John C. Lincoln Marks Seven Decades of Excellence

Located at the base of North Mountain in Phoenix’s Sunnyslope community, the HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center marked 70 years of community service this December.

Seventy years ago, Helen Lincoln turned frustration into action. As an advocate for her community, she envisioned a healthcare facility to serve the needs of local families.

The John C. Lincoln Hospital began as a dream rooted in personal experience. After moving to Phoenix for medical reasons, Helen recognized a significant gap in healthcare services for those who had settled in the area—many of whom were in dire conditions and lacked basic resources.

Helen’s drive to help was palpable. Not only did she provide food and clothing, but she also established the Desert Mission Food Bank, addressing immediate community needs. In her quest for a hospital, she organized a board meeting that ironically became a one-woman show—only she showed up.

That pivotal meeting led to a bold move. Helen called the absent board members to inform them of her plans, convincing them that they had agreed to help build a hospital. Her husband, John C. Lincoln, supported the venture, offering land for the project with one condition: it couldn’t bear his name.

Despite that request, the hospital was inaugurated as John C. Lincoln Hospital, forever linking the facility to its founding visionary.

Throughout the years, the hospital became a cornerstone of North Central Phoenix. Known affectionately as “John C.,” it garnered recognition for its state-of-the-art medical and surgical care and unique community-oriented services, including adult daycare and dental clinics.

In addition to its healthcare offerings, the hospital’s cafeteria became a cherished community hub, particularly during holiday seasons. Many North Central residents fondly recall the special holiday meals served there, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the facility.

As the years passed, countless lives were touched. From birth to emergency care, the hospital fostered a strong sense of belonging, becoming a respected institution in the area.

Now part of the broader HonorHealth network, the medical center continues its legacy of service, celebrating a rich history on its 70th birthday. Those who helped lay its foundation were honored, reminiscing about the dedication that shaped the institution.

The impact of this community-driven organization is evident. “A big thumbs up,” said school nurse Melody Beloff, who values the care she has always received at John C. Lincoln Medical Center. “I feel at home there.”