There are many ways to measure a health system’s impact on the community it serves.
When you look at Cooper University Health Care’s state-of-the-art specialty care center in Moorestown, which began phasing in services 18 months ago, it’s easy to go by the numbers:
- 150,000 patient visits, including 19,000 radiology visits;
- 4,500 surgeries, performed by a team of more than 160 physicians representing 27 medical and surgical specialties.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Events such as the one that took place Monday night, when the Cooper Foundation celebrated its first major philanthropic gift, are watershed moments.
The naming ceremony for the Dan and Lisa Falasca Welcome Center was about more than just unveiling a sign near the entrance of the 166,000-square-foot facility — it was a sign that the center’s impact had reached far beyond the patients it serves.
George Norcross III, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cooper University Health Care, said the gift was an acknowledgement of the mission and vision of the organization.
“The Falascas’ vision and generosity are helping shape the future of health care delivery in our region,” he said. “Their support reflects an incredible vote of confidence in our mission, and we are proud to honor their legacy in this meaningful way.”
Dan Falasca, founder and president of Falasca Mechanical, a Vineland-based company of 27 years, has had a long relationship with Cooper, both as a contractor and as grandparent – his most recent grandson was born in a Cooper facility on May 2.
“We are firm believers in giving back to the community and especially to those whom I’ve worked for over the years,” he told those gathered, marveling at the facility.
“This dedication to health and healing inspires all of us to do more and be better. This dedication is not about a name on a wall, it’s about what happens within these walls, the lives changed, the breakthroughs made, and the compassion shown.
“That is what truly matters, and we are truly honored to be even a small part of that story.”
Cooper’s Moorestown Campus has become a model of innovation in outpatient care — delivering academic medical excellence in a convenient, state-of-the-art facility. With
rising demand for outpatient services and same-day procedures, this campus ensures access to advanced care across Burlington County and beyond.
That’s the way Kevin O’Dowd, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care, sees it.
“We’ve been in Moorestown for some time, but never like this,” he told BINJE. “We recognized the need for patients to be able to receive care closer to where they live.
“This has been an opportunity to meet that demand, and the community has really embraced it. We’re grateful.”
That community support was evident at the event, as many key leaders in the area — including Mark Baiada, the founder and president of Bayada Home Health Care — were present.
“These are the stalwarts of the community,” O’Dowd said.
The aim now is to integrate more of them into the facility.
Co-CEO Anthony Mazzarelli said the potential impact is great.
“The Falascas’ tremendous gift will have a significant positive impact on many lives and will undoubtedly inspire others to support our mission to serve, to heal, and to educate,” he said.
Phil Norcross, chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board, said the Falasca’s generous support will serve as a catalyst for further philanthropic investment in Cooper’s mission.
“Their commitment to advancing health care in our region demonstrates the extraordinary impact of community-driven philanthropy, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership,” he said.
Impact. There’s plenty of ways to measure it.
Lisa Morina, the chief philanthropy officer at the Cooper foundation, said the Daniel & Lisa Falasca naming ceremony marks a major milestone in the continued growth of Cooper University Health Care as South Jersey’s leading academic health system.
“Tonight, we celebrate Daniel and Lisa Falasca, whose generous gift is the first major philanthropic investment in our beautiful Moorestown campus,” she told those gathered. “It isn’t just about beautiful lettering prominently placed on the wall behind me, it represents a powerful chapter in Cooper’s story, expanding our reach and deepening our impact in the communities we proudly serve.
“Progress happens when people, purpose and partners come together. Daniel and Lisa Falasca are exceptional examples of that belief in action. Their trust, their leadership and their generosity are helping shape the future of care across South Jersey.”
