Morrell, upon her death in 1914, bequeathed a parcel of land on South Missouri Avenue to the City of Lakeland for the express purpose of establishing a community hospital to serve Polk County residents.

A bond issue to fund the creation of the hospital passed on October 7, 1914.

[2][3] The cornerstone was laid on February 24, 1916, and Morrell Memorial Hospital officially opened its doors on August 11, 1916, with a capacity of 65 beds and a staff of 24.

[2][4] Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is designated as a Level II trauma center and, as of 2021, has the second busiest emergency department in the nation with over 190,500 visits per year.

[8] The hospital also houses the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children and a level III NICU.