Lawrence Memorial Hospital has raised $6.6 million as part of a goal to raise $8 million to help fund a major expansion of the hospital, LMH leaders announced today at a meeting of the hospital’s board.

Leaders of the campaign to help fund the $40 million expansion also are hoping the final weeks of the year will produce a surge in donations.

“We think it could be a busy time,” Dr. Mark Praeger, who co-chairs the LMH Capital Campaign, said of the holiday season and the time that people are looking to make last-minute donations to help with their tax bills. “This is the time of year that we’re all made to think about donations.”

Kathy Clausing, chief development officer of LMH, said the campaign – which has been making calls to selected Lawrence residents and groups for months – is now becoming more visible in other parts of the community. Clausing said that several businesses – including Checkers, Hy-Vee Food & Drug, Zarco, Douglas County Bank, Commerce Bank and Capitol Federal Savings – have agreed to host promotions and drawings designed to get their customers to contribute to the campaign.

Hospital board members also were told today that the $40 million expansion remains on budget thus far. Work has begun on the west side of the hospital to expand the third floor. The expansion ultimately will be used for more private rooms. It is expected to be completed by the end of July. Work also is set to begin on building a new Emergency Room on the east side of the hospital. That work is expected to be done by December 2007.

In addition to a new emergency rooms and additional private patient rooms, the expansion includes additional birthing rooms, new surgery suites, and an improved intensive care unit.