On Aug. 1, 2006, the Frances Langford Heart Center opened its doors bringing open-heart surgery and interventional cardiology to Martin County. The Frances Langford Heart Center was named for the late actress and singer whose estate provided a $5 million gift to help build the facility.

Martin Health was founded in 1939 by physicians, Drs. Julian D. Parker, Van William Burns and Walter F. Davey, saw an average of eight patients a day.

“It is extremely gratifying to see so many people whose lives have been touched by the heart center,” said Janice Meadows, assistant vice president for the Frances Langford Heart Center. “Our goal is to create the most comprehensive heart center on the Treasure Coast, so that patients know they will never have to leave the area to receive the best cardiac care available. Thanks to the skilled physicians, clinical healthcare providers and the support of this community, we are well on our way to achieving that goal.”