The University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare are getting a $50 million gift to improve pediatric care. The money comes from entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano, founder of the Golisano Foundation and Paychex. The donation is the largest in UK HealthCare history and the second largest in university history.
School leaders said the donation will support the university’s mission to improve the health of Kentucky’s children through access to advanced care. Dr. Scottie Day, Physician in Chief at the newly named Golisano Children’s at UK, said the money will have far reaching impacts.
“This gift provides an investment beyond just UK. It's an investment in the health of Kentucky. I've been a part of so many wonderful things. To me, this is not even absorbable because it's such a huge thing because it means a lot to the, it's not just to the physicians or the nurses or the respiratory therapists and pharmacists, all those different people,” said Day.
To honor the large donation, the executive committee of the UK Board of Trustees has renamed Kentucky Children's Hospital, along with its specialty clinics and affiliate network, in honor of Golisano.
Officials said the funds from the gift will not only go to improving the hospital but will also be used to grow the affiliate network and other programs in the Commonwealth. Eli Capilouto, University of Kentucky president, said everybody is, in part, responsible for making UK HealthCare what it is today.
“Well, this is a gift that we earned. And when I say we, I include everybody. Those who came before us, those policymakers and elected officials who, over 60 years ago, decided that this land-grant university would be the home of an academic health center. And over time, everybody that has worked here and provided service extended that dream,” said Capilouto.
UK HealthCare will also join the Golisano Children's Alliance, a nationally recognized network of children’s hospitals. Officials said it exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care. Golisano Children’s at UK will continue to operate independently, but with the new opportunity to share research, training, and best practices, while advocating for stronger pediatric healthcare.