AtlantiCare Celebrates 125 Years Of Serving South Jersey

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — It was 125 years ago as of Nov. 30 that AtlantiCare served its first South Jersey patients. On Nov. 30, 1898, AtlantiCare opened its doors as Atlantic City Hospital, offering 10 beds in a farmhouse located at 26 S. Ohio Ave. in Atlantic City. Since, it has grown and now serves as southeastern New Jersey's largest integrated system of not-for-profit health care services.

AtlantiCare's 125th anniversary was celebrated by many state and local leaders including Gov. Phil Murphy and Congressman Jeff Van Drew. Additionally, to mark this historic occasion, Nov. 30 has been declared as AtlantiCare Day in Atlantic County, according to a news release from the health system.

“The availability of award-winning care in their hometown is what every resident deserves and what AtlantiCare has delivered for over a century,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “In 2023 alone, AtlantiCare has been recognized as an employer of choice and received accolades for their safety and quality. We are grateful for all they have done and continue to do.”

“For 125 years, AtlantiCare has delivered high quality, patient-focused care. They have also provided over $1 billion in community benefit and charitable giving as an anchor institution in our community,” said Galloway Township Mayor Anthony Coppola. “I can think of no better way for Galloway to honor an organization that has given us so much than by dedicating this day to them.”

AtlantiCare Day kicks off a yearlong celebration highlighting all AtlantiCare has achieved since first opening its doors. Through a series of events, large and small, the organization will show appreciation for team members and everyone in the region who have contributed to their 125-year journey. In addition, the AtlantiCare Foundation will implement two giving campaigns, each with the goal to raise $1.25 million for special projects, one related to substance use disorder and the other to combatting social determinants of health including food insecurity and housing.

“Over the decades, AtlantiCare has evolved and grown into the nationally recognized organization it is today,” said Michael J. Charlton, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. “Whether we are adding services, creating jobs or piloting state-of-the-art technology, the needs of our community are always front of mind. We have become the best because those we serve deserve the best. Recognition of our 125th anniversary with AtlantiCare Day is an honor and I look forward to celebrating today and throughout the year."

AtlantiCare Day arrives as the organization continues its year of award-winning recognition. The organization received its fifth Magnet designation, its Mainland Campus received its second consecutive Leapfrog ‘A’ safety grade in the fall, and it was named as a “Best in State” Employer by Forbes. Its Stroke Center—the only comprehensive stroke center in southeastern New Jersey—also received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Heart-Check mark for Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification for the fourth time.

The organization is also in the midst of planning for Vision 2030, a reimagining of its strategic direction which includes more than $1 billion in investment focused on expanding premier services including behavioral health, cardiology, pulmonology, cancer care, orthopedics, and neurology while also growing regional programs to support those in need. Future plans also emphasize integrating technology and AI into the healthcare framework to further enhance the patient and employee experience.