$13M Raised For 'Vital' Morristown Medical Center Campaign Project

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center recently announced that they have raised more than $13 million for a "vital" project — exceeding the $12.5 million philanthropic goal.

According to Atlantic Health System's Morristown Medical Center, the multi-phase project, which will assist the hospital in providing the best level of emergency and trauma treatment to the community, is projected to be finished in 2024 at a total estimated cost of $26.9 million.

"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," Bill Marino, chair of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center’s Campaign for Building Excellence in Emergency Care said.

During the COVID-19 epidemic, the need for Morristown Medical Center's Emergency Department to be expanded and modernized became clear, hospital officials said. As a Level 1 Trauma Center certified by the American College of Surgeons, the hospital's emergency department treated well over 100,000 patients in 2022, ranking among the highest in the state of New Jersey.

The construction of the 18-bed Gagnon Children's Emergency Department is well underway. The new pediatric emergency department will be located on the first floor of Goryeb Children's Hospital and will include a separate entrance as well as an expanded behavioral health section.

Changes on the Franklin Street side of campus include dedicated ambulance access for pediatric patients, as well as a distinct pediatric exterior vestibule and walk-in entrance. The Pediatric Day Hospital and Sleep Center has also moved to a new, modern location on the second floor of Goryeb Children's Hospital.

The adult emergency department is still under construction, with the goal of increasing the number of adult treatment rooms and bays from 61 to 96.

In addition to the more than 100,000 yearly visits, it will be able to accommodate 30,000 extra patient visits per year. The proposals also allow for the relocation and extension of the Adult Behavioral Health Unit to improve patient comfort.

Upgraded equipment will incorporate the most advanced, best-in-class technology, such as advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners, to reduce imaging times.

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.

In addition, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center sponsored its Third Annual Golf Classic on Oct. 30 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, raising almost $441,000 in total.

“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.