Centurion Drive

Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation's 2004 Centurion Drive will be among the community's first opportunities to learn about and contribute toward Munson Medical Center's $25 million Emergency Room expansion project.

Plans call for a new Emergency Room to open in early 2007, housed in a four-story structure built on land previously occupied by the Grand Traverse Medical Care Facility. The 28,000-square feet facility will be constructed with the foundations and footings to support two additional stories that may be added at a later time.

"We see a tremendous need for this project every single day," said Emergency Services Medical Director Dale Blum. "Our emergency room is caring for twice as many patients as it was designed to accommodate. Every day we have patients waiting on beds in the hallways. That isn't acceptable."

"In designing an expanded ER facility, we are doing everything we can to preserve and ensure the dignity and privacy of our future patients," Dr. Blum said.

"This will be one of the most important projects we undertake," said Munson Healthcare President and CEO John Rockwood. "Because Munson Medical Center is the regional referral center for 22 counties, this project will touch the lives of people throughout northern Michigan. It is vital that we continue to provide quality, timely, respectful care to community members when they are experiencing trauma and acute illness."

Munson Medical Center physicians identified expanded emergency services as the most crucial need for capital expenditure.

Because Munson Healthcare has reached its debt capacity, a major fundraising initiative is planned to help pay for the facility. A lead gift of $500,000 has been received from Helen Rollert-Riordan of Traverse City. The Munson Healthcare Foundation is seeking other major gifts from the community.

The goal for this year's Centurion Drive is $125,000. Gifts can be directed to the Emergency Room expansion project, or the Munson Healthcare Endowment Fund. The endowment funds are used to help support health care needs throughout the five-county region.

"We had a terrific response last year for our Centurion Drive when we were raising money for the new Hospice House, which is now completed and open to patients," said Ruth Bloomer, Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation manager. "With the identification of such an important and large capital need as the Emergency Room, we are hopeful that the community, employees, and volunteers will be enthusiastic in their support again this year."

If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment, concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient Liaisons.

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