Health: There Are No Bills at This Hospital

Deborah Heart and Lung Center takes care of patients — without asking them to pay

As I walked through Suburban Station this morning, it was obvious the holiday season had arrived: bells were clanging and volunteers were shouting for donations. At the end of the corridor leading up to Mellon Bank Center, I found a table of volunteers from Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

Located in Browns Mills, New Jersey, the 161-bed teaching hospital specializes in treating and diagnosing heart, lung and vascular diseases in adults, and, since opening its doors in 1922, has never turned away a patient. This amazing feat is made possible through donations and the strong fund-raising efforts of the Deborah Hospital Foundation. “We have never given a patient a bill,” says Claire Segal, a volunteer with Deborah for more than 60 years.

It is the only hospital in the region that focuses exclusively on heart, lung and vascular disease and, despite its philanthropic endeavor, still offers state-of-the-art technology, skilled medical staff and has propelled many advances for the medical community, including laser heart surgery, the world’s smallest pacemaker and many new non-surgical procedures for treating heart, lung and vascular diseases. Deborah also has pediatric services, and their Children of the World Program brings up to 100 sick kids from around the globe to Deborah for open heart surgery each year.

In this time of rising medical costs, to take care of a patient regardless of what they can afford is a refreshing prospect. If you’re looking for a good place to donate your cash this holiday season, Deborah is definitely worthy.

For more information on how to donate or on how to schedule an appointment, visit Deborah.org or call the general information line at 800-555-1990.