A Shared Mission of Compassionate Care
The Intertwined History of St. Mary’s Hospital & The Health Wagon
For decades, healthcare in Wise County and the surrounding Appalachian region has been shaped by faith-driven service, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to care for the underserved. St. Mary’s Hospital and The Health Wagon share a deeply intertwined history rooted in compassion, dignity, and service to those most in need.
St. Mary’s Hospital in Norton, Virginia, was founded in 1948 through the vision and dedication of the **Poor Servants of the Mother of God (SMG)**, a Catholic order originally from Ireland. On November 7, 1947, five Sisters sailed from Southampton, England, aboard the Queen Mary, landing in New York City before traveling to High Point, N.C., where they established a nursing home.
In the spring of 1948, **Sister Mary Patrice** received a letter from Father Joseph Dean of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Norton, stating that the Norton Clinic, built by Dr. N. H. Short, was for sale. The letter was forwarded to the motherhouse in London, and soon **Sister Mary Patrice** and **Sister Anne Christina O’Sullivan** made their way to Norton. Recognizing the opportunity, two priests set up a hospital for the SMG.
His Excellency, John J. Swint, Bishop of Wheeling, W.Va., advanced $167,000 to the Sisters to buy the facility and $90,537.30 to purchase its inventory. It became the only Catholic hospital in Virginia west of Richmond and was renamed St. Mary’s Hospital.
The Health Wagon emerged decades later to bridge critical gaps in rural care—meeting patients where they were, both geographically and financially. Over time, the missions of St. Mary’s and The Health Wagon became inseparable: one rooted in institutional care, the other in mobile and community-based outreach, both driven by the same belief that healthcare is a human right.
The Sisters Who Led with Faith
The nuns who served at St. Mary’s came to the hospital in every capacity required. Through their diligence, the hospital was completely free of debt by 1960. In 1954, St. Mary’s became the first in Southwest Virginia to be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation. **Sister Agnes Gabriele** was the first registered midwife in the state of Virginia. **Sister Anne** became Superior Administrator in 1958.
In 1964, the facility expanded to 65 beds; by 1975, more space was needed. Construction began in September, and the modern facility was dedicated in 1981. Today, it stands as a multi-million-dollar complex with up-to-date technological equipment and capable nurses, doctors, and technicians.
It is impossible to name all the Sisters who have come to St. Mary’s. Some who have been here are Sisters Julia, Kathleen, Cecilia, Bridie, Loretta, and Mary. In 1980, Sister Anne was one of five outstanding citizens chosen by the Kingsport Times News for community achievement. Gary DeForge served as Administrator for several years. Sister Anne retired in 1983 but still helped keep an eye on things.
A Life of Service
These sisters dedicated her life to serving the people of Southwest Virginia, embodying humility, compassion, and tireless advocacy for the sick and vulnerable. Her leadership helped shape St. Mary’s Hospital into a place of healing grounded in faith. A Legacy of Healing
Known for her gentle strength and steadfast commitment, this sister worked closely with both hospital staff and the broader community to ensure care reached those who needed it most. Faith in Action
Her service extended beyond hospital walls, inspiring future generations of healthcare providers and volunteers who continue the mission today through The Health Wagon and its partners.
Leadership Stories: Heather & Jen
Heather Mays: 20 Years of Lifesaving Impact
Growing up in Clinchco, Virginia, Heather Mays heard the name Sr. Bernie echoed throughout her community—a legend of compassionate care. Little did she know that in 2005, after returning home and visiting The Health Wagon’s mobile unit for her own care, that same legacy would pull her into a lifelong calling.
Provider Teresa Tyson encouraged her to apply, leading to an interview at Sr. Bernie’s kitchen table. Heather officially joined The Health Wagon on November 1, 2005, as an LPN. Over the next two decades, she wore many hats—front desk, referrals, Medicaid outreach, even website design—each role contributing to the organization’s growth from a single mobile unit to a comprehensive network of care.
As Pharmacy Connect Coordinator, Heather secured over $22 million in lifesaving medications for uninsured patients, providing insulin, HIV treatments, Hepatitis C cures, COPD inhalers, heart medications, and glaucoma drops that preserved health, independence, and sight. In one pivotal moment, her persistence helped a young man with type 1 diabetes—and unknowingly supported his wife, a 20-year-old mother seeking help, who would later become Jen Hammons.
Earlier this year, Heather earned her Certified Pharmacy Technician credential with a perfect score. Today, she serves as the sole pharmacy technician at St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy, continuing her legacy of dedication. A devoted mother, she has involved her sons and niece in volunteering, passing on the values of compassion and service that define her 20-year journey.
Jen Hammons: From Patient to Visionary Leader
Jen Hammons’ connection to The Health Wagon began as a young patient: a 20-year-old mother whose husband, living with type 1 diabetes, received critical insulin through the organization’s early efforts—support coordinated in part by Heather Mays.
Inspired by this lifesaving care and encouraged by Health Wagon leaders, Jen pursued her passion for pharmacy. She graduated from the Appalachian College of Pharmacy in 2018 with her PharmD and later became the first graduate of its Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program.
Now holding dual doctorates (PharmD, DrPH), Jen serves as Director of Pharmacy Services and Public Health Initiatives at The Health Wagon. She spearheads St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy—the region’s first free and charitable pharmacy—fulfilling a long-held dream to provide essential medications to the uninsured and underinsured. Certified in diabetes management, Jen has witnessed patients rationing insulin or choosing between food and medicine, driving her commitment to bridge these gaps.
Under her leadership, the pharmacy offers drive-through service, telehealth, and point-of-care testing, expanding access and saving lives across Central Appalachia. Jen’s journey from patient to pioneer embodies the transformative power of compassionate care passed forward.
The Diabetic Care Center
Diabetes has long impacted Appalachian communities at disproportionate rates. The Health Wagon’s Diabetic Care Center was established to provide education, monitoring, medication access, and long-term support for patients who might otherwise go without care.
Through partnerships, grants, and community trust, the center has improved outcomes, reduced hospitalizations, and empowered patients to manage their health with dignity.
St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy
The opening of St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy marks a significant milestone in local healthcare access. Designed to serve uninsured and underinsured patients, the pharmacy ensures that life-sustaining medications are not out of reach due to cost.
Donor Recognition: (NAME)
Philanthropic support makes this mission possible. (Donor’s) generosity has directly contributed to the success of St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy.
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Honoring the Legacy of Shane
Shane’s story is one of dedication, advocacy, and impact. His work helped advance healthcare access and community engagement, leaving a lasting influence on both The Health Wagon and the patients it serves.
A Patient’s Story
One patient’s journey reflects the heart of this mission. Facing chronic illness without insurance or reliable transportation, access to The Health Wagon and St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy meant stability, dignity, and hope. Stories like this are not rare—they are the reason this work continues.