Rome Health is nearing the completion of a major project called Phase I, which involves the new main entrance, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services. With the installation of signage marking the Kaplan Center, the hospital is close to opening part of its state-of-the-art facility this summer. This marks a major step in its $16.5 million capital campaign, leaving just $1.2 million needed to finalize funding.
AnneMarie Czyz, President and CEO of Rome Health, stated, “This is an exciting moment for all of us. 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.”
The total project will cost $45.7 million and involves a 30,000 square-foot expansion. It is designed to improve comfort for patients and families and enhance surgical care. Phase II and III will further enhance the hospital facilities by renovating former operating spaces and developing staff support areas.
Funding has been supported by various public and private sources, including $26 million from a New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million from ARPA funds. Over 400 donors have contributed to the campaign. A landmark $5 million donation from Charles and Florence Kaplan stands as the largest in Rome Health’s history.
Lori Kaplan Felice, a trustee of Rome Health and the president of C.A. Kaplan Real Estate, reflected on the project’s significance, stating, “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.’”
According to Chester W. DiBari III, Executive Director of the Rome Health Foundation, community support is now critical. “We are so close to realizing this transformative vision for local healthcare. Now is the time for our community to come together and help us cross the finish line.” Rome Health encourages contributions to close the remaining $1.2 million gap.
Those interested in contributing can contact the Foundation at (315) 338-7181 or visit their website to donate. “Every gift, large or small, brings us one step closer,” DiBari added. “Together, we’re building something that will serve our community for generations to come.”
