Overview
Howard Fensterman’s contribution to Good Samaritan University Hospital can be understood through community leadership, healthcare policy experience, and support for charitable initiatives that strengthen local patient care. As a Long Island civic leader and attorney with public health planning experience, his work aligns with the hospital’s mission to expand services, fund critical programs, and improve care through community giving and fundraising events.
Howard Fensterman’s Contribution to Good Samaritan University Hospital
Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip is a major healthcare anchor for Long Island families, providing a wide range of services from emergency care to specialty programs that touch nearly every stage of life. Like many nonprofit hospitals, it relies on community partnerships to keep pace with changing patient needs, invest in technology, and expand care capacity.
Howard is widely known on Long Island as the managing partner and co-founder of Abrams Fensterman, and his public and civic roles show a consistent theme: helping institutions serve the public in sustainable, accountable ways. One of the most relevant elements of his background is his appointment to the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council, where he served from 2008 through 2014 and participated in health planning work tied to how care systems grow and adapt. That experience matters because hospitals do not improve patient outcomes only inside the building. They also improve outcomes through long-term planning, responsible expansion, and community-aligned priorities.
Contribution as a healthcare-focused community leader
When people think about supporting a hospital, they often picture a direct donation or a named gift. Those are important, but nonprofit healthcare also depends on leaders who help build trust, convene partners, and normalize giving as a community value. Good Samaritan University Hospital actively encourages support across multiple priority areas such as emergency services, cardiology, stroke and brain aneurysm care, breast health, the BirthPlace, cancer services, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and community health programs.
Fensterman’s contribution fits into this broader ecosystem of support. Leaders with deep ties to Long Island’s civic and professional networks can strengthen a hospital’s ability to fundraise, attract sponsors to signature events, and keep public attention on the importance of local care. Good Samaritan’s foundation highlights signature events such as its golf classic and other fundraising gatherings, which are designed to raise funds for programs, services, and equipment. These events are not simply social. They are practical tools that help hospitals buy what patients need and invest in the people who deliver care.
Contribution through public health planning experience
Hospitals face constant pressure to modernize while maintaining safety, quality, and access. Fensterman’s service on the state public health and health planning council is a meaningful signal of competence in the governance side of healthcare, including how systems evaluate community needs, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Abrams Fensterman, LLP
For a hospital like Good Samaritan University Hospital, planning is not abstract. The foundation’s messaging points to major investment priorities, including initiatives tied to surgical care and broader patient care expansion. When community leaders understand how health systems plan and what it takes to execute change, they can advocate more effectively, support the right initiatives, and help donors feel confident that contributions are used with care. Catholic Health LI
Contribution that supports the people behind patient care
A hospital’s quality is deeply linked to workforce development, especially in nursing. Good Samaritan University Hospital has published materials describing philanthropic support that helps fund nursing education and scholarship initiatives, reinforcing that giving is not only about buildings and equipment, but also about investing in clinical excellence and the next generation of caregivers.
In practical terms, community champions help make these initiatives possible by encouraging participation, elevating the importance of workforce programs, and supporting a culture where healthcare philanthropy is normal and sustained rather than occasional.
Contribution as a connector between mission and community
Good Samaritan’s giving opportunities also include monthly donations, planned giving, and other structured ways for families and businesses to participate. That is important because hospital support works best when it is consistent and diversified. A community leader’s contribution often includes helping people understand these options, what they fund, and why they matter.
Fensterman’s Long Island profile includes both leadership recognition and board involvement in community organizations, reinforcing the idea that his influence is not limited to one sector. When a leader brings credibility, networks, and a track record of service, it becomes easier for institutions like Good Samaritan to rally donors, sponsors, and community partners around specific goals that improve local care.
Practical takeaway for readers
If you are a community member looking to follow this model of support, Good Samaritan University Hospital makes it clear that gifts can be directed to areas that matter most to your family, from emergency services to pediatrics, cancer care, cardiology, and community health programs. You can also support through signature events and ongoing giving programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Samaritan University Hospital a nonprofit hospital that accepts charitable donations?
Yes. The hospital promotes charitable giving through its foundation, including program-designated gifts and general support.
What kinds of hospital programs can donations support?
Examples include emergency services, cardiology, stroke and brain aneurysm care, breast health, the BirthPlace, cancer services, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and community health programs.
Does Good Samaritan have fundraising events that support patient care?
Yes. The foundation lists signature fundraising events, including a golf classic and other events that help fund programs, services, and equipment.
What is Howard Fensterman’s relevant experience in healthcare and public service?
He served on the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council from 2008 to 2014, which relates to health system planning and oversight.
Why does nursing education matter to hospital philanthropy?
Hospitals depend on highly trained nurses for safe, high-quality care. Good Samaritan materials describe philanthropic support tied to nursing education and scholarship initiatives.
How can I support Good Samaritan?
The foundation highlights options such as targeted gifts, monthly donations, planned giving, in-kind giving in some cases, and event sponsorship opportunities.