Watertown , New York ----- The Kinney Drugs Foundation Board of Directors voted at its recent meeting in favor of making a $1 million pledge over five years to support Samaritan Medical Center’s expansion and renovation project. Kinney Drugs’ commitment represents contributions from Kinney Drugs and Kinney Drugs Foundation.

Craig Painter, CEO of Kinney Drugs commented that, “During the past 104 years, the employee owners of Kinney Drugs have provided quality healthcare to the residents of Northern New York. Our financial participation in this much-needed renovation of the Samaritan facility is a continuation of our local community healthcare support. In addition, Charlie Owens, President of the Kinney Drugs Foundation added, “The Kinney Drugs Foundation is proud to support this exciting and worthwhile expansion and renovation project. The mission of the Kinney Foundation is to help people live healthier lives within the communities served by Kinney Drugs. This project will be a great healthcare benefit to the families of the North Country.” “The entire Samaritan organization is overjoyed with Kinney Drugs’ tremendous commitment. Kinney’s very generous support of Samaritan’s project illustrates the depth of our partnership in building a healthy and strong community,” stated Jenna Cleaves, Samaritan Foundation Executive Director.

Kinney’s generous pledge is one of the largest commitments made to Advancing Healthcare …Close to Home, a campaign for Samaritan, during its early stages. The pledge is second only to the Northern New York Community Foundation’s commitment of $1.5 million that was made in March. These two leadership gifts combined with the Samaritan Auxiliary’s pledge of $750,000 represent 42% of the $7.8 million committed to date during the quiet phase of the campaign. During this phase, the focus has been to secure leadership and Board of Trustee gifts.

Funds raised through Advancing Healthcare…Close to Home will support Samaritan’s $61 million expansion and renovation project. Phase 1 of the project – the parking garage – is due to begin this summer.

“Kinney Drugs has recognized that Samaritan’s project is more than just bricks and mortar. Through our strategic initiatives in physician recruitment, workforce development, performance improvement, and our relationship with Fort Drum, we are building upon a healthcare system that enhances the quality of life in our community. We are pleased to have Kinney Drugs’ generous support in helping to bring our vision to reality,” stated Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO.

The Kinney Drugs gift will name the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that will double in size with the completion of Phase 3 renovations to better serve premature and at-risk babies born to residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.