FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Health announced today that Mechanics Cooperative Bank has donated $125,000 to the Campaign for Southcoast Health — a $25 million capital fundraising campaign which is the largest in the not-for-profit healthcare system’s history. In recognition of the gift, Southcoast Health will name the patient waiting area for outpatient cardiac services at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River after Mechanics Cooperative Bank.

“As a native of the South Coast region, I understand the tremendous service Southcoast Health provides for our community,” said Joseph T. Baptista Jr., President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank. “Local residents will now have the opportunity to receive quality, state-of-the-art treatment at the new cardiac center at Charlton Hospital; close to home, and close to their families. Mechanics Cooperative Bank is proud to support our local community, and our local families, and will continue to support quality community organizations like Southcoast Health.”

Mechanics Cooperative Bank has contributed $425,000 to Southcoast Health since 2011.

“As a member of the Southcoast President’s Council, Joe Baptista has significantly supported Southcoast Health through his advocacy efforts and philanthropic giving,” said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Health. “As a not-for-profit healthcare system, we rely on the generosity of so many within our community to support vital programs and services. With Joe’s leadership, Mechanics Cooperative Bank has been a great partner to Southcoast Health and we look forward to working together to improve the health of the South Coast for years to come.”

The Campaign for Southcoast Health is currently raising funds to support major capital initiatives across Southcoast Health’s three acute-care hospitals — St. Luke’s, Charlton Memorial in Fall River and Tobey in Wareham. Currently, over $16 million has been raised out of a $25 million goal.

Southcoast Health’s Cardiovascular Services are nationally recognized for excellence. Healthgrades recently named Southcoast Health one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care — one of just four hospitals in Massachusetts to receive this distinction for six years in a row. Southcoast Health also received 13 additional recognitions for superior cardiovascular services, including Healthgrades’ Cardiac Care Excellence Award for the 11^th straight year.

About Mechanics Cooperative Bank

Mechanics Cooperative Bank was the fifth organization of its kind in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and since 1877 the institution has grown stronger and more successful financially. Two mergers have helped the Bank grow to this level by expanding its existing customer base and branch network footprint from three to eight locations. The first came in 2007 merging with Bridgewater Cooperative Bank, Bridgewater, Mass., and the second came in 2008 merging with Lafayette Federal Savings Bank, Fall River, Mass. Throughout its history of service, Mechanics Cooperative Bank has been instrumental in helping our customers save systematically, achieve enjoyable home ownership and grow their business.