Awards honor neurosurgeon Fernando Delasotta, MD and posthumously, attorney Richard Mairone
ATLANTICARE/From left, David Goddard, Robert Mairone, Claudia Mairone, John Mairone, Michael J. Charlton.
ATLANTIC CITY – The AtlantiCare Foundation raised more than $640,000 in support of behavioral health and addition initiatives at its 63rd annual Century Club Gala held May 4 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. More than 650 people attended the event themed, “The Year of the Dragon.” During the event, the foundation presented its Edward R. Knight Award to Fernando Delasotta, MD and posthumously to Richard Mairone, Esq.
Funds raised will be dedicated to pivotal initiatives the enhance access to behavioral health and addiction services.
“The AtlantiCare Foundation and the support of our donors have been vital to our past achievements and are imperative to our future success,” AtlantiCare President and CEO Michael J. Charlton said in a release. “By enhancing access and excellence in critical health services like behavioral health we are improving the quality of life for over one million residents in our service area. Our promise is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to outstanding care close to home.”
The Edward R. Knight Award was established in 1998 to honor those who contribute to building a healthier community. The award is named for the late Edward R. Knight, Ph.D., who was chair emeritus of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and who devoted more than 50 years of service to improving healthcare for those who live and work in southeastern New Jersey.
“Both individuals, Dr. Delasotta and Richard Mairone, have made countless contributions to the health and welfare of our community,” David Goddard, chairman of the AtlantiCare Board of Trustees, said. “It is a pleasure to honor two people who through their life’s work have done much to reflect Dr. Knight’s dedication to community service.”
Fernando Delasotta, MD.
Delasotta, a board certified neurosurgeon, was recognized for his continued service and passionate commitment to caring for patients with neurological concerns in our community. He specializes in surgery of the brain, spine and peripheral nerves, and has more than 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic back pain, disc disease, spinal cord injury and tumor disease.
Aside from his patients, Delasotta is generous in sharing his time and expertise. Active in his profession and sought after for his knowledge, he has been a faculty member and presenter at many meetings and conferences around the world. He regularly trains providers on trauma management and neurological interventions.
Mairone was highly regarded within the legal community where he specialized in tax and estate matters, regularly giving back to the legal profession. Beyond his well-established legal career, he also generously served and supported many other organizations, dedicating many hours in service to AtlantiCare, chairing AtlantiCare’s English Creek Assurance Board, and serving as a trustee on its Regional Heath Service Board and committees. He was a member of The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and supported the UNICO Scholarship Foundation.
Mairone’s service and support also extended to his alma matter, Villanova University, where his contributions included cheering on the basketball team at as many games as possible. This love for basketball was passed down to his children and he enjoyed cheering them on and coaching them. He will long be remembered for his impact in the community, professionalism, and his kind heart.
His family members were on hand to accept the award.
AtlantiCare Behavioral Health is the largest provider of mental health, addiction recovery, and family care social services in southeastern New Jersey, operating in 17 locations across the region delivering a wide array of services that support individuals and their families in their health journeys.
The foundation’s contributions have supported the hiring of peer recovery specialists and covering startup costs for a new pain management program. The foundation has also provided funding for transportation assistance, ensuring that patients with substance use disorders and/or behavioral health conditions can access necessary treatments without barriers.
