Care in a Heartbeat Timeline: Campaign and Construction

2010 | The Need for New Emergency Facilities is Identified as Critical

The existing Emergency Department facilities were constructed in 1970 and renovated in 1990. The facility was built to accommodate 18,000 visits annually, but by this time was seeing upwards of 30,000 visits annually. The Day Kimball Healthcare Board of Directors determines that a new, more spacious and modern emergency department facility is crucial if Day Kimball Hospital is to continue providing high quality emergency care into the future.

A case statement that outlines the needs, benefits and planned improvements is formulated and a "quiet phase" of fundraising begins. Together, community leaders contribute $2 million toward the project, including a $500,000 lead gift from Steven and Marjolaine Townsend.

October, 2011 | Public Care in a Heartbeat Capital Campaign Begins

Day Kimball Healthcare administration, board and the Care in a Heartbeat Capital Campaign Steering Committee kicks off the public phase of the campaign, with the goal of raising another $1 million from the larger community.

April 20, 2012 | Fundraising Goal is Exceeded

The Care in a Heartbeat Capital Campaign fundraising goal is exceeded. In just ten months, more than $3 million was raised for this crucial project. Donations came from more than 650 individuals, businesses and civic organizations, from all 13 towns of Northeast Connecticut, as well as from all the other New England states and from Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Missouri, and Virginia. -- Learn more.

October 9, 2012 | Construction Kick-Off Event

-- Learn more.

January 7, 2013 | Funding Setbacks Threaten to Delay Construction

The state issues reimbursement cutbacks to hospitals, which could result in delaying construction. -- Learn more.

June 14, 2013 | Funding is Secured, Construction Begins

Day Kimball Healthcare secured needed funding to continue the hospital's emergency department renovation. A combination of favorable financing secured by DKH and a grant from the State of Connecticut enable the much-needed project to move forward, and construction begins. -- Learn more.

April, 2014 | Phase One of Three is Completed

Ten new private rooms, including a state-of-the-art trauma room, as well as a new ambulance entrance opens. Learn more about the phase one improvements >

October, 2014 | Phase Two of Three is Completed

Nine new private rooms, including a specialized behavioral health wing, open in mid-October. Learn more about the phase two improvements >

October, 2015 | Third and Final Phase is Completed

An additional six patient rooms are added (for a grand total of 24 all-private patient rooms and one trauma room), as well as a new waiting area and entrance with covered drop-off area. Learn more about the phase three improvements >

November, 2015 | Townsend Emergency Medical Center Dedication

With the new facility now complete and fully operational, a dedication ceremony to recognize and thank all those involved in making this project a reality for the residents of Northeast Connecticut is held.

View the major improvements and highlights of the new Townsend Emergency Medical Center >