Foundation for Morristown Medical Center campaign for building excellence in emergency care raises more than $13 million

MORRISTOWN, NJ (Morris County) – In a sign of remarkable community support for the expansion and modernization of the Sameth Emergency Department (ED) at Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center has announced it has raised more than $13 million for this vital project — exceeding the $12.5 million philanthropic goal.

In order to continue to provide the highest level of emergency and trauma care to our communities, the multi-phase project — with a total estimated cost of $26.9 million — is expected to be completed in 2024.

Bill Marino, chair of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center’s Campaign for Building Excellence in Emergency Care said, “We asked, and the community responded. We are grateful to our donors for their dedication to advancing world-class emergency care. Through their generosity, Morristown Medical Center can continue its mission of saving lives and providing critical care when it’s needed most.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for expanding and modernizing Morristown Medical Center’s ED became increasingly apparent. As a designated Level 1 Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, the hospital’s ED treated well over 100,000 patients in 2022, among the highest in the State of New Jersey.

“Our bold vision for the future of emergency medicine continues to take shape in dynamic ways, and we are forever grateful to our donors, physicians, team members and neighbors for their profound support,” said Trish O’Keefe, PhD, RN, President, Morristown Medical Center and Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Health System.

Construction on the 18-bed Gagnon Children’s Emergency Department is well underway. Located on the first floor of Goryeb Children’s Hospital, the new pediatric ED will feature a separate entrance and an expanded behavioral health unit. On the Franklin Street side of campus, changes include a dedicated ambulance entrance for pediatric patients, as well as a separate pediatric exterior vestibule and walk-in entrance. The Pediatric Day Hospital and Sleep Center has been relocated to new, modern space on the second floor of Goryeb Children’s Hospital.

Interior construction continues in the adult ED, which is being reconfigured to increase the number of adult treatment rooms/bays from 61 to 96. It will also be able to accommodate 30,000 additional patient visits per year – this is in addition to the more than 100,000 annual visits. The plans also allow the relocation and expansion of the Adult Behavioral Health Unit, to provide enhanced patient comforts. Equipment upgrades will include the latest, best-in-class technology, including advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners to abbreviate imaging times.

Generous contributions to the campaign include a $2.5 million grant from the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust, more than $1.9 million from the late Allan and Barbara Staats, $750,000 from Frank and Mimi Walsh and a $500,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, as well as leadership gifts from the D’Aloia Family Foundation, John and Sheridan Greeniaus, the Ann K. Kirby Foundation, the Maoli Family, Paula and Bill Marino, MCJ Amelior Foundation, Priti and Chirag Patel, Zotec Partners and many others.

In addition, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center’s Third Annual Golf Classic was held on Monday October 30, 2023, at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. More than $441,000 was raised to benefit the Campaign for Building Excellence in Emergency Care.