Caring for Our Community Since 1875
Since 1875, Lawrence Hospital has grown alongside the Merrimack Valley, evolving to meet the health care needs of the communities it serves. Today, as part of Merrimack Health, the area's first regional health care system, that commitment continues.
It Started With a Need
As Lawrence's textile industry flourished in the late 1800s, families from around the world came to the city seeking opportunity. With a growing population came a need for local health care.
Among those who recognized that need was Dr. Susan Crocker, one of Lawrence's first female physicians. In 1875, she helped establish a day nursery for children whose mothers worked in the mills—an effort that inspired the founding of Lawrence General Hospital.
In 1899, industrialist William A. Russell donated his Prospect Hill estate for a new hospital. Lawrence General Hospital opened there in 1902, establishing the campus that continues to serve patients today.
Growing With the Community
As Lawrence grew, so did its hospital.
The Lawrence General Hospital School of Nursing educated more than 1,500 nurses who helped shape health care throughout the Merrimack Valley. Although the school closed in 1977, many graduates continue to serve patients at Lawrence Hospital today.
Over the years, the hospital expanded with the addition of the Lamprey, Stevens, Hamblet and Russell buildings while continuing to invest in new technology and services. More recently, the Santagati Center for surgery, the Andover Medical Center, expanded outpatient locations and a partnership with the Merrimack Valley YMCA have helped bring more care closer to home.
Meeting the Moment
From caring for patients during the 1918 influenza pandemic to responding to the 2018 Merrimack Valley gas disaster, the hospital has remained a constant presence during times of crisis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lawrence Hospital's physicians, caregivers and staff quickly expanded patient care, established an eight-lane Stop the Spread drive-through testing site, and led community vaccination efforts that served thousands of Merrimack Valley residents.
A New Chapter
In 2024, Lawrence Hospital entered a new chapter with the creation of Merrimack Health, uniting Lawrence Hospital and the former Holy Family campuses in Methuen and Haverhill under one regional health care system.
Lawrence Hospital, Methuen Hospital and Haverhill Hospital continue their proud traditions while working together as Merrimack Health to provide coordinated, high-quality health care throughout the region. Together, they build on 150 years of community-based care while ensuring exceptional health care remains close to home.