Pledge from Cemo family aids Mercy Folsom ER plan

Long time area residents Sammy and Kim Cemo have pledged $148,000 to support the new emergency department planned at Mercy Hospital of Folsom. The contribution will enable Mercy Folsom to incorporate an advanced Digital Radiology Unit in the new department, which will enhance capability and speed for diagnostic imaging. The unit will make it possible for diagnostic data to be instantly available, which is critical in emergencies."The availability of fast and effective emergency medical treatment is one of the most valuable assets a community can have," said Sammy Cemo, owner of Cemo Commercial, Inc., a full service commercial real estate company that has been active in this region for more than 40 years. "As a local business owner, and for the safety of my family, I believe it's important that we play a role to ensure the best emergency care possible is here when it's needed." The couple's pledge brings Mercy Folsom a major step closer to providing an emergency department that will serve as a benchmark in the region today and in the future. "We are extremely grateful for this very generous pledge," said Don Hudson, president of Mercy Hospital of Folsom. "It reflects the Cemos' longstanding leadership in our community, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of emergency care." Construction of the new emergency department is a priority for Mercy in order to keep pace with the rapid growth in the region's population. In the past five years, Mercy has experienced nearly a 50 percent increase in emergency patient visits, and today is treating 22,000 patients annually in its existing seven-bed emergency room. The hospital expects to break ground early this fall. When complete in 2006, the department will offer 25 private exam rooms, a five-bed Fast Track Urgent Care unit, and the most advanced CT scanner, imaging and radiology equipment available. As a not for profit hospital, Mercy is looking to residents, businesses, and organizations in the communities it serves to raise a portion of the funding needed to build the estimated $18 million emergency department. Mercy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the hospital, is currently conducting a $5 million fundraising campaign to fill the gap in hospital funds available for the project. To date, about $3.4 million has been raised through gifts and pledges. "Our goal is to complete the campaign this fall so that we do not have to compromise the project by carving out critical components that cannot be funded," said Rosemary Younts, senior development officer for the Mercy Foundation Folsom office.