Baystate Franklin Medical Center Surpasses Campaign Goal

GREENFIELD — Robert Cohn, co-chair of Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s Second Century Campaign, announced that the hospital had raised a total of $6.4 million, surpassing its original goal of $5.5 million.

This total includes a grant of $168,000 from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, which was obtained with the assistance of Congressman U.S. Rep. John Olver. The campaign is funding renovations presently underway in three key areas at the hospital: the Emergency Department, Radiology/Imaging, and the inpatient Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care units.

“I’m excited to announce this incredible achievement,” said Cohn. “Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteer solicitors and the generous support of our community, this campaign is the largest capital campaign ever waged for a local charity in Franklin County.

“The fact that this campaign was so enthusiastically supported is testament to the community’s recognition of the significant role Baystate Franklin Medical Center plays as the center of health care in Franklin County,” Cohn added.

And surpassing the goal by nearly $1 million will do much to help alleviate the financial burden BFMC is taking on for these renovations.”

Trish Hannon, senior vice president for Health Care Operations at Baystate Health, explained the significance of exceeding the campaign goal. “Baystate Franklin Medical Center has always been committed to funding a portion of the renovations through its operating budget,” she said. “Now, it has almost $1 million less it needs to draw from operations, which means the hospital can instead commit these funds to ongoing programs and services.”

Commenting on the clinical significance of the renovations made possible by the campaign, Dr. Jacques Blanchet, interim director of Medical Affairs at BFMC, said, “I can’t stress enough how important these renovations are to both the hospital and the community.”