Adirondack Health’s Advisory Workgroup meets to tackle the logistical challenge of maintaining all 35 inpatient beds throughout construction. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — At Adirondack Health, a new chapter in community care is unfolding. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors to the Cornerstone Campaign, $10 million in private donations has been raised–a bold step toward modernizing regional rural healthcare while maintaining uninterrupted services.

The Cornerstone Campaign, which officially wrapped up on Dec. 30, 2024, rallied more than 680 donors from across the region in support of this transformational project.

This multi-phase modernization will upgrade infrastructure, enhance aesthetics, and improve patient comfort across all 35 inpatient rooms at Adirondack Medical Center.

“This project is a top priority for Adirondack Health,” said President & CEO of Adirondack Health Aaron Kramer. “We’re committed to being the best possible stewards of the community’s investment, and this renovation reflects our long-term strategy to strengthen rural healthcare and ensure our facilities match the high-quality care our team provides.”

In anticipation of the renovation, new inpatient beds have been purchased and are expected to arrive within the next few months.

“This isn’t just a renovation–it’s a reinvestment in the health and well-being of our region,” said Executive Director of the Adirondack Health Foundation Jennifer A. Balog. “Thanks to our donors and hospital partners, we are creating a more modern, healing environment that reflects the quality of care our patients receive.”

Planning for one of the project’s greatest logistical challenges–maintaining all 35 inpatient beds during construction–is ongoing. Previously converted office spaces are being restored to patient rooms, while displaced employees are temporarily relocating to the former Health Information Management (HIM) Department, which was recently relocated on the Adirondack Medical Center campus.

“There are so many moving parts to this project, and the facilities team has done an amazing job keeping everything on track while ensuring patient care continues uninterrupted,” Balog added. “You can see the level of planning and dedication in every meeting.”

The inpatient room renovations are a key aspect of Adirondack Health’s broader strategic framework–an organizational roadmap focused on sustainability, access and innovation.