NSMC News Releases

SALEM, MA – The Salem Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine received a $10,000 donation last week from former restaurateur and philanthropist Matthew Swartz. The contribution was the fifth consecutive annual donation from the Swartz Shalom Charitable Foundation, which has now donated a total of $50,000 to the hospital.

"I’m extremely grateful for Matthew’s continued support, which will have a profound impact on our patients," said president and chief operating officer Roxanne Ruppel. “This generous donation will enable us to acquire cutting-edge technology that will significantly enhance patient care here at Salem Hospital.”

The funds will be used to acquire a state-of-the-art blood management system—a "smart fridge"—that provides immediate access to vital blood supplies during trauma events in the Emergency Department. This advanced technology significantly enhances patient care by ensuring that the right blood is available precisely when needed. It also optimizes the use of blood products by delivering the exact amount required and automatically notifying the blood bank when supplies are used, which hospital leaders say will improve patient safety, increase efficiency, and reduce costs by minimizing waste.

“I’m excited, because this device will streamline the physical transport of blood products, which will reduce the time it takes for us to deliver transfusions,” explained Dr. Karen Eldin, pathologist and medical director of the blood bank at Salem Hospital. “This technology directly supports our commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients. And this donation really highlights the power of philanthropy.”

Swartz, who runs the foundation with his sister Deborah, began donating to the hospital after nearly cutting off his finger trimming a Thanksgiving turkey in 2019. His wife rushed him from their home in Swampscott to the emergency room at Salem Hospital, saving his index finger.

“I took almost my whole finger off. I couldn’t stop the bleeding,” he said. “I remember being very impressed with the hospital, especially the professionalism of the staff.”

Swartz now devotes most of his time to philanthropy. He ran a cooking program for at-risk youth in Dorchester and his sister was on the board of a regional chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.

“We believe wherever you can give – you should give,” he said.