The $100,000 check was presented today as the hospital announced it’s intentions
Pledge announced by Cummings Foundation Executive Director Mary Jo Hunt.
The James H. Cummings Foundation today announced a $100,000 grant to underwrite an onsite rehabilitation therapy facility at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
The gift will support Memorial’s $3 million Cardiac/Stroke Care Center Campaign, an initiative to fund a new 25-bed inpatient floor with “smart room” technology, a family and patient resource room and medical teaching facilities in addition to the new inpatient rehabilitation unit.
“Rehabilitation helps the survivors of stroke and heart attack regain their independence and achieve the best possible quality of life. Beginning physical therapy and occupational therapy while still in the hospital can only improve the chances of achieving positive long-term recovery,” Hunt said. “The James H. Cummings Foundation is proud to partner with Niagara Falls Memorial in making those therapies accessible to patients in its new Cardiac/Stroke Care Center.”
“We are so very thankful that the James H. Cummings Foundation shares our vision of providing the best in cardiac and stroke care,” said Judith Nolan Powell, a member of the hospital’s board of directors and chair of its Cardiac/Stroke Care Center Campaign.
“The Foundation’s generosity puts us over the halfway mark in our campaign to build this modern, new facility and positions us nicely for the very active community campaign we will soon announce,” she added.
Memorial President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo noted the medical center has pursued virtually every available grant opportunity to bring state, federal and private foundation dollars to Niagara Falls to fund programs that will create a healthier community.
Cardiovascular disease – including coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke – claims more lives than any other disease both nationally and locally. The cardiovascular mortality rate in Niagara County, where nearly one resident in three dies from heart diseases, is among the highest in the state.
Memorial’s existing cardiac/stroke unit has been in operation for 40 years and serves some 1,500 patients a year.
“The new cardiac/stroke unit, which will feature all private rooms, advanced technology promoting patient safety, and nursing stations strategically located to place nurses closer to their patients, will ensure that those who live and work in our communities will have access to immediate and effective treatment when heart attack or stroke strikes them or their loved ones,” Nolan Powell said.
The James H. Cummings Foundation joins the John R. Oishei Foundation, City of Niagara Falls and Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary as lead givers in the $3 million campaign.
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