Rome Health Nears Completion of new Main Entrance, ICU and Kaplan Center for Surgical Services, Pushes to Close $1.2 Million Funding Gap Ahead of Summer Opening
With the installation of the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services signage, Rome Health has reached a significant milestone in its capital project to modernize surgical services and intensive care. The newly placed signage serves as a symbol of how close the hospital is to opening Phase I of its state-of-the-art facility this summer.
The milestone highlights the final stretch of Rome Health Foundation’s $16.5 million fundraising campaign, with just $1.2 million left to raise. Community support is critical now more than ever to close the funding gap as the hospital prepares to open the new main entrance, Intensive Care Unit, and Kaplan Center for Surgical Services.
“This is an exciting moment for all of us,” said AnneMarie Czyz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rome Health. “Seeing the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services name go up is more than a construction milestone—it’s a heartfelt reminder of the incredible generosity and shared vision that has brought us to this point. We are so grateful to every donor, supporter, and friend who believes in what we’re building for the future of healthcare in our community.”
The $45.7 million capital project includes a 30,000 square-foot, three-story addition on the north side of the hospital. Phase I focuses on constructing a new main entrance and replacing outdated operating rooms and the intensive care unit, creating a modern, welcoming space that enhances comfort for patients and families. Phase II will renovate the former operating rooms and post-anesthesia care unit to establish a dedicated pre-operative and post-operative unit, streamlining patient flow and improving surgical care. Phase III will develop new support areas for staff, ensuring they have the resources and environment needed to continue delivering exceptional care.
Funded by a mix of public support and private philanthropy—including a $26 million New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million in ARPA funds from the City of Rome—the campaign has received enthusiastic backing from over 400 donors
The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan, whose landmark $5 million gift stands as the largest donation in Rome Health’s history.
Lori Kaplan Felice, Trustee of Rome Health and President of C.A. Kaplan Real Estate said “As we commemorate this important step in the construction project, I am inspired by a quote often shared by my father, originally from Thomas Jefferson: ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get.’ Dad recognized the importance and value of quality health care here at Rome Health. He was so proud of the dedicated hospital staff, capital campaign volunteers, donors, construction workers, and leadership—all working in concert to create a state-of-the-art surgical center for the people of the Mohawk Valley. My only regret is that he did not live to see this impressive project completed.”
“We are so close to realizing this transformative vision for local healthcare,” said Chester W. DiBari III, Executive Director of the Rome Health Foundation. “Now is the time for our community to come together and help us cross the finish line.”
To make a contribution and help close the $1.2 million gap, please contact the Foundation office at (315) 338-7181 or visit https://www.romehealthfoundation.org/public-giving.html.
“Every gift, large or small, brings us one step closer,” DiBari said. “Together, we’re building something that will serve our community for generations to come.”
About the Photograph | SIGN OF THE FUTURE: From left, AnneMarie Czyz, President & CEO of Rome Health, joins Lori Kaplan Felice, Trustee of Rome Health; Florence Kaplan, wife of the late Chuck Kaplan; and Lauren Felice, Director of the Rome Health Foundation, to mark the installation of the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services signage. The new center, set to open this summer along with a state-of-the-art ICU, is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan, whose historic $5 million donation is the largest in Rome Health’s history.
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About Rome Health
Rome Health is a non-profit health care system based in Rome, N.Y., providing services to patients throughout Central New York. From primary and specialty care to long-term care, Rome Health delivers quality, compassionate medical care for every stage of life. We are a comprehensive health care system that connects you to the best clinicians and the latest technologies so they are easily accessible to you and your family. Rome Health is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Health and an affiliated clinical site of New York Medical College.