Johnston Medical Center needs to raise $3.8 million for Johnston County Hospice Center, and the campaign team has already received $1.3 million in pledges. Hector Perez, executive director of Johnston Memorial Hospital Foundation, said the goal is to have the rest of the money pledged by December.

With the support from several towns, a church and other organizations, Perez is confident the campaign will meet its goal. “The response has been wonderful,” he said. “We have gone out and started educating and making folks aware of how they can participate as donors, volunteers and in other ways.”

The 12,458-square-foot building will sit on Hospital Road on the former Bingham Park property. Twelve inpatient rooms will have the comforts of home, including spacious private rooms with bathrooms, a solace room and a kitchen. Construction is slated to begin next April with a tentative opening date of one year later.

“We know how important it is for families and loved ones to use the hospice center, and that is the reason for the timeline,” Perez said. Durwood Stephenson, chairman of the capital campaign, is negotiating with a few organizations that could bring in the rest of the $2.5 million. But he is still looking for other donations, which can be pledged over three to five years. Several towns, including Smithfield, Clayton, Four Oaks, Benson, Pine Level and Princeton have pledged funding toward the project.

“I would say the campaign is going extremely well,” Stephenson said. “We’ve got a good team and an even better cause so it’s got to be successful. When you’ve got those two things going for you, you are going to make it.”

Losing a loved one is an emotional experience, and Stephenson knows that firsthand. He spent the last four months of his mother’s life with her at home before she passed away. A hospice center can ease the suffering of both the loved one and family members when times are tough, he said.

“You are very stressed when you lose a loved one,” Stephenson said. “I hate to say it, but (a hospice center) is not just a convenient place to die. It’s a pleasant place to ease the families’ stress and worry. It is a comforting place for those who may be facing their last hours.”

To make a pledge for the Johnston County Hospice Center, call 938-7169.