Contact: Scott Samples, Marketing Communications Manager
Phone: (772) 223-4920
Email: scott.samples@martinhealth.org   

STUART, Fla., Dec. 13, 2012 – The philanthropic efforts of H. William and Patricia Lichtenberger have played a pivotal role in helping Martin Health System provide the community access to exceptional health care.

The Lichtenbergers recently continued that commitment with a $2 million gift to the Martin Health Foundation.

Funds from the gift will be used toward construction of Tradition Medical Center. The new 90-bed acute care hospital located on the Tradition Center for Innovation campus in west Port St. Lucie is expected to open in January 2014. 

“Health care impacts the lives of everyone in our community, and we felt this was an opportunity to partner with Martin Health to ensure individuals have access to the best care available,” William Lichtenberger said. “We are pleased to be able to assist the health system in fulfilling its mission of providing exceptional care to the community.”

In recognition of the couple’s generosity, the health system has renamed its medical office complex on the Martin Hospital South campus the Patricia Lichtenberger Medical Plaza.

This is the second large gift the Lichtenbergers have provided Martin Health. In 2006, they made a gift of $1 million toward construction of the Frances Langford Heart Center and the cardiovascular intensive care unit was named in their honor.

William Lichtenberger, who also serves on the Martin Health Foundation Board of Directors, is retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board for Praxair, Inc., and was formally President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Carbide Corporation. The couple lives in Palm City, as well as Ridgefield, Conn.

“Bill and Pat Lichtenberger have had a tremendous impact on health care for residents of Martin and St. Lucie counties,” said Mark E. Robitaille, president and chief executive officer for Martin Health System. “They have made a commitment to ensuring high-quality care is available to our community, in turn leaving a legacy that will last indefinitely.”

About Martin Health System: Martin Health System is a not-for-profit, community-based health care organization that has served the region for more than 70 years. It offers a continuum of care including preventative, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer and cardiac care, wellness and rehabilitation services. Its approximately 3,000 associates, 375 affiliated physicians and 900 volunteers provide care at 12 different locations serving Martin and St. Lucie counties. Martin Health is a seven-time winner of the Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals Award, has twice been named a Thomson Reuters 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals award winner, and received designation as a National Employer of Choice designee for 2009 and 2010-11. To learn more, visit martinhealth.org.