Copyright Hartford Courant
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano announced Tuesday that Connecticut Children’s Medical Center will join the newly formed Golisano Children’s Alliance with a $50 million investment in the Hartford center. Golisano, known as the founder of Paychex, Inc., has donated more than a $1 billion to organizations that support health care, education and inclusion. Connecticut Children’s is one of 10 hospitals to join the Golisano Children’s Alliance, which will operate collaboratively but independently. The alliance also includes Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Lee Health, John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, University of Maryland Children’s Hospital, University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. The hospitals “will continue to operate independently, share research, training and best practices, advocate together for stronger pediatric health care across the country,” Golisano said in the announcement Tuesday morning from the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester, NY. “The alliance is not about creating another organization. It’s about connection. The goal is to build a nationally recognized network of children’s hospitals that exemplifies excellence dignity and innovation in pediatric health care. “As I look ahead, I see a future where the Golisano Children’s Alliance continues to grow, more hospitals join us, more children get care close to home and more families find hope when they need it most. Together we’re building something that will last long beyond any of us, a legacy for generations to come.” Connecticut Children’s called it “a transformational investment — the single largest in the health system’s history,” and said the funding “will expand pediatric access, advance family-centered care, and strengthen Connecticut Children’s ability to bring specialists, technology, research and Child Life services closer to home for every child across the region.” “This extraordinary gift from Tom Golisano ensures that children in every corner of our state have access to the highest level of pediatric care,” said Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, president & CEO of Connecticut Children’s. “It represents a defining moment for our organization, for our patients, and for Connecticut.” The first children’s hospital Golisano invested in was at the University of Rochester. Dr. Jill Halterman, chair of pediatrics and physician-in-chief for Golisano Children’s Hospital at Rochester, described his impact Tuesday. “It’s a true honor to be here today as we celebrate a remarkable milestone in philanthropy and a new chapter for children’s health,” she said, thanking the Golisano Foundation “and especially Tom, for your vision, your generosity and your unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.” University of Rochester became the first Golisano Children’s Hospital more than 20 years ago following Golisano’s investment that took UR’s children’s department from a single floor in the adult hospital to the now eight-story Golisano Children’s Hospital tower. That gift sparked a culture of possibility and imitation of Golisano’s courage, generosity and commitment to innovation, she said. “Today the Golisano name expands to hospitals across the country. That same vision is going to take root in new places,” Halterman said. “The Golisano Children’s Alliance represents something powerful: a shared commitment to excellence and the idea that every child no matter where they live deserves access to world-class care.”
