1863
A Vision of Health
In 1863, Ellen White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, received a vision that has served as the hallmark for our health care delivery today. She received divine insight that it was, as she put it, “a sacred duty to attend to our health and speak out against intemperance of every kind.” We were to point people to God’s natural remedies of clean water, exercise, sunshine, nutritious food, fresh air, rest, and a trusting relationship with our God.
1866
Western Health Reform Institute
Battle Creek, Michigan
Seventh-day Adventists open the Western Health Reform Institute to teach people a new way to living healthy.
1867
Principles for Healthful Living
The Western Health Reform Institute advocates exercise, rest, fresh air, sunshine, water, and trust in God — revolutionary for the time period.
1868
Water for Health
Adventist health care features numerous hydrotherapy treatments.
1869
Dress Reform
While cinched waistcoats and long skirts are fashionable, the Western Health Reform Institute advises loose-fitting clothes that clear the ground, to prevent germs.
1874
Vegetarian Diet
John Harvey Kellogg publishes his first major statement on vegetarianism.
1874
Battle Creek, Michigan
A new college expands the Adventist mission to include the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.
1876
Battle Creek Sanitarium
Battle Creek, Michigan
The Western Health Reform Institute’s name is changed to the Battle Creek Sanitarium, a place where people learn to stay well.
1878
St. Helena Sanitarium
St. Helena, California
A gold rush miner donates 10 acres and interest in a spring for a health retreat in St. Helena, California.
1888
Surgery Facility
Battle Creek Sanitarium, Michigan, adds a surgical hospital. Dr. Kellogg performs some 22,000 surgeries in his career.
1890
Rapid Growth
Vegetarian restaurants, medical missions, and 30 sanitarium branches open in the late 19th century. Many are short-lived; others continue to this day.
1893
Colorado Sanitarium
Boulder, Colorado
The Sanitarium offers Tuberculosis patients a healthy diet and exercise in natures outdoor gymnasium.
1893
Sunshine and Health
Dr. Kellogg calls sunlight nature’s most potent and beneficial force.
1893
Portland Sanitarium
Portland, Oregon
Arriving in Oregon with only five cents after being robbed, Dr. Lewis Belknap opens a six-bed sanitarium for nervous diseases.
1894
Mass Production of Corn Flakes Begins
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and his brother William discover a process for making the flaked cereal, although a dispute over adding sugar to the recipe creates a lifelong rift between the brothers.
1895
Peanut Butter Process Patented
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patents a process for making peanut butter from raw peanuts and promotes it as a healthy protein substitute for patients without teeth. (Note, he did not “invent” peanut butter.)
1895
American Medical Missionary College Opens
Battle Creek, Michigan
The first Adventist medical school opens campuses in Battle Creek, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. Fees are $80 per year.
1863 to 1900: The Early Days
In 1866, Seventh-day Adventists opened what became known as Battle Creek Sanitarium. Learn more about our roots.
1900 to 1950: A Different Kind of Health Care
Seventh-day Adventist health pioneers promoted a new way to live healthy and whole that stood in stark contrast to the medical practices of the day.
1950 to 2000: Changing Times
Health care was rapidly changing, and some communities turned to Adventist hospital leaders for guidance and help.
Expanding Markets
With a new millennium came a time of expansion. AdventHealth grew its footprint well beyond Central Florida, opening facilities in multiple states across the country.
AdventHealth Today
Now flourishing as a national brand, we continue our legacy of whole-person care by Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ to our patients and communities.