CENTRALIA — SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation has announced the launch of a $5 million TOGETH(ER) emergency department capital campaign to transform and modernize the emergency room at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Centralia., so emergency medicine specialists can deliver expert and efficient care.

The foundation has already received almost 30-percent of the $5 million estimated project cost from donor contributions for the ER renovation and expansion project.

This is the final stage of a larger master facility plan encompassing almost the entire first floor of St. Mary’s Hospital that includes a brand new surgery pavilion, expanded/renovated outpatient services, and modernized public and support areas.

Among the improvements included in the ER renovation and expansion project includes creating all private treatment rooms; a rapid medical examination unit for treatment of more minor illnesses and injuries; dedicated rooms for treatment and containment of infectious disease; two rooms specifically for the needs of children and their families, and specialized “safe” rooms for patients going to the E.R. with behavioral health conditions.