Browns Mills, NJ – Deborah Heart and Lung Center proudly celebrated the completion of The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion, a state-of-the-art, three-story addition that significantly enhances the hospital’s capacity and patient care capabilities. The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by hospital leadership, board members, donors, government officials and community supporters. This marks a major milestone in the completion of Phase I of Deborah100: The Project.

Anticipated to open in June of 2025, the new pavilion includes 36 private inpatient suites, 18 of which are dedicated to critical care and 18 medical/surgical. With this new addition, the hospital’s total licensed bed count will reach 95, increasing its ability to provide compassionate, high-quality specialized care to patients with cardiac, pulmonary and vascular conditions.

"We are thrilled to open the doors to The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion, which represents the culmination of years of hard work and philanthropic support," said Jim Andrews, President and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center and Deborah Hospital Foundation. "This new facility not only allows us to expand our services and advance patient care, but it also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare."

The dedication ceremony featured remarks from Greg Olsen, philanthropist, scientist, entrepreneur and member of Deborah Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors, who generously provided the lead gift in the campaign to create this new pavilion. Olsen, who is known for his historic journey to the International Space Station in 2005, credits David Murphy, MD, retired Chair of Pulmonary Medicine, and the entire clinical staff at Deborah, for treating him and getting him in top physical condition to achieve medical clearance to make his journey. Olsen, at age 60, became the first person in history to travel to space with a chronic lung condition.

"I am extraordinarily proud to be part of this incredible organization and to see this pavilion come to life," said Greg Olsen. "Deborah is my hospital. The care I received allowed me to achieve one of my lifelong dreams, and now I’m thrilled to be part of a project that will help others in our community receive the same exceptional care."

The completion of the pavilion is a key component of the Deborah100 initiative, a multi-phase, over $100 million campus expansion project designed to enhance the hospital’s facilities and services. Phase II of the project, currently underway, includes the renovation of two existing patient floors with additional private inpatient suites, upgrades to medical technology and other innovative amenities.

Deborah Hospital Foundation’s Executive Vice President & Chief Philanthropy Officer, Steve Toal emphasized the significance of community support in bringing the pavilion to fruition. "This is a testament to the generosity of individuals like Greg Olsen, whose philanthropic investment enables Deborah to continue our mission of providing life-saving care without issuing a bill to patients for care they receive within the hospital."

The event featured guided tours of the new pavilion, allowing guests to see firsthand the transformative impact this innovative addition will have on patient care.

The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion stands as a symbol of hope and progress for Deborah Heart and Lung Center, ensuring that the hospital will be able to meet the evolving needs of its patients for years to come. The pavilion not only honors Greg Olsen’s extraordinary contributions but also strengthens the hospital’s position as a leader in specialty healthcare.

Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey, is a teaching hospital in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, Deborah has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from every corner of the United States and 87 countries. From performing the first adult and pediatric open-heart surgeries in New Jersey, to one of the highest-volume left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant programs in the nation, Deborah is consistently recognized as a leader overall and in patient care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is ranked among the top hospitals in New Jersey for patient satisfaction; holds a top-tier Society of Thoracic Surgeons rating which places Deborah among the best cardiac surgery programs in North America; and is rated High Performing in five specialties, Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, COPD and TAVR by U.S. News & World Report. Deborah is an Alliance member of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute.