1912

South Bend Medical Laboratory Founded

United by a shared vision of accessible and efficient medical testing services, twenty-three doctors founded South Bend Medical Laboratory, now known as SBMF. They appointed Dr. Ann Petersen as the Laboratory’s pioneering female director.

First Expansion Happens

In January 1920, the growth of South Bend Medical Laboratory led to the expansion into the adjacent second room at Epworth Hospital. Part of the new space was devoted to a museum of pathological specimens.

Name Changed to South Bend Medical Foundation

The name of the corporation was changed from South Bend Medical Laboratory to South Bend Medical Foundation.

Central Blood Bank Established

The Central Blood Bank was established under the Junior League of South Bend to better coordinate area blood needs. League members volunteered to recruit donors and handle clerical tasks, resulting in the formation of a community blood bank.

1 of 10 Initial Accredited Labs

The South Bend Medical Foundation’s exceptional expertise in urine drug testing for the detection of unknown and potentially illegal substances led to its rapid recognition in 1988. The Foundation became one of only ten laboratories in the United States to receive initial accreditation.

Clinical Laboratory Automation Systems Introduced

The Foundation made history by becoming the first laboratory in the United States to introduce a cutting-edge robotics system, the Clinical Laboratory Automation System (CLAS). This innovative system utilizes blood samples to perform medical tests.

Bloodmobile Purchased

The Foundation designed and purchased a bloodmobile to collect units from various businesses and localities in and around Saint Joseph County, Indiana.

100th Anniversary

The South Bend Medical Foundation celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of serving the community.

SBMF Relocates

As part of their ongoing expansion SBMF moved to their new home on Douglas Road in South Bend, Indiana.