The year was 1948. Harry S. Truman was in the White House while America, besieged with economic problems, was struggling to get back on track after a long war overseas.

Little-known to the majority of the world at that precise time in history, Roanoke-Chowan Hospital opened its doors in Ahoskie. On average, citizens of that era had a life expectancy of only 67.2 years.

Fast forward to 2008. America and its President are fighting another uphill battle vs. a struggling economy. The nation remains at war. Meanwhile, Roanoke-Chowan Hospital celebrates its 60th birthday.

The most ironic comparison in this history lesson isn’t the economy or the war, but rather Americans now enjoy a life expectancy of 78 years.

To what miracle of medicine do we own that longer life? The answer can be found at places whose addresses include the name “Hospital.”

In the case of our own medical facility, much praise needs to be given to the administrators and staff of Roanoke-Chowan Hospital for the professional care they have given local citizens over the past 60 years. What’s even better is the fact that R-CH has never stopped in a quest to continue to offer the best in available medical care.

With such a modern facility right here in our own backyard, we are no longer forced to drive hundreds of miles to seek quality medical attention.

R-CH has cared for our families for 60 years. We hope she’s still there 60 years from now to provide care for our children and grandchildren. Despite past history pertaining to troubling economic times and military actions abroad, somehow we know R-CH will continue to survive and prosper.