ATLANTIC CITY — A South Jersey family has donated $1 million to AtlantiCare to help expand emergency stroke and neuroscience care at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus.
The AtlantiCare Foundation announced Wednesday that the gift from the Lees family of Margate and Longport will be used to expand specialized neuroscience staffing, increase neuro hospitalist coverage and add patient-care capacity, equipment and other clinical resources.
The funding will also be used for Emergency Medical Services technology designed to help first responders recognize neurological emergencies sooner and transmit critical information to hospital teams before a patient arrives.
“When a patient is having a stroke or another neurological emergency, care cannot wait until they arrive at our doors,” AtlantiCare President and CEO Michael Charlton said.
“It begins with recognition in the field, fast communication and the right specialists ready to respond,” Charlton said. “The Lees family’s generosity allows us to build on the advanced stroke and emergency care already available at AtlantiCare.”
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is the region's only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.
The donation has a personal connection for the Lees family.
The gift is being made in honor of James Lees Sr., whose life was affected by a neurological condition, according to AtlantiCare. It also continues more than two decades of support from the family to the AtlantiCare Foundation.
The family has longstanding ties to Atlantic County through Kisby Shore Mechanical Contractors, an Atlantic City-based business now led by James Lees Jr.
“The strength of our community depends on access to outstanding healthcare, and AtlantiCare continues to deliver on that promise,” Lees said. “Our family is honored to support AtlantiCare and the extraordinary work of its physicians, nurses and staff.”
Lees said the donation reflects the family's appreciation for the health care provided throughout the region.
“This gift is a reflection of our gratitude for the care that touches so many lives every day,” he said.
The $1 million will help AtlantiCare increase its ability to respond to strokes and other neurological emergencies, where the speed of diagnosis and treatment can have a major impact on a patient's outcome.
Charlton said the donation will allow AtlantiCare to invest further in the personnel, technology and coordination required during those emergencies.
“This is an investment in faster response, specialized care and continued access for the people who live in and visit our region,” Charlton said.
Matt Lang, chief development officer for the AtlantiCare Foundation, said the donation will help support AtlantiCare's broader efforts to improve access to advanced medical care.
“The Lees family’s generosity builds on AtlantiCare’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and access to advanced care for the communities it serves,” Lang said.
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Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
