Laying the foundation for a stronger future
I am happy to announce that this year marks the start of important work for the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, a major expansion of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center that we have all eagerly awaited. Although this is just the beginning of the project, and much of the work involves important street and utility improvements, it will create a strong foundation. Just like all great buildings, they must be built with a strong foundation.
Over the past five years, I have witnessed the work that goes into a project of this magnitude before the first shovel even hits the ground. The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Foundation staff and community board volunteers have worked incredibly hard to help shape the vision of this project and secure much of the funding needed to create a new building that will be front and center on this campus. This project will give us the space to address the medical needs of our community for many years to come.
I am also excited about the progress that has already been made in creating and supporting the programs for the people who work in our buildings. Initiatives such as Nursing Excellence, Physician Well-being and the integration of new technologies are fundamental components of this project. I look forward to see these initiatives blossom this year.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the passion and generosity of our community members who share the vision of building and maintaining a medical staff and center capable of serving us for years to come.
The institute is comprised of three centers:
Reseach and Innovation: Gives nurses space to develop and test new ideas for improving patient care. This work has influenced nursing best practices in our area and nationally.
Professional Growth: Offers educational opportunities that help St. Joseph nurses deliver the latest evidenced-based care.
Development and Clinical Expertise: Focuses on recruitment and workforce development. New graduates, returning professionals and nurses transitioning to a new specialty within St. Joseph will find resources tailored to their needs.
Grand opening for the Institute for Nursing Excellence
In November, the Institute for Nursing Excellence (INE) proudly opened the doors to its new dedicated space on the St. Joseph campus—a significant milestone for the INE. This physical space is designed to foster collaboration, learning, and innovation, marking a new chapter in professional growth and development for nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph.
To celebrate this achievement, an open house event introduced caregivers to the INE’s resources and opportunities for engagement. Attendees had the chance to explore the new space and share their excitement through written reflections.
Nurses highlighted what excites them most and how they plan to engage with the INE, including:
> Networking and collaboration.
> Research on evidence-based practices and grant ideas.
> Access to the Simulation Center and Innovation Lab for hands-on learning.
> Opportunities for leadership training and professional growth.
— Jason Stoane, MD, MBA, FACR, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Foundation Board President
Championing physician well-being
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center proudly welcomes Lola Hannah as the Program Director for the Institute for Physician Well-being and Clinical Excellence. With over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse and healthcare leader, Lola is committed to enhancing physician wellness, a fundamental pillar of compassionate healthcare.
Thanks to your generous support, her role was created to tackle the pressing challenges faced by physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs), especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In her first six months, Lola conducted a comprehensive listening tour, engaging with over 100 physicians, 40 APCs and 65 key stakeholders, laying the groundwork for an impactful wellness program.
Through her expertise in change management, Lola has initiated team-based interventions aimed at boosting patient outcomes and clinician well-being. Her efforts exemplify a strategic approach to fostering a supportive environment for healthcare providers, ensuring they thrive while delivering exceptional care.
Stronger Together Campaign gift highlight
By investing in physicians’ continued well-being, we make a priceless investment of incredible returns — one that has a farreaching impact on their lives and the lives of those they care for each day. The Institute for Physician Well-Being and Clinicial Excellence at PeaceHealth St. Joseph is the start of effecting long-term and positive change in the area of physician wellness. The end result will benefit everyone here.
— Lorna Gober, MD Chief Medical Officer
PeaceHealth St. Joseph
Community partnership shines with gift from Phillips 66
In a remarkable demonstration of corporate responsibility and community partnership, Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery has generously donated $50,000 to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in support of the Stronger Together Campaign. This generous donation underscores Phillips 66’s commitment to our community’s safety and well-being.
As Whatcom County’s sole hospital and trauma center, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center often operates at or beyond capacity, especially within its Emergency Department. The donation from Phillips 66 will help enhance the hospital’s efforts to expand and modernize emergency services, ensuring the community is better equipped to handle disasters and provide critical care.
Phillips 66’s core values of safety, honor and commitment are evident in this partnership. “We believe in being good neighbors,” it says on their website, highlighting their dedication to strengthening the communities where their employees live and work. This partnership not only provides financial support to the Stronger Together Campaign but also exemplifies the profound impact that can be achieved when businesses and community organizations unite towards a common goal. With partners like Phillips 66, PeaceHealth St. Joseph can continue to provide quality care, reinforcing that we are indeed stronger together.
The legacy of Peter Paulsen
Peter H. Paulsen, whose remarkable journey carried him from a master bricklayer in Germany to a prominent U.S. developer, leaves behind a legacy of profound generosity and community spirit. After his passing in August 2024, his impact continues to resonate through the communities he championed.
Peter’s historic $50 million donation to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center stands as a testament to this legacy. As the largest gift in PeaceHealth’s history, this contribution will immeasurably enhance healthcare services in northwest Washington. His gift will fund the construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, set to begin in 2026, which will expand services with a new emergency department and advanced care for women, children and newborns.
Through the Peter and Diana Paulsen Foundation, Peter and his wife Diana have dedicated resources to enhancing lives and supporting vital causes, showcasing their commitment to giving back. Peter’s spirit of generosity will forever be celebrated and remembered.
Upcoming for women and children
Thanks to your generous support, we are beginning the work to enhance care for women and children as part of the Stronger Together Campaign. Our initiatives include improving access to quality prenatal, labor and postpartum care, and fostering health equity through partnerships with BIPOC communities. Additionally, a key milestone is upgrading our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from Level 2 to Level 3, allowing us to care for extremely preterm infants and provide comprehensive support. This upgrade will ensure more babies stay within Whatcom County, receiving the best possible care locally.
Your support is making a lasting impact on families in our community.
INE matching gift
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, every dollar you give to the Institute for Nursing Excellence will be matched, doubling your impact.
Your support elevates our nurses through mentorship, education, empowerment and recognition ensuring they can provide the best care for our community for years to come.
Scan the QR code to learn how you can DOUBLE your impact!
For more information about Stronger Together, please contact: Tony Stopperan Director of Philanthropy tstopperan@peaceheatlh.org 360-920-2018
Amber Asbjornsen, CFRE Chief Philanthropy Officer
aasbjornsen@peaceheatlh.org 360-788-6853