Watertown, New York ----- Samaritan Medical Center will officially commemorate the groundbreaking of one the most significant capital projects in the history of our community, Friday, April 25 th at 1:30 p.m.

The groundbreaking ceremony will mark the beginning of the much-anticipated $61 million expansion and modernization project to advance healthcare close to home. By expanding and modernizing its facilities, Samaritan is able to accommodate new technologies for improved medical and surgical diagnosis and treatment; showcase modern, efficient space to attract new physicians and staff, and enhance quality comfort and convenience for patients.

“Successful achievement of our Strategic Plan will shape the future of local healthcare,” explains Thomas H. Carman, President and Chief Executive Officer for Samaritan. “The Facility Master Plan is the primary goal that connects to all of our other Strategic Plan Goals, which include: Physician Recruitment/Retention; Workforce Development; Performance Improvement and our Fort Drum Relationship.” The impact that this project, along with the other goals of Samaritan’s Medical Center’s Strategic Plan, will have on the community is immeasurable.

This event will also launch the Community Phase of The Campaign for Samaritan and will recognize the generosity and leadership of those who have already pledged their support.

Immediately following the Groundbreaking Ceremony, there will be tours of full scale model patient rooms at the Samaritan Medical Plaza on outer Washington Street. These rooms give a brief glimpse of the patient rooms featured in finished the expansion project.

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Editor’s Note:For your convenience, we will be opening the tent to media at 1 p.m. (30 minutes prior to the start of the event) so that media can set up, shoot video of the displays, and obtain any additional background information that is needed. Key representatives from Samaritan and the community have been encouraged to arrive at 1 p.m. for media interviews, as the availability of these individuals after the ceremony is not guaranteed.