In 1898, 11-year-old Gussie Johan fell off a horse-drawn wagon, broke his leg, and was admitted to the newly opened Atlantic City Hospital, where he was successfully treated.
Fast forward to AtlantiCare in 2023—where patients are treated successfully with cutting-edge technology and specialty care that includes everything from AI technology for the early detection of lung cancer, to the region’s only Level III neonatal intensive care unit, to same-day surgeries performed at Cape May County Court House that have patients “back up on the horse” far more quickly than Gussie!
As AtlantiCare’s first hospital admission, Gussie launched 125 years of service defined by innovation, commitment, and care that meets the evolving needs of the region. AtlantiCare has grown to become southeastern New Jersey’s largest integrated system of not-for-profit healthcare services.
When the ten-bed Atlantic City Hospital opened its doors on November 30, 1898, it was noted to be a crucial development for a rapidly developing city that had been barely getting by on patchwork medical services. This past November 30, AtlantiCare’s continued criticality to health and wellness across five counties was affirmed when multiple city officials issued proclamations declaring the date as AtlantiCare Day. In addition, AtlantiCare’s anniversary has been acknowledged by many state and local leaders including, Governor Phil Murphy, and Congressman Jeff Van Drew.
The AtlantiCare team considers AtlantiCare Day a great honor for everyone who calls AtlantiCare their home. They also share the honor with every person, family, organization, and business AtlantiCare serves. To the AtlantiCare team, their work is all about providing everyone—their neighbors, friends, family, and people they interact with every day as they live and work in the region—with the award-winning care they deserve, right in their backyard.
“Over the decades, AtlantiCare has evolved and grown into the nationally recognized organization it is today,” said Michael J. Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. “Whether we are adding services, creating jobs or piloting state-of-the-art technology, the needs of our community are always front of mind. We have become the best because those we serve deserve the best. Recognition of our 125th anniversary with AtlantiCare Day is an honor and I look forward to celebrating today and throughout the year.”
As they begin a yearlong celebration, AtlantiCare also closes out a year of award recognitions. The organization received its fifth Magnet designation, both its hospitals were given Leapfrog ‘A’ safety grades in the spring, and it was named a “Best in State” Employer by Forbes.
In In addition, AtlantiCare’s Stroke Center—the only comprehensive stroke center in southeastern New Jersey—received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Heart-Check mark for Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification for the fourth time.
“This anniversary is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our healthcare professionals and the enduring support of our community,” said David Goddard, chair of the AtlantiCare Board. “We look forward to continuing our legacy of providing compassionate care for generations to come.”
As one might expect, a 125-year history spanning growth from a converted farmhouse to a healthcare system serving a community from 101 locations across five counties, comes with many trailblazers and firsts. For example, in February 1907 construction began on a new AtlantiCare building which had 150 beds, 97 of which were reserved for patients who could not pay for care. This launched a 125-year commitment to meeting the needs of the underserved and ensuring health equity regardless of financial ability.
Other AtlantiCare firsts include televising the first surgery in color and opening the region’s first cardiac catheterization lab (1988) and arrhythmia center (2004). In 2013, they also opened a $18.1 million cancer care facility, with the latest treatment equipment, in the AtlantiCare Health Park in Cape May Court House.
While respecting all its historical precedents, AtlantiCare’s yearlong 125th celebration focuses on meeting today’s needs and ensuring future services exist to provide exceptional care as needs change and the community grows. Currently, AtlantiCare:
- Serves the community from 101 locations across five counties
- Employs 7,000 people
- Operates 12 urgent care sites, 23 Primary Care Plus and affiliate locations; 66 specialty care locations and 6 Federally Qualified Health Centers
- Offers 5 physician residence programs
- Has provided over $1 billion in community benefits and charitable giving
AtlantiCare will engage its team and the community in a yearlong celebration through a series of large and small events that show their appreciation for all those who have contributed to their 125-year journey. In addition, the AtlantiCare Foundation will implement two giving campaigns, each with the goal to raise $1.25 million for special projects. One will be related to substance use disorder and the other to combatting social determinants of health including food insecurity and housing.
As for what comes after the 125-year milestone, AtlantiCare is planning for “Vision 2030,” which includes more than $1 billion in investment focused on expanding premier services including behavioral health, cardiology, pulmonology, cancer care, orthopedics, and neurology while also growing regional programs to support those in need. Vision 2030 will also emphasize integrating technology and AI to further enhance the patient and employee experience.
Learn more about AtlantiCare and the 125th anniversary happenings at atlanticare.org or 1-888-569-1000
