Ascension Sacred Heart Bay recently dedicated a new space for learning, collaboration, and professional development in honor of the late Joseph F. Chapman, III. The Joseph F. Chapman, III Education Center allows the hospital to bring back educational lectures and seminars where healthcare professionals discuss clinical cases, new research, and medical advancements, including bringing in guest speakers.
Chapman’s commitment to local healthcare was profound and personal. He believed that the people of Bay County deserved access to a full range of quality medical services and worked tirelessly to help support the hospital's investments in technology and staff. His leadership was pivotal in establishing nationally recognized programs, such as the heart program, which continues to thrive today more than 40 years and 10,000 hearts later. As Sacred Heart Bay continues to strengthen specialized care close to home, campus revitalization is moving forward with new green spaces to beautify the grounds and create opportunities for health and well-being.
“During our campus revitalization, an important process is making sure we honor our legacy donors who gave so generously of their time and financial resources,” said Robin Godwin, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Bay. “With Joe’s commitment to healthcare in Bay County and extensive service to our hospital, we are proud to name the Education Center in his honor.”
Mr. Chapman was a large part of the hospital’s more than 75 years of service to the community. His extensive service included:
- Member of the Board of Trustees: 1977-1989
- Chair of the Board: 1980-1989
- Continued Leadership: Reappointed in 1991, serving until 1999
“Dad loved Bay County and believed deeply in its people and its future,” said Kristian Chapman, Joseph F. Chapman’s son. “He understood that a strong community depends on strong healthcare and, above all, on investing in people and giving them opportunities to learn, grow, and serve others. Our family is deeply grateful that his legacy will live on through a space dedicated to education, collaboration and the healthcare professionals who care for this community. We can think of no more meaningful way to honor him”
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay is the region's only Level II Trauma Center, offering quality emergency care for life-threatening injuries and illnesses. The hospital is home to the only comprehensive cardiovascular program in the tri-county area providing open heart surgery, minimally invasive valve replacement surgery (TAVR), pulse field ablation, and the WATCHMAN device for atrial fibrillation (AFib) when clinically appropriate. Ascension Sacred Heart Bay is an accredited stroke center. Services also include advanced cancer care, including breast surgical oncology, robot-assisted lung nodule biopsy, foregut cancer surgery, oncology and hematology clinicians and treatment options, and advanced cancer screening and diagnostic tools — all on campus for patient convenience. All patient rooms are private.
