Mercy Medical Museum

Under the sponsorship of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical started over 75 years ago with a mission: “We are called to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ providing compassionate, holistic and excellent care to persons of all ages.”

Managing rapid growth, scaling operations, and recruiting innovative leaders, Mercy Medical became the largest employer in Baldwin County, and the leading revenue generator in Daphne, Alabama. It pioneered hospice care in the late 1970s, opened the first free-standing regional Alzheimer’s and Dementia Community on the Gulf Coast, and launched Mercy Life, Alabama’s first program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, to name just a few historical markers.

In 2020, while touring the Daphne History Museum, a missing timeline came to light. “I honestly couldn’t believe it. There wasn’t any evidence that Mercy Medical existed in the history museum,” said Mercy Associate Cecilia Mace. “When I asked my tour guide, she too was surprised that such an iconic ministry wasn’t represented.”

The concern was about not documenting the major impact the Sisters of Mercy had on the Gulf Coast Region. Memories of the sisters opening doors to care for displaced elderly patients of Hurricane Katrina, or of Guardian Angel, the program that cared for critically and terminally ill children couldn’t be forgotten. With a collaborative team of Mercy Associates and the City of Daphne, an exhibit would transform this concern into action.

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Mercy Associates, volunteers, staff members, sisters and dignitaries attended the Mercy Medical Museum unveiling. Highlighting the event, colleagues gathered at the Sisters of Mercy table to reminisce and reunite.

Former Mercy Medical CEO and president Mark Kay Polys, also a Mercy Associate, unveiled the exhibit with a speech.

“The history of the Sisters of Mercy and what they accomplished is extraordinary,” said Polys. “Mercy Medical, founded in 1949 provided health services to all populations in our community for 66 years.”

“The influencers of our generation, who many of us here had the privilege to work alongside, are the Religious Sisters of Mercy. Their energy in ministering to the sick and economically poor, establishing schools, healthcare programs and hospitals across the world, impacted so many of us. We are not here only to unveil the legacy of Mercy Medical, but to honor the Sisters of Mercy in preserving their influence for generations to come. We hope that you bring your families to the Daphne History Museum and let them know Mercy.”