Bethany Children’s Health Center is an innovative leader in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and 24-hour complex care. The private, non-profit hospital, which is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), offers inpatient and outpatient services for children and is the only inpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma. The hospital is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Our multidisciplinary team works with patients and their families to maximize every child’s potential, and ensure the family has the training and resources needed for a smooth transition from hospital to home.
1898
Bethany Children’s Health Center has a rich history dating back to 1898 when Mattie Mallory, our founder, felt God’s call to help the orphans of Oklahoma City. After operating the Oklahoma Orphanage at multiple Oklahoma City locations, Mattie moved the children to Bethany in 1909.
1946
In 1946, the facility became the Children’s Convalescent Home of Oklahoma City, Inc.
1951
Executive Director, E. Clay “Pops” Venable, made diligent efforts to improve the facility, and in 1951 a 65 bed, new facility was built. The facility transitioned from an orphanage to the Children’s Convalescent Hospital. After Venable retired in 1968, the financial stability of the hospital became uncertain in the early 1970s. In 1972, the name changed to the Children’s Convalescent Center, and by 1975 closure was being considered due to financial crisis. At the request of the board of directors, the International Pentecostal Church, which was the guardian of the Oklahoma Orphanage, assumed responsibility.
1977
Carol Gray was hired as Volunteer Coordinator of the Children’s Convalescent Center. The following year, her brother, Albert, was brought in to close down the failing facility. Instead, Carol and Albert Gray brought their faith and ingenuity to serving the children and revitalizing the hospital. God’s intervention helped turn the hospital around.
1995
In June of 1995, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation recognized the organization’s commitment and financial stewardship and awarded the hospital a grant of $9.77 million to build the Donald W. Reynolds Complex, adding 100 inpatient beds for children and teenagers.
2008
In May of 2008, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital dedicated a new $7 million, 20 bed unit, following a generously funded capital campaign.
2017
In September of 2017, a new four-story patient bed tower and parking structure were added to the campus landscape following a $30 million capital campaign, bringing the total inpatient bed count to 160. This established The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital as one of the largest free-standing, inpatient pediatric rehabilitation hospitals in the country.
2020
In 2020, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital cared for 287 children and teenagers with complex medical and physical disabilities through inpatient programs, while the outpatient clinics logged over 18,500 patient visits, serving over 2,800 children from across Oklahoma. The Community Pharmacy on the hospital campus was also dedicated in 2020.
2021
The hospital dedicated a state-of-the-art Adaptive Recreation and Fine Arts Center, which is the only facility of its kind affiliated with a pediatric hospital. The hospital also completed construction of “Miracle Stadium”, an adaptive ballfield for children with special needs.
2022
The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital becomes Bethany Children’s Health Center. The hospital’s new name represents the organization’s historic roots in Bethany while reflecting the scope of services and community resources it provides, along with plans for future expansion.