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The Virginian-Pilot
© November 25, 2005

By MICHELLE E. SHAW, The Virginian-Pilot

SUFFOLK — Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View is expanding its services for women with the help of a longtime philanthropist.

Mildred Lancaster of Portsmouth has donated $325,000 toward the new women’s center, which will bear her name. Among many services, the center will offer cardiac screenings, laboratory testing and nutritional services, as well as an existing imaging program that includes mammograms and bone-density tests.

“We want to focus on the total body with this women’s center because we are looking to take care of the whole woman, not just part of her,” said Stephen Williams , health center manager.

Scheduled to open in February, the 4,107-square-foot center will be on the grounds of the existing health complex in north Suffolk.

The Harbour View health center opened in 1999, Williams said, and the demand for services has grown .

“I think the demand will continue to grow,” Williams said. He added,” ... in a perfect world you would want it to level off, because that would mean people are getting healthier, but I think it will still grow.”

The suggestion to name the center after Lancaster came from her longtime friend, Sister Rita Thomas , who is president of the Bon Secours Hampton Roads Board of Directors

“I was shocked,” Lancaster said. “I mean, when I gave the money, I didn’t expect anything in return, but Sister Rita said it was time my name was on something.”

For 53 years, Lancaster was married to Arthur J. “Junie” Lancaster Jr. , a well-known horticulturist and nursery owner.

Before he died in 1996, the couple was known for their philanthropic work .

They donated a $1 million train and toy collection to the Children’s Museum of Virginia and gave to countless other groups and individuals.

Lancaster said she is glad her donation is being used for something as important as women’s health. A 30-year cancer survivor, she said she’s a believer in prayer, miracles and good health.

“Every woman needs a doctor,” she said. “And I think this will do some good in Suffolk.”

The center is targeting women in the baby boomer generation, and the Suffolk location was a prime candidate for the facility, Williams said.

Reach Michelle E. Shaw at (757) 222-5562 or michelle.shaw@pilotonline.com.

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Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is a leading health care organization known for providing care for the whole person with grace and clinical distinction. Bon Secours brings together a network of hospitals, primary care practices, ambulatory care sites and continuing care facilities to provide quality health care services to the residents of Hampton Roads. Bon Secours, which employs more than 4,500, includes: Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View, Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center and St. Francis Nursing Center.

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