York Hospital Exceeds $6.4M Goal in Cardiac Campaign

York Hospital is thrilled to announce that supporters across the seacoast have helped the hospital fulfill its Leading with Heart Cardiac Campaign fundraising goal of $6.4 million. This achievement supports the creation of the Petrovich Peterson Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed to deliver critical heart care when every second counts. The lab is named in honor of Dr. Lawrence Petrovich, the hospital’s trailblazing medical director of cardiology emeritus, and the Peterson Family of York Harbor, Maine and Fairfax, Virginia, both widely admired for their profound impact on the local community. The new lab is a testament to the power of innovation, compassion, and community.

The campaign’s success was powered by generous local philanthropy and bolstered by $2.5 million in federal funding, secured through the advocacy of U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, as part of the fiscal year 2023 federal omnibus bill. This critical support enables York Hospital to continue bringing world-class cardiac technology and care to southern Maine. “Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer in the world and in the U.S.,” said Dr. Patrick Taylor, president and CEO of York Hospital. “With this new lab, we’re not just upgrading equipment, we’re giving patients the best possible chance when it matters most.”

Dr. Taylor added that thanks to donors who contributed to the campaign this fall, York Hospital has successfully matched a $100,000 grant from the HEARST Foundation in New York City with community support. Josh Hancock, representing his family, said they were happy to step up as long-time members of the York community to help York Hospital attain the community challenge in fulfillment of the fundraising campaign. “Our father, Frank Hancock loved this town and served as the Chair of Board of Trustees for York Hospital until his untimely death from cancer and a heart attack in 1988. Our mother, Kay, also volunteered on the Women’s Committee at York Hospital through her later years. Both of our parents appreciated the important, life-saving role the hospital has in this community and my sisters Emi and Cal join me in continuing our parents legacy of philanthropic support of York Hospital.”

Equipped with the latest diagnostic imaging technology, the new lab allows York Hospital’s top-tier cardiology team to perform a wide range of lifesaving procedures with speed and precision. Features include seamless tableside control, high-quality low-dose X-rays, real-time 3D visualization, and enhanced sterile environments — all designed to improve outcomes and save lives.

The lab also honors a legacy. More than 40 years ago, before cardiology care existed between Portland and Boston, Dr. Petrovich founded Maine’s first cardiac catheterization lab, implanted its first heart stent, and placed its first dual-chamber pacemaker. Now retired, Dr. Petrovich remains at the heart of this project, serving as co-chair of the campaign, alongside Wendy Cote, a York Hospital trustee and Cape Neddick resident.

“Our community has always rallied around what matters most — each other,” said Dr. Petrovich. “This campaign is about ensuring every heartbeat counts.”

As the Leading with Heart campaign crosses the finish line, York Hospital wishes to thank all individuals, families, corporate partners, community organizations and foundations for supporting this life-saving project. “We are deeply grateful for your support of our nonprofit mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve – now and for future generations,” added Dr. Taylor.

For more information about York Hospital programs and services, please contact Community Relations at (207) 351-2021 or info@yorkhospital.com.