Despite an incidence of cardiovascular disease that was less than the national average, New York’s Rockland, Orange and Sullivan County residents were dying from heart disease at a greater rate than the national average. Good Samaritan Hospital wanted to change that with a new cardiology program, but the program required State approval, and the State was under heavy pressure from the largest health delivery system in the state to deny the application. In January 2004, Good Samaritan signed R&J Public Relations to spread the word and call the local community to action. Efforts continued until the center’s December 2006 opening.

R&J Helps Launch Cardiac Surgery Program in the Lower Hudson Valley
R&J Public Relations recently helped Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY celebrate the culmination of a long and politically contentious effort with a major press conference and community reception announcing the naming of their new Active International Cardiovascular Institute, and the announcement of the new Chief of Cardiac Surgery. 
 
R&J arranged the event to highlight the community involvement and commitment that was instrumental in bringing comprehensive cardiovascular care to the region.  Invited guests included Senators, legislators, local dignitaries and, of course, civic leaders whose voice was heard in Albany, enabling this much needed program to move forward.

The most influential press in the area attended, including New York television and radio, regional and local newspapers, regional broadcast media and healthcare press. 
 
All of our guests were treated to a breakfast buffet and heard the announcement of Dr. Edward Lundy, M.D., as Chief of Cardiac Surgery, as well as a presentation of a major philanthropic pledge from Active International, which was honored in the naming of the institute.

R&J Public Relations is proud to have played an active role in energizing community involvement in support of this badly needed program.  As a result of Good Samaritan being able to perform these procedures, lives will be saved, and the overall cardiovascular health of the people of the Lower Hudson Valley will be elevated.