Frequently Asked Questions
How will this project make an impact on this region?
This project will significantly enhance Griffin Hospital’s ability to meet the health care needs of this community. The addition of the Community Cancer Center will allow patients facing a cancer diagnosis, for the first time ever, to receive a full range of integrated and coordinated services close to home, including radiation therapy. And by creating the opportunity to relocate growing outpatient departments to the new facility, the project allows for the expansion and improvement of existing services in the main hospital building, including expansion of the Emergency Department, the addition of inpatient beds, expansion of the surgical suite and radiology departments, and relocation of the laboratory department.
With Yale-New Haven Medical Center building its new cancer center, why build a cancer center in the Valley?
Construction of this new Ambulatory Care Building will allow us to expand our services to include radiation therapy, a service that our community has been requesting for years. The linear accelerator to administer radiation treatments will be housed within the Community Cancer Center, enabling patients facing cancer to receive comprehensive and coordinated care close to home. The healing environment, extensive patient education, and holistic approach to care that distinguish Griffin will now be available to patients with a cancer diagnosis for the duration of their care. Furthermore, Griffin’s decision to build this Community Cancer Center is reflective of a broader trend in health care — community-based care. Similarly, the benefits of community-based care were behind Yale-New Haven Medical Center’s recent decision to build a cancer center in Guilford for patients in the shoreline region.
What is the Planetree philosophy?
Founded by a patient nearly 30 years ago, Planetree is an international, not-for-profit consumer health organization whose vision is to humanize and demystify the health care experience with its pioneering patient-centered model of delivering care. The model is intended to empower patients and families through information and education, and to encourage "healing partnerships" with caregivers to support active participation. Griffin has been a Planetree hospital since 1992.
Where will the new building be located?
The new building will be located on Griffin’s West Campus in Derby on recently acquired land bordering Route 8 at the corner of Division Street and Seymour Avenue.
What about parking?
Approximately160 surface parking spaces will be created as part of the expansion project, helping to alleviate Griffin’s chronic parking problem.
What will the new building be called?
We have not yet determined the name of the new facility, however we have identified a number of naming opportunities to recognize donors who make a significant contribution to the success of this capital campaign, including an opportunity to name the building itself, the Community Cancer Center within the building, various component areas and major clinical equipment contained within.
How long will this project take to complete?
We expect the facility to be open within 18 to 24 months of the Spring 2007 ground breaking. The scheduled opening of the Center is Fall 2008.
How much will this project cost?
The total project cost is approximately $33 million.
Why are you seeking philanthropic support from the community?
Griffin Hospital is a not-for-profit charitable organization. Sound financial management over the years has enabled the hospital to fund the majority of the $33 million project through a bond issue and hospital reserves. However, those sources of funding can not cover all the costs for the project, including land acquisition, construction, investment in technology and equipment, and expanded programs and services. Investment through charitable contributions by donors is essential to cover the gap.
How did you determine your goal for this campaign?
Before launching this campaign, Griffin hired an outside philanthropy consultancy firm to help us determine a realistic financial goal. Donovan, Slone & Guthrie considered Griffin’s past capital campaigns and conducted nearly 50 confidential interviews with members of the community to assess their level of support for this project. Based on their findings, we established a goal of $5.5 million, the largest fundraising campaign ever in this community.
Can I contribute assets other than cash?
Yes, donors may contribute stocks and other appreciated assets like real estate. The Griffin Hospital Development Fund will work with you to ensure that such transactions are made as seamlessly as possible.
Can I make a pledge over a multi-year period?
Up to five-year pledges are accepted. Griffin Hospital Development Fund staff will work with donors to arrange a payment schedule.
May I donate in honor or in memory of a loved one?
Yes, making a gift in honor or in memory of a loved one is a meaningful way to pay tribute to someone’s life. Tribute gifts may be made at any level. For particularly significant gifts, we are offering a menu of naming opportunities for a number of important project components. Any of these naming opportunities may also be made in tribute to a loved one.
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact any member of the Griffin Hospital Development Fund staff at (203) 732-7504:
David E. Garamella, Director of Development: dgaramella@griffinhealth.org
Sara Guastello, Major Gifts Officer: sguastello@griffinhealth.org
Jennifer L.Wilhelm, Senior Development Officer: jwilhelm@griffinhealth.org
Agnes Cisto, Development Coordinator: acisto@griffinhealth.org