May 10, 2002

Mongan, left, greets
Sen. Kennedy

An architectural rendering of the new building.

MGH history was made May 6 with the announcement of a $25 million commitment from the Yawkey Foundation to support the hospital’s efforts to help increase access to vital outpatient care and services for patients throughout New England. The gift, which will be distributed over the next eight years, represents the largest contribution ever made to the MGH. To recognize the generosity of the foundation, the MGH will name its new outpatient facility, currently under construction, the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care.

The announcement was made before a standing-room-only crowd at a special press conference held under the Bulfinch Tent. Guest speakers were John L. Harrington, executive director and trustee of the Yawkey Foundation, and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Speakers from the MGH were Edward P. Lawrence, chairman of the MGH Board of Trustees; James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH; W. Gerald Austen, MD, surgeon-in-chief emeritus and co-chairman of the MGH Leadership Campaign; and James Dineen, MD, who was Jean Yawkey’s primary care physician.

An enthusiastic group of MGH trustees, physicians, nurses, employees and friends erupted into a burst of applause as the architectural rendering of the new center bearing the Yawkey name was unveiled.

"The MGH truly is honored by the Yawkey Foundation’s magnificent gift," said Mongan. "In return, the MGH makes a commitment to the Yawkey Foundation — to long remain the best resource for health care available anywhere, accessible and welcoming to all who need us. This we intend to do in the new Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care."

Jean R. Yawkey, who with her husband, Tom, were long-time owners of the Boston Red Sox, received her medical care at the MGH. Mrs.Yawkey, who died in 1992, was a strong advocate of the work of the hospital and supported many of its programs and initiatives. "This gift to Mass General Hospital, a place of healing and hope for countless New Englanders, will ensure that the Yawkeys’ impact will be felt in our community for generations to come," said Harrington. "Throughout their lives, Tom and Jean Yawkey set an inspiring example by contributing generously to those institutions, large and small, that serve, support and have a direct impact on people in our community."

The $25 million commitment will enhance access to many of the services that were important to Jean Yawkey, including women’s health, pediatrics, cancer and cardiology. Outpatient programs in these specialties, as well as muskoskeletal care, will be located in the new center. When completed in 2004, the center will be the largest and most comprehensive ambulatory care resource in New England.

"It is very fitting that our new facility be named in honor of Jean Yawkey," said Austen (above right). "Mrs. Yawkey was known for her concern for the well-being of families and children, particularly those of less fortunate means. This new outpatient care facility will enable the MGH to better accommodate the growing numbers of patients seeking care in the hospital’s many outpatient programs — and continue to provide that care to all, regardless of ability to pay."

Harrington, left, and Mongan unveil a rendering of the new center.