Phelps Health’s rich historical background began in 1949 as a grassroots effort among residents in Rolla and the surrounding ... communities. A medical facility was needed in the community, so area residents and organizations in Rolla stepped up to make that happen. Through philanthropic efforts by community businesses and area residents, construction of the Phelps County Memorial Hospital, as it was called in the early years, was completed on ground donated by the Rolla Lions Club and opened to the public on March 12, 1951. read more