PeaceHealth, a not-for-profit Catholic health system based in Vancouver, Washington, has announced a $50 million gift from Peter H. Paulsen in support of efforts to expand PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

Made in support of the Stronger Together fundraising campaign, the gift is the largest in the health center’s history. A proposed Peter Paulsen Pavilion at PeaceHealth St. Joseph in Bellingham, Washington, will include a new emergency department where healthcare professionals will work to provide state-of-the-art care for women, children, and newborns.

A retired real estate developer, Paulsen is the former owner of Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham. He previously has supported hospice programs at PeaceHealth.

“With this gift, Mr. Paulsen honors the courageous compassion of PeaceHealth caregivers, while reaffirming the value of their dedication and expertise,” said PeaceHealth president and CEO Liz Dunne. “His trust in PeaceHealth ensures continued innovation in top-tier community-based healthcare and will transform the health and well-being of those who live in the northwest Washington region for years to come. We are deeply humbled by his generosity and inspired by his vision and hope for the future.”

(Image courtesy of PeaceHealth)