Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville celebrated its 100th year anniversary with a Centennial Wall Unveiling ceremony on Thursday, September 28, 2023. During the event, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. recognized the medical center's long-standing service to the residents of Brownsville with a City of Brownsville Proclamation. 

The medical center unveiled a special wall that commemorated its 100th year of service. Each panel on the wall represented a different decade, dating back to the 1910s, showcasing the hospital's history and evolution over the years.

 Mayor Cowen spoke at the ceremony and shared a personal connection to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville. He mentioned that his father and his father's 10 brothers and sisters, were born at the hospital, creating a significant family legacy. 

The mayor expressed gratitude for the hospital's leadership, particularly acknowledging VBMC-Brownsville CEO Leslie Bingham for her role during the pandemic. He credited the hospital and other area hospitals with saving thousands of lives during the pandemic through their collaborative efforts.

Dr. Rose M.Z. Gowen's Reflection: Dr. Rose M.Z. Gowen, a City Commissioner At-Large "B" and an invited guest at the event, shared her deep connection to VBMC-Brownsville. She recounted being born at the hospital and having medical procedures there, including having her tonsils taken out. After pursuing her education and returning to Brownsville to practice medicine, she chose to work at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, referring to it as "my hospital." Dr. Gowen expressed gratitude to the hospital and all the physicians who had cared for her and her family over the years.

Dr. Gowen extended her thanks not only to Valley Baptist but also to other medical facilities in the area, including Mercy Hospital and Brownsville Medical Center. She recognized the dedication, care, and collaboration of the entire medical community, emphasizing the pleasure of celebrating this milestone with them.