Baystate Health has unveiled its Healthier Tomorrow initiative, a $70 million commitment to strengthen its endowment, fund programs, and address capital needs across the communities it serves. The initiative is part of the Campaign for Baystate Health, which is the largest capital campaign in the organization’s history, dating back to 1883. Baystate Health is urging the community to support the campaign in order to help maintain the quality of healthcare in Western Massachusetts.
The campaign, known as “Healthy Tomorrows,” has been in the planning stages for two years and has already begun meeting with major donors. It is expected to run for another three years. As part of its efforts to engage the community, Baystate Health will be hosting events, such as tours of its Training Simulation Lab at Baystate Noble in Westfield.
In addition to the $70 million commitment, Baystate Health recently received a gift valued at $93 million, which will serve as a rainy day fund for the hospital. The organization experienced an operating loss of $177 million in the budget year, largely due to unanticipated payroll costs related to COVID-19. Despite these challenges, Baystate Health remains committed to providing care to all who need it.
The Healthier Tomorrow initiative also includes investments in areas such as nursing and community programs. Baystate Health plans to invest $2.5 million in the construction of a new Center for Nursing Excellence at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. This center will provide on-site training for nurses, with a simulation bay and classroom available. The organization also aims to raise $750,000 to continue its family medicine residency program at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.
Furthermore, the campaign funds will contribute to the extension of the Hospital of the Future building, which includes additional operating rooms, including cardiac catheterization labs and electrophysiology labs. The total cost of the project is estimated at $170 million.
Overall, Baystate Health’s Healthier Tomorrow initiative represents a significant investment in the community’s healthcare infrastructure, programs, and resources. With community support, Baystate Health hopes to continue providing high-quality care for years to come.