Source: Cape May County Hearald
In 1898, 11-year-old Gussie Johan fell off a horse-drawn wagon, broke his leg, and was admitted to the newly opened Atlantic City Hospital, where he was successfully treated.
As AtlantiCare’s first hospital admission, Gussie launched 125 years of service defined by innovation, commitment, and care that meets the evolving needs of the region. AtlantiCare has grown to become southeastern New Jersey’s largest integrated system of not-for-profit healthcare services.
Fast forward to AtlantiCare in 2023, where patients are treated successfully with cutting-edge technology and specialty care that includes everything from AI technology for the early detection of lung cancer, to the region’s only Level III neonatal intensive care unit, to same-day surgeries performed at Cape May County Court House that have patients “back up on the horse” far more quickly than Gussie!
When the ten-bed Atlantic City Hospital opened its doors on November 30, 1898, it was noted to be a crucial development for a rapidly developing city that had been barely getting by on patchwork medical services. This past November 30, AtlantiCare’s continued criticality to health and wellness across five counties was affirmed when multiple city officials issued proclamations declaring the date as AtlantiCare Day. In addition, AtlantiCare’s anniversary has been acknowledged by many state and local leaders including, Governor Phil Murphy, and Congressman Jeff Van Drew.
The AtlantiCare team considers AtlantiCare Day a great honor for everyone who calls AtlantiCare their home. They also share the honor with every person, family, organization, and business AtlantiCare serves. To the AtlantiCare team, their work is all about providing everyone—their neighbors, friends, family, and people they interact with every day as they live and work in the region—with the award-winning care they deserve, right in their backyard.
“Over the decades, AtlantiCare has evolved and grown into the nationally recognized organization it is today,” said Michael J. Charlton, president and CEO of 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.”
As they begin a yearlong celebration, AtlantiCare also closes out a year of award recognitions. The organization received its fifth Magnet designation, both its hospitals were given Leapfrog ‘A’ safety grades in the spring, and it was named a “Best in State” Employer by Forbes.