Rochester, NY—Rochester General Hospital (RGH) marked 70 years on its Portland Avenue campus Wednesday, recognizing an institution that has grown to become one of the region’s major healthcare, employment and medical education anchors.
RGH opened the campus on Sept. 16, 1956, as Rochester grew and demand for hospital care increased. About 25,000 people toured the new hospital during opening week, marking a major expansion for the institution which had served the community since 1847.
“Rochester General Hospital is deeply connected to the community it serves,” said Richard “Chip” Davis, CEO of Rochester Regional Health. “For generations, people have depended on this hospital for care, careers and opportunity. Just as previous generations invested in Rochester General Hospital to meet the needs of their time, we are investing in its future so it can continue serving this community for generations to come.”
Recent investments include a $1.5 million renovation of RGH’s cardiac catheterization lab, a new electrophysiology lab and adaptive radiation therapy using artificial intelligence and real-time imaging to personalize cancer treatment.
That investment extends beyond hospital walls. GenoWell uses genetic information to help identify health risks earlier and inform more personalized care, while the RGH Innovation Lab is connecting healthcare teams with Rochester Institute of Technology students and other partners to turn local ideas into practical solutions for patients and caregivers.
Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Dean of the Rochester State Delegation, presented a proclamation from the Greater Rochester State Majority Delegation, including Assemblymembers Sarah Clark, Jennifer Lunsford and Demond Meeks and State Sens. Jeremy
Cooney and Samra Brouk. Assemblymember Josh Jensen, Ranking Member of the New York State Assembly Health Committee, also offered remarks.
"Rochester General Hospital answered our community’s call in 1956, and has continued to answer in the seven decades that followed," said Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Dean of the Rochester State Delegation. "Through the years, RGH has helped to keep Rochester and the surrounding region healthy with quality care for generations. I'm proud to join my State Delegation Colleagues in celebrating that legacy – and the next 70 years - alongside the doctors, nurses, researchers, and staff who carry it forward every day."
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans presented a joint City and County proclamation recognizing the anniversary and RGH’s contributions to the community.
"For 70 years, Rochester General Hospital has set the standard for care, compassion, and trust in our community," said County Executive Adam Bello. "For every medical professional and employee who has served the hospital over the past seven decades, thank you for supporting your fellow community members in their time of need and for your continued efforts to cement RGH as an institution of high-quality care for the decades still to come."
“Rochester General Hospital’s 70-year legacy on Portland Avenue reflects the very best in community healthcare: trusted care, local jobs, medical innovation and a lasting commitment to the people of Rochester,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the countless caregivers, staff members, patients and families who have shaped RGH’s story, and we look forward to its continued service for generations to come.”
“We inherited an extraordinary institution. Our job isn’t simply to maintain it. We have to leave it stronger than we found it,” said Dr. Randy Green, President, Rochester General Hospital. “Seventy years from now, most of us won’t be here to see what RGH has become. But the decisions we make today will be.”
The celebration included historical displays and 1950s-inspired activities for team members, along with opportunities to learn more about GenoWell and the RGH Innovation Lab.
VIDEO: 70 Years on Portland Ave
POSTER: RGH 70 Image File
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About Rochester Regional Health
Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the Rochester region's second-largest employer.
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