Breaking ground on the Peter Paulsen Pavilion
On October 24, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center marked a historic milestone in its 135-year legacy of care — breaking ground on the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, the cornerstone of the Stronger Together Campaign.
The event brought together donors, caregivers, community leaders and friends to celebrate what has become the most ambitious fundraising effort in PeaceHealth’s history. Launched in 2021, the Stronger Together Campaign raised $103 million to transform healthcare for Whatcom County — beginning with a bold vision to expand and modernize St. Joseph Medical Center.
When complete, the six-story, 120,000-square-foot pavilion will include a unified Emergency Department, advanced inpatient care floors, two floors dedicated to Women’s and Children’s Services and a rooftop helipad to enhance emergency response. The new addition will increase hospital capacity to 320 beds, all in private rooms designed for optimal comfort and healing.
Incoming PeaceHealth President and Chief Executive Sarah Ness emphasized that the project represents far more than bricks and mortar. The Peter Paulsen Pavilion, she noted, reflects a promise to the community — a continuation of the trust generations of families have placed in PeaceHealth St. Joseph for life’s most important moments, and a commitment to deliver that same exceptional care well into the future.
A legacy of generosity
The pavilion is named in honor of the late Peter Paulsen, a longtime Bellingham resident, visionary developer and philanthropist whose $50 million gift — the largest in PeaceHealth’s history — helped launch the Stronger Together Campaign. Paulsen’s generosity inspired hundreds of local donors to join the effort to meet the lofty campaign goal. Paulsen, who passed away in August of 2024, left an additional $10 million in his estate which brought the campaign over its $100 million goal.
“Throughout my life, I watched him acquire a piece of land and turn it into something that brought people joy, comfort and pride,” said Susan McEwen-Thompson, Paulsen’s daughter. She shared that her father found deep fulfillment in creating spaces that improved lives and strengthened communities — a legacy that will be carried forward through the new building set to bear his name.
A celebration of community spirit
PeaceHealth donors, caregivers and leaders gathered outside the west entrance of St. Joseph Medical Center to commemorate the start of construction on the Peter Paulsen Pavilion. The event marked a significant moment for PeaceHealth and for our community, a time to reflect on the generosity and shared purpose that made this milestone possible.
“We’re here to celebrate bricks and mortar,” said Donna Inglis, president of the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation. “But more importantly, we’re celebrating commitment, vision and generosity. This milestone moment would not be possible without the incredible dedication of the entire hospital family.”
Patti Imhof, co-chair of the Stronger Together Campaign, shared the journey that began with an ambitious $25 million goal and grew — thanks to Peter Paulsen’s gift and community momentum — into a transformative $100 million effort.
“Our community proved what it means to stand together, believe together and build together,” Imhof said. “This hospital will serve not only us, our loved ones, and our children, but countless generations to come. We celebrate the power of this community and the strength that comes from working as one. Every dollar was a voice saying: we believe in each other.”
Building the future of care
The Peter Paulsen Pavilion is expected to open in phases beginning in 2027. Its design reflects PeaceHealth’s Mission of healing and compassion, integrating modern technology with a calming environment that supports patients and families alike.
In addition to the pavilion, the Stronger Together Campaign supports key initiatives that invest in caregivers and innovation, including the Institute for Nursing Excellence, the Institute for Physician Well-being and advancements in diagnostic imaging and cardiovascular care.
Together, these projects carry forward the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, who opened Bellingham’s first hospital in 1891 with a simple but powerful belief — that every person deserves access to compassionate care.
As the first shovels broke ground beneath the statue of St. Joseph, that belief shone brightly — a reminder that our community truly is stronger together.
About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.
