About Us

Our History

First established in 1906 as a Seventh-day Adventist institution named the Indiana Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, our facility rested on 25 acres of land along the Wabash River and operated as a general hospital under the direction of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. The hospital continued to be part of the church until 1931 when it was sold to Roy Kinzer, a local businessman.

In 1939, a non-profit corporation was formed to operate the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, and an emphasis was placed on caring for those with nervous disorders, called “rest cure.” In 1969, the facility merged and became the Mental Health Center for Tippecanoe County, and today, it is known throughout our community as Valley Oaks Health.

Our Achievements Over the Years

1906

The Seventh-day Adventist Church purchases a building and its surrounding grounds from the old Levering Estate and opens a general hospital specializing in hydrotherapy and dietary regimens popular at the time.

1920s

A three-year nursing course is introduced at the facility.

1931

Roy Kinzer purchases the property and evolves the hospital into a sanitarium primarily for the care of geriatric patients and those with nervous disorders. Treatment was focused on “rest cures,” lengthy stays, and freedom from social responsibility.

1940

As more psychiatric professionals move to Lafayette, the facility changes to an intensive treatment concept focused on a speedy recovery process and individual treatment programs.

1949

The facility’s name changes to Wabash Valley Sanitarium-Hospital, Inc.

1953

Donald R. Kinzer succeeds his father as Administrator.

1957

Another organization, Tippecanoe County Mental Health Center, is organized as an outpatient clinic in the community.

1963

The outpatient clinic moves into the Wabash Valley facility.

1965

The “Report on the Regional Mental Health Survey and Planning Committee, Region IV” recommends Tippecanoe County Mental Health Center and Wabash Valley merge to form a new comprehensive mental health center.

1969

The merger takes place, and the name Wabash Valley Hospital Mental Health Center, Inc. is adopted.

1975

The Indiana Department of Mental Health designates Wabash Valley as a community mental health center (CMHC) to serve nine central Indiana counties. With this designation, a new inpatient facility is opened along with seven additional branches throughout the service area.

1977

A branch is opened in Delphi, Indiana.

1988

Craig Lysinger becomes the third Administrator in the organization’s 50-year history.

2018

The organization adopts the name Valley Oaks Health and hosts its inaugural Valley Summit.

2023

Valley Oaks Health starts offering Primary Medical Care services.