Eastern State Hospital celebrates 200th anniversary

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Eastern State Hospital in Lexington is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks its 200th anniversary. Eastern State is the second oldest psychiatric hospital in the United States and continues to serve the community with its state-owned facility, now managed by UK Healthcare.

Friday, leaders from across the Commonwealth, including Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, will gather at the hospital this afternoon to commemorate this historic anniversary. The event will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the hospital’s legacy of providing mental health care and support to countless individuals over the past two centuries.

Organizers have announced the event will be livestreamed on the UK Healthcare YouTube page, allowing a wider audience to participate in the celebration and learn more about Eastern State Hospital’s rich history and ongoing contributions to mental health care in Kentucky.

The commemorative event underscores the hospital’s continued commitment to serving the needs of individuals facing mental health challenges and highlights the importance of mental health care in the community.