Inspira Health announced on Wednesday the merger of its Cumberland/Salem and Gloucester counties fundraising arms.

The new entity, Inspira Health Foundation, will continue the work of its predecessors, raising money and awareness in support of Inspira Health’s programs, patient services, cutting-edge technology and facility enhancements, which impact the health and well-being of South Jersey residents.

“The merger of Inspira Health Foundation Cumberland/Salem and Inspira Health Foundation Gloucester County represents the next generation of health care philanthropy for our entire region,” said Penny Sager-Rossi, Inspira Health Foundation co-chair. “Giving can still be designated to the area in which a donor lives, but the merger enables the Foundation to strategically align donor interests with priorities across the entire Inspira service area.”

“The Foundation board is made up of a cross-section of business and community leaders across South Jersey. Each director brings a unique set of skills and passions to the table to fulfill our mission,” said Robin Love, Inspira Health Foundation co-chair. “The ability for us to draw upon what makes us different is as important as the shared values we all have in common. Ultimately, each director has a fundamental desire to advance health care in our region.”

John DiAngelo, Inspira Health president and CEO said as Inspira grows across the region, it is invaluable to have dedicated and supportive ambassadors.

“The merger of Inspira’s two foundations is another example of how Inspira is there for our community, in our community. The impact made by philanthropy is real and tangible, and this united Foundation will continue to serve a significant and necessary role for our patients,” DiAngelo said.

The 2020 slate of officers includes:

• Robin Love and Penny Sager-Rossi, Foundation board co-chairs
• Robert Odorizzi, vice chair
• Christopher Eastlack, secretary
• Genevieve Witt, treasurer

Board members are asked to work together with the communities served by Inspira Health to support the continued delivery of quality health care. In August, Inspira Foundation added three new members to its board of trustees: Kevin Gibala, Michael Husband and Ronald Portadin were each elected to three-year terms.

The merger follows the Foundation’s highly successful “Invest. Impact. Inspire.” capital campaign that raised more than $23 million.

The campaign had a transformational impact on health care in southern New Jersey, including Gloucester County’s first hospital in 45 years, Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill; a new leading-edge cancer center adjacent to the new hospital; critical projects at Inspira Medical Center Vineland and other Inspira facilities; a leading residency program to educate future medical staff; community health initiatives that address addiction, food insecurity, homelessness, health care access; and much more.