Target CEO, wife make $10 million gift to Sarasota Memorial for behavioral health
The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation on Wednesday announced that Target Corp. Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell and his wife, Martha Cornell, are donating $10 million to support the creation of a new behavioral health facility at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota.
The gift will help fund comprehensive mental health services at a time when the global pandemic and other ongoing crises have spotlighted the need for supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
The Cornells have deep family roots in the Sarasota area.
“I have the privilege of leading a team of more than 350,000 people, and have seen firsthand the power of creating a culture that is built on care, prioritizes mental health and well being, and provides resources, space and support for all families,” Brian Cornell said in a press release.
“I’ve also recognized the importance of humanizing this topic — eliminating the stigma that discourages some from seeking the support they need, while increasing access to care that places people at the center. I hope this project shines much-needed light on the importance of comprehensive behavioral health care, and spurs others to support this project and others like it across the country,” he said.
Martha Cornell added: “We’re proud to play a role in the creation of this state-of-the-art behavioral health pavilion, whose centralized approach fills an immense need by providing convenient, comprehensive care under one roof. We know it will change countless lives in Sarasota, a community that has been dear to our family for years, and we hope it inspires change all across the country.”
In recognition of the gift, the facility will be named the Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, David Verinder, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System president and CEO, and Mason Ayres, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation president, jointly announced.
Construction is planned in early 2022. The three-story pavilion will replace Sarasota Memorial’s 1970s-era behavioral health hospital. From the ground up, the $65 million, 95,000-square-foot facility is designed to provide a safe, healing environment for people of all ages.
Planned are four inpatient units to serve different patient populations, including a 16-bed geriatric unit, 22-bed child and adolescent unit, 24-bed adult unit and 22-bed acute care unit. Each unit will have private rooms with large windows letting in natural light and other design elements that help reduce stress and promote recovery.
The first floor will have therapeutic spaces dedicated for the health system’s expanding outpatient treatment and counseling programs.
“When someone is going through a crisis, it can be frightening to go into a facility that looks old and institutional,” said Verinder. “The Cornells’ gift will help transform that experience, ensuring the people of our community have a warm, welcoming place where they can feel safe and get help through what may be the most difficult days of their lives.”
The Cornell gift comes at a crucial time for individuals and families, Ayres said. COVID-19 has kept many people indoors. The isolation has led to dramatic increases in the number of people experiencing emotional distress and seeking treatment.
“Fortunately, the pandemic has moved more people to talk publicly about their personal challenges, which has encouraged others to get the help they need,” Ayres said. “We are deeply grateful to the Cornells for this generous and life-changing gift. Their passion and vision for this project will touch many in our community who are affected by mental health issues.”
This story was originally published October 20, 2021 at 2:20 PM.
