CLAYTON, Mo. — A St. Louis County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital, ruling that the institution can continue to use its name. The decision, announced on September 10, 2024, marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the hospital’s naming.
Judge Cunningham found no evidence to suggest that the hospital intended to mislead or cause customer confusion by honoring Homer G. Phillips, a prominent figure in healthcare history. The ruling emphasizes that the hospital’s intent was to pay tribute to Phillips’ legacy and his contributions to the community.
“We were always confident the Plaintiffs never had a trademark to the name Homer G. Phillips,” said Attorney Joseph Dulle, representing the hospital. “We’re grateful Judge Cunningham agreed with our assessment and dismissed the case.”
The lawsuit stemmed from concerns raised by those connected to the original Homer G. Phillips Hospital, which was one of the top Black-only hospitals in the country during the era of segregation. Critics argued that using the name for the new facility was not an appropriate way to honor the historical institution or its namesake.
Despite the controversy, the new Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital has been operational since January 2024. Darryl Piggee, a board member, reported that the hospital has already treated over 3,000 patients. He also noted that wait times for emergency treatment at the new facility are significantly shorter compared to other emergency rooms in the area.
