Kentucky Health News
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano announced Oct. 28 that the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare will receive a historic $50 million gift to transform pediatric health care in Kentucky.
Golisano of Rochester, N.Y., is the founder of Paychex, the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses, and the Golisano Foundation. The recent announcement brings his lifetime giving to more than $1 billion.
“I am proud to make this gift to the University of Kentucky to support the health and well-being of children in the commonwealth,” Golisano said in a news release. “As part of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, UK HealthCare becomes part of a nationally recognized network of children’s hospitals that exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care.”
The gift is the largest in UK HealthCare’s history and the second-largest to UK.
“We are honored and incredibly grateful to Mr. Golisano for the generous gift he has made to the University of Kentucky, and to our efforts to meet the needs of Kentucky children,” UK President Eli Capilouto said in the release.. “His generosity is a testament to his faith in what we provide to Kentucky and its children — a promise to extend compassionate care to more patients, closer to home. We’ll translate his gift into acts of goodness to ensure a healthier, wealthier and wiser Kentucky.”
Scottie B. Day, physician-in-chief for Kentucky Children’s Hospital, said the impact of the gift “cannot be overstated.”
“At Kentucky Children’s Hospital, we treat young people from across the state,” Day said. “Knowing the life-changing resources this will bring to these children and their families in their greatest time of need is truly inspiring.”
In response to the gift, UK board of trustees’ executive committee approved the renaming of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, along with its specialty clinics and affiliate network, in honor of Golisano:
- Kentucky Children’s Hospital will become Golisano Children’s at UK.
- The Richmond Road site will become Golisano Children’s at UK – Richmond Road.
- The affiliate network will become Golisano Children’s at UK – Affiliate Network.
Funds from the Golisano gift will not only go to improving the hospital itself but will be used to grow and cultivate the affiliate network and other programs in the state.
On Friday, Oct. 31, Rockcastle Regional Hospital announced a partnership with Golisano Children’s at UK, making it the latest hospital to join a statewide affiliate network focused on strengthening pediatric care in Kentucky.
