Rome Health welcomed major donors and members of the community to its groundbreaking ceremony for its new addition for surgical services and intensive care. The November 29th event marked the kick-off of the public phase of Rome Health Foundation’s capital campaign to support surgical services and intensive care.
Watch the Highlights from the groundbreaking by clicking here.
“The $45.7 million capital project will enhance the experience for patients and their families while supporting the care team in delivering the best care out there here,” said Rome Health President and Chief Executive Officer AnneMarie Czyz.
The project involves constructing a 30,000 square-foot, three-floor addition on the north side of the hospital, which will allow the hospital to replace its aging operating rooms and intensive care units.
“Rome Health engaged King + King Architects and the Hayner Hoyt Corporation to design and construct a state-of-the-art facility that is easily accessible for patients and families and reflects the quality of care we deliver,” said Chief Operating Officer Ryan Thompson.
The project is being funded through a partnership of more than $29 million in public funding and private philanthropy, including a $26 million New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million in ARPA funds from the City of Rome.
With the ceremonial ground breaking, the Rome Health Foundation is kicking off the public phase of its capital campaign, which has already raised more than $14.5 million towards its $16.5 million goal.
“Rome Health Foundation is humbled by the support of nearly 200 donors to date,” said Rome Health Foundation Executive Director Chester W. DiBari III. “We are pleased to announce that the Center for Surgical Services will be named in honor of the Kaplan family for their generous support. Their $5 million gift is the largest donation Rome Health has ever received and continues to inspire others to pledge their support.”
The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan.
“Rome Health has served an important role in our community for over 100 years. I know first-hand how convenient it is for us to have quality care located in our own backyard. Florence and I are proud to ensure Rome Health may begin a new chapter with a modern, state-of-the-art facility for surgical services. I have watched the Mohawk Valley grow and evolve, and I am happy to help Rome Health do the same,” said Charles Kaplan.
In addition to the gift from the Kaplans, the Foundation has received leadership gifts from the Hinman Family, the Griffin Charitable Foundation, and an anonymous donor who all believe in the vision for the new ICU and the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services.
“The public funding and the diversity of the donors illustrate how much support there is for this project from new donors and long-time friends of the hospital,” DiBari said. “The cause has appealed to individual donors, corporations and foundations. We’re proud to have even received gifts from former Romans who have contributed in honor of their roots to give back to the community.”
To foster giving from new donors, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has pledged $250,000 towards the campaign when the Rome Health Foundation receives gifts from 100 new donors.
Construction of the surgical services center and the new ICU will be completed in phases over the next 24-30 months.
To support Rome Health Foundation’s Capital Campaign for surgical services and intensive care, please contact the Foundation office at (315) 338.7181. Information can also be found online at: https://www.romehealthfoundation.org/public-giving.html
“Every gift, large or small, brings us closer to our goal,” said DiBari. “Through your generosity, we are transforming community-based healthcare to provide local access to great care in state-of-the-art facilities.”