Gary H. Richard Supports Good Samaritan University Hospital With Largest Single Gift in its History

Catholic Health Good Samaritan University Hospital (West Islip, NY) has received its largest single gift to name the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island after the longtime south shore resident and Long Island business icon Gary Richard. As the first Comprehensive Stroke Center on Long Island recognized by both the Joint Commission and New York State Department of Health, the Gary H. Richard and Family Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island at Good Samaritan University Hospital cares for thousands of patients each year. Its clinical team are leaders in brain aneurysms, endovascular, stroke and other cerebrovascular pathology, using the latest in neurointerventional technology.

“With this bold commitment to support the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, our clinical leaders at Good Samaritan University Hospital will continue the important work being done to care for patients with neurological conditions, using the most advanced treatments,” said Catholic Health President & CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA. “We are extremely grateful to Gary Richard for his support as we continue to provide world class care to our patients.”

In February 2018, Good Samaritan University Hospital launched the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island at Good Samaritan, which quickly received its recognition as a comprehensive stroke center by the Joint Commission. Today the Gary H. Richard and Family Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island at Good Samaritan features an intensive care unit dedicated to providing the most advanced care to neuro patients, including those recovering from a brain aneurysm, stroke or other neurological condition. This closed unit includes a dedicated eight-bed step down unit and has been recognized since its opening for its clinical excellence. The program recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary, caring for more than 7,000 patients.

“I know personally how crucial it is to have qualified specialists on demand and at your bedside,” said Gary H. Richard. “My family has been blessed for decades to be a part of Long Island communities.  It is with our deep, personal and sincere gratitude to have this great opportunity to support Kimon Bekelis, MD and the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center at Catholic Health Good Samaritan University Hospital.”

This unprecedented gift will expand surgical space and enhance the facility, allowing clinicians to provide the most advanced care, patient experience and offer exciting opportunities to adopt new, innovative technologies, which will lead to the future of neurological care. In addition, the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Good Samaritan University Hospital will also reflect the Richard Family name and continue to grow and provide life-saving care to thousands of Long Islanders.

“Since its inception seven years ago, The Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center at Good Samaritan has changed the fabric of stroke care on the South Shore of Long Island,” said Kimon Bekelis, MD, FAANS, FAHA, FACS, Chairman of Neurointerventional Services for Catholic Health and Medical Director of the Gary H. Richard and Family Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island at Good Samaritan. “Despite our many firsts and numerous accolades, our biggest honor has been the impact we have had on our patients’ lives. Grateful patient philanthropy humbles us and demonstrates that impact. Gary Richard personifies this spirit of selfless contribution that creates an evergreen support of our program and will impact many patients’ lives for generations to come. We are honored that our center will carry his family name.”

Last year, Good Samaritan University Hospital announced the construction of its new $500 million, 300,000-square-foot Patient Care Pavilion, which will feature a 75-bay emergency department, 16 high-tech operating rooms and three floors of private patient rooms as well as larger and enhanced clinical areas. In addition, the hospital was recently verified as the only Level I Adult Trauma Center on the south shore of Long Island and nationally ranked by US News & World Report for its obstetrics and gynecology program and recognized as High Performing for Stroke care.