Gift brings Called to Care campaign commitments to $4.2 million — nearly halfway to its $8.5 million fundraising goal
BANGOR — St. Joseph Healthcare has received a $1 million gift from Maine Savings Federal Credit Union to support the expansion and modernization of its Emergency Department, a significant investment in emergency care for Bangor and surrounding communities.
The gift helps bring community commitments to the hospital’s Called to Care campaign to $4.2 million, nearly 50% of its $8.5 million fundraising goal. Together with $6.8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, philanthropic support will help make possible a redesigned Emergency Department that better serves patients, families and care teams.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Maine Savings and deeply grateful for this extraordinary commitment,” Greg LaFrancois, president of St. Joseph Healthcare, said. “Maine Savings has shown what it means to invest in the well-being of its members and the community we share. When someone comes through our Emergency Department doors, they may be experiencing one of the most frightening moments of their life. This gift brings us closer to providing a space that matches the exceptional care and compassion our team delivers every day, and its impact will be felt by patients and families for years to come.”
Expanding capacity and improving the care experience
St. Joseph Healthcare’s Emergency Department cares for as many as 30,000 patients each year. The expansion and modernization will address limitations in the existing space while preparing the hospital to meet future community needs.
Plans include additional patient treatment spaces, a new entrance and lobby, a dedicated fast-track area for less acute emergencies, an improved environment for patients experiencing behavioral health needs and a redesigned nursing station to support care delivery.
These improvements are intended to help patients move more efficiently through care, create a more supportive environment during stressful situations and give clinical teams a space better suited to the needs of the people they serve.
Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2027, with the project completed in three phases through March 2029.
“At Maine Savings, we believe our role reaches well beyond banking. It means showing up for the communities our members and employees call home,” Vanessa Madore, president and CEO of Maine Savings and chair of the St. Joseph Healthcare Board of Trustees, said. “St. Joseph’s Emergency Department is there for our neighbors during some of the hardest moments of their lives, and right now, that care is being delivered in a space the region has outgrown. We’re proud to help create an environment that matches the compassion and skill of the people who work there, and we hope our commitment encourages others across Maine to join us.”
Building momentum toward the campaign goal
The Called to Care campaign will help close the funding gap between the federal investment and the resources needed to complete the Emergency Department project. Maine Savings’ extraordinary $1 million gift marks a major milestone for the campaign and provides powerful momentum as St. Joseph Healthcare invites the broader community to help bring this vision to life.
“Maine Savings has made an extraordinary investment in the future of local healthcare,” Brad Coffey, senior vice president and president of Covenant Health Foundation, said. “Their generosity brings us nearly halfway to our fundraising goal and demonstrates what is possible when local businesses help meet a shared community need. We hope their leadership inspires other businesses and individuals to join us in answering this call to care.”
For more information about the Emergency Department project, the Called to Care campaign, or opportunities to contribute, please contact the St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation office at 207-907-1740.
Maine Savings, founded in 1961, is a modern financial institution with state-of-the-art technology offering members a full range of financial services, including RedWallet Checking. With more than 42,000 members, 11 branches and over 170 employees, Maine Savings is one of Maine’s largest credit unions. Maine Savings is committed to providing in-person services paired with modern conveniences. Branches are located in Bangor, Brewer, Corinth, Ellsworth, Hampden, Milo, North Vassalboro, Old Town and Portland. Maine Savings continues to serve its membership as a federally insured not-for-profit credit union.