For Immediate Release – October 30, 2025
Horizon Health Completes ER Renovation to Meet Growing Health Needs
(Paris, IL)—A colorful, child-friendly wall mural by Terre Haute artist Emily Bennett brightens the new pediatric space at Horizon Health’s Emergency Department, symbolizing the completion of a two-year renovation project aimed at improving patient care, safety, and capacity.
“This is what localized healthcare is all about – demonstrating what can happen when an organization is united under a common vision,” said Jay Carmichael, Horizon Health president & CEO. “We are extremely grateful to our employees, the hospital board of directors, the foundation board of directors, and the generous donors who made this a reality.”
The ER project was a collaborative effort involving ER leadership, nursing staff, nurse practitioners, and physicians. It was supported by the Horizon Health Foundation Board of Directors through a generous $4 million donation that also funded improvements to the adjoining Paris Clinic.
“This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in healthcare improvements and ensuring that Horizon Health remains a leading provider of medical services in the area,” said Randi Bohannon, Foundation Executive Director.
The ER is staffed by board-certified emergency physicians, a unique distinction for a critical access hospital. Physicians are supported by nurse practitioners during peak hours (10 am to 10 pm), a process implemented in 2024 to reduce wait times and increase patient and staff satisfaction.
Horizon Health continues to achieve national recognition for outstanding emergency care. The ER ranks in the top 10th percentile nationwide for stroke and sepsis care. Wait times are well below the national average and patient experience scores exceed national benchmarks.
“Our new state-of-the-art ER reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, evidence-based care to every patient — every time,” said Rachel Kelley, Horizon Health chief nursing officer and vice president of nursing services. “We take great pride in our team’s dedication, skill, and compassion — the very qualities that define us.”
The ER renovation added three exam rooms—bringing the total to 13—to accommodate more complex and critical patients who often stay longer in the ER. This improvement and many others redefine patient care with enhanced flow, greater comfort, and a healing environment that supports every step of recovery.
“The renovations were essential to continue delivering high-quality care close to home,” said Samantha McCarty, Horizon Health director of emergency services. “We’ve grown our physical space, upgraded technology, and expanded staffing to better meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities.”
Horizon Health is one of only 158 sites in the nation to receive the American Heart Association’s 2025 Commitment to Quality Award in cardiovascular and stroke care. Additionally, the hospital has been honored with the Women’s Choice Award for emergency care excellence.
“We are meeting and exceeding our goals in many areas and continue to be a local leader in all quality metrics,” Samantha said. “The ER renovation will help us maintain our high level of efficiency while meeting the ever-changing healthcare needs of our patients.”
