The Adventist medical work was established in a number of quality institutions to provide better health to the nation with innovative principles. In response to special insights into the relationship between mind, body, and spirit, James and Ellen White opened the first Adventist medical institution in 1866 as the Western Health Reform Institute in Battle Creek. It was a place primarily devoted to health education, hydrotherapy treatments, and spiritual renewal.
James and Ellen saw great potential in young John Harvey Kellogg, and helped finance his medical studies at Bellevue Medical College in New York. In 1875 he completed his studies and returned as superintendent of the institute; he soon incorporated innovative medical and surgical techniques at the facility he renamed The Battle Creek Sanitarium.
As the medical work grew, more qualified people were needed. By 1878 a school of hygiene was established, followed by a school of nursing in 1883. By 1889 the Health and Temperance Missionary School was founded to meet the demands of a growing medical work and to prepare medical missionaries for service.
The Ministry of Healing, Ellen’s book on the healing ministry of Jesus, was published in 1905—the same year Loma Linda Sanitarium was established. By then medical ministry was an integral part of the church that operated approximately 30 sanitariums and healing facilities around the world. The following year Loma Linda School of Evangelists opened in response to the demands of the growing medical work and Ellen’s counsel that “The healing of the sick and the ministry of the Word are to go hand in hand.”
Today the church sponsors more than 500 healthcare facilities dedicated to helping people achieve physical, mental, and spiritual wholeness. These include over 160 hospitals and over 400 nursing homes, dispensaries, and clinics.
In the United States, these institutions are grouped together in healthcare delivery systems. In the Lake Union, Adventist Midwest Health is part of the Adventist Health System serving the Lake, Mid-America, Southern, and Southwestern Unions. Other systems include Adventist Health–Pacific and North Pacific Unions; Adventist Healthcare–Columbia Union; Atlantic Adventist Healthcare–Atlantic Union; and Kettering Adventist Healthcare that operates a number of facilities in Ohio.
The most recognized facility in Adventist medical work is Loma Linda University (LLU), offering 109 degree and certificate programs, as part of the Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center organization. With nearly 30,000 living alumni distributed among many Adventist facilities around the world, LLU had a major role in the development of the Adventist medical work.
In addition, most Adventist colleges and universities offer programs in nursing and various allied health professions. Andrews University provides degrees in allied health administration, clinical laboratory science, nursing, nutrition and wellness, physical therapy, and a variety of math and science programs designed to prepare the student for medical school.
Integral to the mission of each Adventist facility—hospitals, clinics, or schools—is to partner with the church participating in the healing ministry of Jesus, bringing health to the whole person.
Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director and Lake Union Herald editor.
