FALL RIVER – Mechanics Cooperative Bank on Tuesday donated $125,000 to Southcoast Health System Inc. to help it improve three of its acute-care hospitals.
The Swansea-based bank donated the money to the nonprofit’s “Campaign for Southcoast Health,” a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $25 million. Southcoast Health, based in New Bedford, plans to use the funds to support “major capital initiatives” at St. Luke’s and Charlton Memorial hospitals in Fall River and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, Mass.
“As a native of the South Coast region, I understand the tremendous service Southcoast Health provides for our community,” said Joseph T. Baptista Jr., president and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative. “Local residents will now have the opportunity to receive quality, state-of-the-art treatment at the new cardiac center at Charlton Hospital.”
The bank has contributed nearly half a million dollars – $425,000 – to Southcoast Health since 2011. Baptista sits on its President Council.
Southcoast Health has raised more than $16 million of its $25 million goal. In recognition of the donation, the nonprofit is expected to name the patient waiting area for outpatient cardiac services at Charlton Memorial Hospital after the bank.
“As a not-for-profit health care system, we rely on the generosity of so many within our community to support vital programs and services,” said Keith A. Hovan, president and CEO of Southcoast Health. “With Joe’s leadership, Mechanics Cooperative Bank has been a great partner to Southcoast Health and we look forward to working together to improve the health of the South Coast for years to come.”
Eli Sherman is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Sherman@PBN.com, or follow him on Twitter @Eli_Sherman.
