Prior to 1985, most of the facilities that would become part of SSM Health Care were sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, but were not operated as a unified health-care system. That changed in 1986 with the creation of SSM Health Care as a system of hospitals, nursing homes and health-related businesses. The system is governed by a board that consists of members of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, SSM's sponsoring congregation, and laypersons. (What's "SSM" stand for?)

Sister Mary Jean Ryan, FSM, was named the first President/CEO of SSM Health Care in 1986. Under her leadership, the system has focused on three themes: constant improvement through continuous quality improvement; nonviolence as expressed through preservation of the Earth’s resources; and diversity. In 2000, following a year-and-a-half process, SSM adopted its 13-word mission statement for the system: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” Nearly 3,000 employees participated in the creation of the mission statement.  

In 2002, SSM became the first health-care organization in the country to receive (photo below) the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest award for quality. SSM operates in four states – Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma. About 24,000 employees, 5,000 affiliated physicians and 5,000 volunteers work within the health-care system that includes 20 hospitals, two nursing homes and various other health-related facilities.