In the decades that followed, Citrus Memorial has grown and changed as it strives to meet this goal - an evolution that continues to the present. Recent years have seen the establishment of a state-of-the-art Heart Center, ever-expanding Diagnostic Imaging Services and the creation of a variety of new outreach efforts.

Also, the organization changed its name in November 2005 from "Citrus Memorial Hospital" to "Citrus Memorial Health System."

"Our new name shows our neighbors how much we've expanded to serve them even better," Citrus Memorial President & CEO Ryan Beaty said. "With all of our leading-edge services and ongoing dedication to outreach and education, we're really much more than a hospital."

Every month, Citrus Memorial offers a wide range of educational programs on topics ranging from heart-healthy eating to diabetes management to gardening. And monthly support groups provide strength in numbers for those with many conditions.

Other outreach efforts include the medical center's Women's Heart Program, which empowers women to make healthy lifestyle choices, and "Vital Signs," an educational television show that discusses a variety of health topics. The weekly show airs Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m., Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. on WYKE Channel 47. (Channel 16 on most cable networks)

But that is far from all, said Citrus Memorial officials.

"One of our most exciting outreaches ever will be our Family Care Health and Education Center," said Citrus Memorial Development Director Chris Pool. "It will provide new health care horizons from pediatrics to geriatrics."