hospital leaders invited members of the community to a special event celebrating local history and achievements in health. The celebration included several events, including an Open House, on Wednesday, March 19 from 1 to 6 p.m.

The hospital was founded in 1950 by May Cravath Wharton, MD, an American Missionary Association pioneer who came to the plateau in 1917. Hospital leaders invited staff, patients, and community members to reflect and celebrate what has been made possible as a result of her diligence to provide care, education, and funds to establish a strong foundation that has evolved to bring the latest technologies close to home.

Over the past 75 years, Cumberland has evolved from a small rural clinic in Pleasant Hill to a state-of-the-art medical facility that continues to deliver quality care. This transformation has been made possible through the unwavering support of our dedicated physicians, staff, and volunteers who help care for patients across the region.

Covenant Health Cumberland leaders and staff extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of the journey. As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing healthcare services and improving the quality of life for all our residents.

“We are immensely proud of our heritage and the role we have played in enhancing rural health over the past 75 years,” said Randy Davis, president and chief administrative officer. “This anniversary celebrates our past achievements and serves as a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our community. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with all those who have supported us throughout the years and become like family.”

Anniversary Celebration Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 19
• Time: 1 to 6 p.m. with guest speaking remarks at 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Hospital Cafeteria (entered through Maternity Entrance off Hayes Street)
• Historical Reflections: Attendees walked down memory lane with a visual display of the hospital’s rich history and growth over the decades in collaboration with Pleasant Hill Historical Society of the Cumberlands.
• Refreshments: The hospital provided complimentary refreshments in the cafeteria.
• Guest Speakers: Beginning at 2:30 p.m., esteemed healthcare professionals, community leaders, and special guest Debra Graham, impersonating Dr. May Cravath Wharton, shared their experiences and insights.
• Doctor Woman of the Cumberlands: Dr. May Cravath Wharton’s legacy lives on and you can still read it through her perspective in her autobiography titled, “Doctor Woman of the Cumberlands” which inspires the celebration’s theme, “It began with a dream and continues today with a promise kept.” The book was available along with a real-life Dr. May impersonation to help take attendees back in time.
• Cumberland Now Magazine: Special thanks to the Crossville Chronicle for dedicating its March edition of Cumberland Now Magazine to commemorate our hospital’s legacy of providing care for 75 years and celebrating continued growth.

75th Anniversary Celebration Photo Gallery:

About Us:

Covenant Health Cumberland (also known as Cumberland Medical Center) is a member of Covenant Health, a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system serving East Tennessee and the surrounding region. Located in Crossville, the 189-bed medical center offers an array of medical services including comprehensive breast and cancer centers, cardiac care, outpatient imaging services and wound care. It is certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and holds accreditations from the American College of Radiology in breast imaging and radiation oncology and the Commission on Cancer. It is also accredited by the American College of Surgeons in surgery and is a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, with other recognitions for patient safety and maternity care