ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – August 10, 2026 – The NVRH Philanthropy department is thrilled to share that the hospital’s West Wing Project has officially surpassed its fundraising goal, with $5.5 million raised through community support. These funds will help offset the costs of the expansion and renovation which is due to be completed in 2027. The West Wing Project will increase the size of the hospital’s emergency department, in-house pharmacy, and laboratory to better meet the needs of the community for years to come.
“It’s a remarkable achievement made possible by the generosity, dedication, and support of this extraordinary community,” said NVRH Director of Philanthropy Kate Olney of meeting the fundraising goal. “The success of this campaign reflects not only an investment in a building, but an investment in the health, comfort, and well-being of every patient and family who walks through our doors.”
The West Wing Project, started in 2024, is the biggest expansion in the hospital’s history. The project will add more than 8,300 square feet to the hospital’s west wing and will address issues such as cramped treatment rooms, limited waiting areas, insufficient space to accommodate medical equipment, and more. The expansion will add private consultation spaces, restrooms, and storage areas as well as an improved patient drop-off area, an expanded laboratory with private blood draw rooms and restrooms, and a larger pharmacy with a consultation space.
Significant progress has already been made. The Patrick and Marcel Leahy Mental Health Support Area opened in the fall of 2023, a new building was completed to house all of the hospital’s mechanical infrastructure, and the front of the hospital was expanded to increase space for the in-house pharmacy. The emergency department will relocate to its newly constructed space on August 18.
“Our emergency department is the ‘front door’ to our hospital, caring for upwards of 15,000 patients per year,” said NVRH Medical Director Ryan Sexton, “This much-needed new space will allow our team to receive and treat our patients in a more comfortable and well-equipped environment that offers enhanced patient care areas, including dedicated space for trauma care, women’s healthcare, pediatric care, and family consultation, as well as mental health treatment.”
Phase 2 of the West Wing Project begins on August 24, with construction starting on the new laboratory space.
The expansion and renovation takes place during a time when many rural hospitals are facing serious challenges. According to Becker’s Hospital Review about a third of all rural facilities in the United States have severe financial problems causing them to be at risk of closure.
But according to the American Hospital Association, there’s value in keeping rural hospitals in the community. Rural hospitals promote community health and well-being, provide $220 billion in economic activity each year, and support 1 in 12 rural jobs in the U.S. Critical care hospitals like NVRH provide critical care for patients who would otherwise face lengthy journeys to get care. The West Wing Project, with its focus on essential improvements to the hospital’s infrastructure, has received broad community support.
“We are incredibly grateful to the community support we’ve received for the West Wing Project,” says NVRH CEO Shawn Tester. “It’s a recognition of the important role NVRH plays in supporting our friends, families, and neighbors. We’re here for our community, and they’ve been there for NVRH.”
A recent video celebrates the West Wing renovation, highlighting the journey, progress, and impact of this transformational project. To show its appreciation for supporters and unveil the progress made on the renovation, NVRH plans to host an open house for donors on August 12.