SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Carol Nappi of Jamesville believes Central New York is transitioning “in a profound way” and that the campus of Upstate Medical University is “very much a part of this growth and change.”

 “We have a focus on medical research, some of which is happening here at Upstate in brain health. We have worked with amazing, passionate, internationally recognized clinicians and scientists here at Upstate Medical University. Sam and I will continue to support Upstate on its journey into the future,” Nappi said, referring to her husband, Sam Nappi. 

The couple has supported philanthropic medical research for more than 35 years, saying they want to help where they “believe it’s needed most and where it can effect change. “ 

Carol Nappi was among the speakers as Upstate Medical University on June 2 formally opened the Nappi Wellness Institute, across East Adams Street from the Upstate Cancer Center.

 The building is named for Sam and Carol Nappi, whose $8 million donation to the Upstate Foundation back in 2017 represents the largest gift in the organization’s history, Upstate said in a news release about the new facility. The project broke ground back in 2020.

Carol Nappi is a former psychiatric therapist at Community General Hospital, which is now Upstate’s Community Campus. Sam Nappi is founder and chairman of Alliance Energy.

In addition to the gift from the Nappis, funding for the $158 million project came from a $70.6 million grant as part of the New York State Department of Health’s Capital Restructuring Financing program and Essential Health Care Provider Support program. The state also issued an additional $70.6 million in matching bonds, Upstate noted.

“[Sam and Carol] told us that their very highest priority was to help build a world class facility, assemble a renowned medical team, and fund groundbreaking research with a focus of curing, not just managing, but curing Alzheimer’s disease, on a better understanding of brain health, and on improving wellness,” Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, said in his remarks during the ceremony.”

The Nappi Wellness Institute includes the expanded, multi-disciplinary Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, which Dewan described as a “key feature” of the building.

The center has its clinical site within Upstate’s department of geriatrics. Several clinical services will collaborate to enhance the care to these patients including a cognitive neurologist, additional space for neuropsychological testing, physical therapy and convenient space for families to drop off and pick up patients, the medical school said.

Besides Carol Nappi and Dr. Dewan, Gov. Kathy Hochul and SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. also spoke to the gathering during the ceremony. 

The five-story, 209,615-square-foot building will be the centerpiece of Upstate’s outpatient care, “bringing key ambulatory services under one roof.” The floor plan features 240 exam and consult rooms with workstations located to facilitate and foster provider interactions.

Patient care in the new building will begin June 13 and will be “rolled out” in various stages through July, Upstate said.

The building’s design integrates preventive medicine with an emphasis on wellness, Upstate said. The facility has been built to WELL building standards with design features to address air, comfort, fitness, light, mind, nourishment and water.

The Nappi Wellness Institute houses services, practices, and programs that include adult and pediatric primary care, geriatrics, radiology, laboratory services, behavioral health, family medicine, pediatrics, the Center for International Health, Inclusive Health Services, and the Joslin Center for Diabetes (adults and pediatrics), which has relocated from its East Genesee Street location three miles away. The building also features several supportive ancillary services and Connect Care to ensure “seamless” post-acute follow-up for patients.

Edmonton, Alberta–based Stantec, which has locations in Binghamton, Rochester, and Albany, is the architect on the project, Darryl Geddes, director of public and media relations at Upstate Medical University, tells CNYBJ. Fahs Construction Group of Binghamton was the general contractor on the project, Geddes adds.