Mercy’s presence on the shores of Biscayne Bay is evidence of a commitment that began in the 1940′s. As Miami’s population grew during and after World War II, there was a pressing need for additional hospital beds in the metropolitan area. The Diocese of St. Augustine, then the diocese for all of Florida, answered the call. The church acquired a large parcel of swampy land south of the Villa Vizcaya and began a fundraising effort that received tremendous support from all of Miami’s residents. Collections were taken door-to-door, in movie theaters and even public schools. Construction began in 1946 and four years later Mercy Hospital opened its doors on December 18, 1950, with 125 much-needed beds. The hospital staff was provided by the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, who assumed sponsorship of Mercy from the Diocese in 1966. Mercy is a 488 bed hospital and is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and whose hyperbaric and wound-care center has been designated as the Divers Alert Network (DAN) regional coordinator for Florida and the Caribbean.