A special delivery was made Jan. 1, 2016 (New Year’s Day) at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a date that also kicked off a year-long celebration for Harris Health System. The safety-net healthcare provider in Harris County turned 50 years old on Jan. 1, 1966.
Michael Dorsey, son of Michael and Marilyn Dorsey, was born at 12:33 a.m. and became the first birth in 2016 at Harris Health. To recognize the occasion, four Harris Health employees born in 1966 at Jefferson Davis Hospital, part of the system at the time, presented the family several gifts including a glass engraved commemorative plaque and a car seat.
“I’m honored and overwhelmed by all the attention,” said Marilyn Vasquez Dorsey. “It’s a great honor to have my son born on New Year’s Day and to be part of the 50th anniversary.”
Harris Health became the official business name of Harris County Hospital District in 2012. In 1966, the hospital district began with two facilities—Jefferson Davis and Ben Taub hospitals. Today, Harris Health operates 47 facilities including three hospitals—Lyndon B. Johnson, Ben Taub and Quentin Mease—several community health centers, specialty facilities, same-day clinics, school-based clinics, homeless shelter clinics and mobile health units.
Michael and Marilyn Dorsey receive several gifts Jan. 1, 2016 for having their son, Michael, born at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. Michael was the first birth of the new year at Harris Health System. Showering them with gifts are Harris Health employees born in 1966 at Jefferson Davis Hospital, one of Harris Health’s first hospitals. Joining them in the gift-giving is Jessie Tucker, administrator, LBJ Hospital, third from the left. The employees are, from left to right, Agatha Christi Prothro, Robert Beal, Marie Alozie and Theresa Collins Batiste.
Under the watchful eye of a portrait of President Lyndon B. Johnson, Jessie Tucker, administrator of Harris Health System’s Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, center, presents current Harris Health employees born in 1966 at Jefferson Davis Hospital with commemorative glass plaques recognizing their birth year. Jan. 1, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Harris Health System. From left to right, they are Agatha Christi Prothro, Theresa Collins Batiste, Marie Alozie and Robert Beal.