South Shore Health Announces Record Setting $10 Million Gift

Media Contact

Susan Griffin
sgriffin3 [at] southshorehealth.org
South Shore Health leadership pose for photo with John and Eilene Grayken
From left to right: Chris O'Connor, Senior Vice President of External Affairs & Chief Development Officer; Gene E. Green, MD, MBA, President & CEO; Eilene Davidson Grayken; John Grayken; Jason Tracy, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine

With profound gratitude, South Shore Health and South Shore Health Foundation leaders announced today they have received the largest private gift in the organization’s 97-year history. John and Eilene Grayken of Cohasset donated $10 million for Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health services and initiatives which will immediately benefit residents and communities of the South Shore.

“The Graykens’ gift is a measure of superb compassion and a beautiful expression of shared humanity which will make a difference,” said Gene E. Green, MD, MBA, President & CEO.

Eilene Davidson Grayken recognizes Substance Use Disorder as a local and worldwide health crisis and speaks of it through personal experience.

“I have had a very fortunate life,” Davidson Grayken said. “John and I know how important it is to give back. With addiction and overdose deaths burgeoning in the Boston area, the lifesaving work of our medical community has never been more needed.”

The Graykens' gift is part of the largest campaign in the health system’s history. Mission Critical: The Campaign for Our 2nd Century has a goal of raising $70 million by the year 2022, which will mark the 100th year of South Shore Health providing expert care to the communities it serves.

“On Behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our extraordinary gratitude to John and Eilene Grayken,” said Chairman Ken Kirkland. “Beyond our gratefulness and pride, this gift reflects our commitment to meet the needs of families and neighbors on the South Shore.”

“This magnanimous gift recognizes our health system’s dedication to creating a community door,” Dr. Green explained, “which will serve the people of the South Shore and beyond with unique and innovative Substance Use Disorder and Behavioral Health programs.”

One of those community doors is South Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department.

“The use of drugs such as opioids, the prevalence of alcohol over-consumption, and the ever-increasing needs of those faced with behavioral health challenges is overwhelming our communities and the people on the front lines who care for those in need,” said Jason Tracy, MD, Chief of Emergency Services.

“This gift will enable us to continue a strategic and collaborative approach -- partnering with behavioral health and recovery organizations, government agencies and first responders -- to address the health crisis in our communities.”

In the last six months, the clinical staff of South Shore Health has worked closely with Boston Medical Center’s Grayken Center for Addiction -- led by Kate Walsh, President and CEO, Michael Botticelli, Executive Director, and Coleen LaBelle, State Director of the Office Based Addiction Treatment Program -- to learn from its models of care. Among the collaborative efforts is the implementation of a Substance Use Disorder anti-stigma campaign known as Words Matter, which is being adopted by colleagues throughout South Shore Health.

South Shore Health is a not-for-profit, charitable health system offering primary and specialty care, hospital care, home health and community care, and preventive and wellness services. It is the largest independent health system in Southeastern Massachusetts.