Conemaugh Health System was created in the wake of the Johnstown Flood of 1889 which gained national attention and caused the outpouring resource to help the local community.

Temporary medical quarters were established at St. Mark's Episcopal church while more permanent accommodations for the survivors could be created.

The American Red Cross responded a few days after the flood by establishing a temporary hospital in the city's 8th ward[6] in a wooden farmhouse in the midst of a local orchard.

[8] Conemaugh Health System (CHS) is the parent corporation for the following healthcare entities: In 2005, Conemaugh Health System also acquired Lee Hospital (previously Johnstown City Hospital) from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in downtown Johnstown,[22] incorporating it into their inpatient clinical network.

[23] Founded in 1916[24] it currently holds the name Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center – Lee Campus[25] and serves as a Select Specialty Hospital.

As of 2018, Duke Lifepoint Healthcare announced they have no plans to abandon the former inpatient hospital, instead converting it for non-clinical purposes[28] In 2007, Windber Medical Center formally left Conemaugh Health System amid administrative issues.

[33] Graduate medical education (GME) was introduced at Conemaugh Valley Hospital in 1915 for three original residents.