Rochester General Hospital marked 70 years at its Portland Avenue campus Wednesday, tracing the hospital's growth from a newly opened 1950s facility to a regional center for health care, employment and medical education.
The campus opened Sept. 16, 1956, as Rochester's population and demand for hospital care were growing. About 25,000 people toured the new hospital during its opening week, according to Rochester Regional Health.
The institution's history in the community reaches back to 1847, more than a century before the Portland Avenue building opened.
Recent investments in care and research
Rochester Regional Health CEO Richard Davis said the hospital has served generations of patients while providing careers and other opportunities in the community. He said current investments are intended to prepare the institution for future needs.
Those projects include a $1.5 million renovation of the hospital's cardiac catheterization laboratory and a new electrophysiology laboratory. The hospital has also introduced adaptive radiation therapy that uses artificial intelligence and real-time imaging to personalize cancer treatment.
Other initiatives extend beyond direct hospital care. GenoWell uses genetic information to identify possible health risks earlier and support more personalized treatment decisions.
The Rochester General Hospital Innovation Lab connects health care teams with Rochester Institute of Technology students and other partners. The program is designed to turn locally developed ideas into practical tools for patients and caregivers.
Hospital President Randy Green said leaders have a responsibility to strengthen the institution for future generations rather than simply maintain it.
State and local officials recognize anniversary
Assemblymember Harry Bronson presented a proclamation from the Greater Rochester State Majority Delegation. The delegation included Assemblymembers Sarah Clark, Jennifer Lunsford and Demond Meeks and state Sens. Jeremy Cooney and Samra Brouk.
Assemblymember Josh Jensen, the ranking member of the state Assembly Health Committee, also spoke during the anniversary event.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans presented a joint city and county proclamation recognizing the hospital's anniversary and its role in the community. Their remarks highlighted the work of employees and the hospital's contribution to health care and local employment.
The celebration included historical displays and 1950s-themed activities for employees. Participants could also learn about GenoWell and the hospital's Innovation Lab.
Rochester General is part of Rochester Regional Health, a system that includes nine hospitals as well as primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, urgent care sites, senior services, behavioral health programs and laboratory operations across Western New York, the Finger Lakes and St. Lawrence County.
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